Setting Up a Wireless Network Using XP

Set up a wireless network with Windows XP.

If you are running Windows XP and need to set up a wireless network for your computer, you can do so through a combination of your computer and your wireless router. The process of setting up a wireless network isn't very complicated, but you will need to have some basic experience with computers in order to pull it off successfully.

Things You'll Need

• Wireless router
• Network cable
• Wireless card

Instructions

1. Plug in your router to your Internet connection and into a power outlet. Make sure that the Internet connection is plugged into the port on the back of the router that reads "Internet."

2. Plug one end of your network cable into any of the remaining ports on the back of the router and then plug the other end of it into the network port on your computer. Open a Web page on your computer and navigate to the address of your router, which will be listed in your Router's manual. This address is usually 192.168.1.1 or something very similar.

3. Enter in the default username and password for your router, which will be listed in your router's manual. Depending on the type of router you have, the process of configuring the router may vary slightly, but the general steps will remain the same.

4. Click on the "Wireless" section in your router's control panel. In the "Wireless Network Name" or "SSID" section, enter a name for your network that is unique. Check the option to allow the SSID to be broadcast and then save the settings. Look for the "Wireless Security" section of the router's control panel and open it.

5. Choose whether to implement WEP, WPA or another type of encryption and choose a password. Write this password down, as you will need it to access the network. Save the settings and then close the browser window. Disconnect your computer from the network cable and then enable your wireless card in your computer, if it is not already enabled.

6. Right-click on the wireless icon in your system tray and select the "View Available Wireless Networks" option. Click the network name that you just set up and then click the "Connect" button. When prompted, enter in the password that you set for the network and click the "Connect" button again. You are now connected to the wireless network.

References

• Microsoft: Set up a Wireless Network