How to Configure an Ethernet Wireless Router & USB Connection to a PC

A wireless router has ports in the back and an adjustable antenna.

You can use a USB network adapter to connect a PC to an Ethernet wireless router. However, you need to configure the router and the USB network adapter to use the same network name (SSID) and password. You may also need to install drivers for the USB network adapter to work properly. The drivers should be included with the USB network adapter.

Things You'll Need

• USB network adapter
• Installation CD for USB network adapter
• Computer
• Ethernet wireless router
• Ethernet cable

Instructions

Configure the Router

1. Connect the Ethernet cable from the computer to one of the LAN ports on the router. The router should already be hooked up to the Internet via a DSL or cable modem.

2. Open a Web browser, then type in the address for the router utility. It should be in the format "192.169.X.X." See your user's guide for the specific Internet address. Once you enter the address and press "Enter," you may be prompted to log in. For many wireless routers, the default user name and password is "admin" and "password." See your user's guide for specific login information.

3. Click on "Wireless" to access the basic wireless settings. On some routers, this may also be "Basic Settings" under a Wireless heading.

4. Change the "SSID" to your desired network name.

5. Click on "Security," which is usually under the "Wireless" heading.

6. Choose the type of security encryption you want, then enter your desired network password. Save the changes and disconnect the computer from the router.

Configure the USB connection

1. Insert the installation CD for the USB network adapter into the CD drive of the computer. A setup wizard will automatically run.

2. Install the drivers for the USB network adapter using the setup wizard. Click on "Install" or "Install Drivers," then follow the prompts to install the driver.

3. Plug in the USB network adapter to an open USB port. If prompted by Windows to install the hardware, just keep pressing "Next" to install the hardware. You may need to restart the computer to finalize installation.

4. Open the wireless utility for the USB network adapter. The installation software includes a utility to control the USB network adapter instead of the Windows Wireless Utility. The wireless utility can be opened by clicking on the icon in the system icon tray, in the bottom right corner of the desktop.

5. Select your network from the list of available networks by double-clicking on it. Enter the security key to connect to the network.

References

• Microsoft: 4 Steps to Set Up Your Home Wireless Network
• Belkin Wireless G USB Network Adapter User Manual: Belkin: 2005