How to Build a WiFi Connection

The router's ethernet port will look like a large telephone cord jack.

A WiFi connection provides a broadband-quality wireless connection to the Internet for any number of desktops or laptops in your home or office. The WiFi connection can even be password protected for security if you choose. Fortunately, building the connection requires only a broadband modem, WiFi router and ethernet cable. Aside from these devices, you'll only need the router's manual on hand. No tools are necessary, and you will not need to possess prior experience with building WiFi connections or networking computers.

Things You'll Need

• Wireless router
• Broadband modem
• Ethernet cable
• Router documentation

Instructions

1. Set your wireless router and broadband modem in close proximity to one another. They must be close enough that your ethernet cable can stretch between them.

2. Disconnect your modem from the power source if it is currently connected.

3. Make a connection between the modem and router. Plug one end of the ethernet cable into the rear of the modem via the ethernet port there. This port will look essentially like an oversized telephone cable wall jack. Connect the other end of the ethernet cable into the rear of the router via its ethernet port.

4. Launch the web browser on your computer.

5. Find two key pieces of information within the pages of your router's manual. The first is the special URL, or web address, that will be used to configure your WiFi connection. The second is the pre-set password for your router that must be entered to establish your settings.

6. Type the web address into the web address field at the top of your web browser. Hit "Enter" on your keyboard.

7. Enter the password into the password dialog box that pops up on the website.

8. Select a wireless name, or "SSID," for your new WiFi connection. This name can be whatever you desire.

9. Choose either "WEP" or "WPA" security encryption for your WiFi connection. While you do not have to password protect your network, it is recommended. This will keep other people from stealing your bandwidth. "WPA" is the preferred encryption type due to it being a newer, superior encryption type.

10. Select a password of your choosing for your network if you encrypted your WiFi connection.

11. Click on the wireless icon on your computer to join your new WiFi connection. In Windows, you can find this icon on the right half of the bottom toolbar on your desktop screen. On a Mac, this icon will be on the top toolbar's right side.

12. Choose your new WiFi connection from the list. Setup is complete.

References

• Microsoft: Setting Up a Wireless Network