How to Connect a Laptop Using WiFi

You'll need to connect your router and modem with an Ethernet cable.

A wireless broadband connection for your laptop affords you the freedom to enjoy a high-speed connection without the nuisance of being tethered by a cable. Your laptop’s Wi-Fi card will allow you to negotiate a connection with the wireless network you’ve set up via your wireless router. Depending upon your preferences, you may need to have a password for your Wi-Fi connection if you encrypted your network for security purposes. You can set up your network connection and have your laptop online wirelessly in short order, even if you have never attempted to make a wireless connection previously.

Things You'll Need

• Broadband modem
• Wireless router
• Ethernet cable
• Router instruction manual

Instructions

1. Disconnect your modem from the power source it is plugged into.

2. Take an ethernet cable and connect it to the rear of your wireless router. The cable will go into the Ethernet port listed as “WLAN” or “Internet,” depending upon how your router was manufactured.

3. Take the other end of the Ethernet cable and place it in the Ethernet port on the back of the broadband modem.

4. Connect your modem to the power source once more. Wait for it to boot up and detect the wireless router. This will take a minute. Press the “Reset” button on the top or back of the modem in case it does not configure correctly upon initially plugging it back in.

5. Peruse your wireless router’s included manual and find where it lists the manufacturer-provided URL (web address) for setting up your router’s security and permissions. There will also be a password in this same section of the manual, so make note.

6. Type the manual-provided URL into your Web browser and hit “Enter.” You will be prompted with a password request, so use the password provided by the instruction manual.

7. Type a name for your new wireless network. This is also known as a “SSID”, so don’t be confused by the terminology used. You may also choose to encrypt your network connection so unauthorized users cannot join. Choose “WPA” encryption from the types listed, as this is an encryption method newer and superior to WEP.

8. Type a password for your new Wi-Fi connection, then click “Apply”.

9. Click the wireless icon on your laptop. On a Mac you will find this icon on the right side of the top toolbar, while on a Windows machine it is on the right side of the bottom toolbar.

10. Select the name of your network from the list that appears after you click on the wireless icon. When prompted, enter your password if you encrypted your network. This will connect your laptop.

References

• Windows Help: Setting Up a Wireless Network