How to Hook Up Wireless Internet for Dell Laptop

Hooking up wireless Internet for a Dell laptop involves setting up the wireless Internet using a wireless router, then configuring the wireless card on the Dell laptop. Although the wireless Internet will start working once you hook up the router to the DSL or cable modem, it is recommended that you implement wireless security. This will prevent unauthorized users from connecting and using your wireless network.

Things You'll Need

• DSL or Cable Modem
• 2 Ethernet cables
• Wireless Router

Instructions

Connecting and Configuring the Wireless Router

1. Connect an Ethernet cable between the DSL or cable modem to the WAN port on the back of the wireless router. If the DSL or cable modem is not wired, then connect a phone line (for DSL) or coaxial cable (for cable) from the wall jack to the modem.

2. Connect an Ethernet cable between the Dell laptop to one of the four LAN ports on the back of the wireless router.

3. Open a web browser and go to the address for the router's web interface. Refer to the router's user manual for the specific address, but it will be similar to "192.168.X.X."

4. Log in using the login information from the router's user manual. The login information will be different depending on the manufacturer, but a common user name and password is "admin" and "password."

5. Click on "Wireless," then change the Network Name (SSID) to your desired network name.

6. Click on "Wireless Security" and select the wireless security type, then enter the Wireless Security Key. Save the settings and exit the router utility.

Configuring the Dell Wireless Utility

1. Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the wireless router.

2. Click on the Dell Wireless Utility icon in the bottom right corner. The icon looks like a series of growing vertical bars.

3. Double click on your wireless network, which can be identified by the SSID, from the list of available networks.

4. Enter the security key, then click "Connect."

References

• "Dell Inspiron 9100 Owner's Manual"; Dell, Inc.; 2004