How to Password Protect Your Wireless Internet

Many wireless networks are password-protected to keep unwanted users out.

Wireless networking has made it significantly easier to connect computers and other devices to the Internet. Still, the technology is not without its inconveniences, including security concerns about having a network that anyone within range can access. Many network administrators choose to address these issues by password-protecting their wireless networks, which requires users to know the specified password before they are able to connect to the wireless network.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows logo to open the Start menu, type "cmd" and press "Enter."

2. Type "ipconfig" and press "Enter."

3. Find the address entry listed as "Default Gateway."

4. Open your browser, type the default gateway address into the navigation bar and press "Enter."

5. Log in to your router as an administrator.

6. Open your router's security settings menu. The location of this menu will vary based on your router's manufacturer and model.

7. Choose the password protection you desire. Make sure that the protection scheme you choose is supported by the devices you wish to connect to the network.

8. Type your new password.

9. Save your changes.

References

• Microsoft: Ipconfig
• Blog Critics: Secure Your Wireless Router