How to Add Wireless Internet to a Computer

Setting up a wireless Internet connection does away with cords and pesky wires.

In days past, connecting to the Internet required a confusing mass of cables, cords and equipment that could easily become tangled and create a tripping hazard. Technology has now progressed to the point where you can establish an Internet connection wirelessly, eliminating the former clutter. Luckily, most computers new and old can support wireless Internet connections with only slight modifications, and you can choose from many wireless options.

Internet Connection

You need a working Internet connection, other than dial-up, to set up a wireless Internet network. DSL and cable Internet both provide swift speeds capable of supporting a good wireless connection, and both make optimal choices. Satellite and other modern Internet connections also lend themselves for wireless Internet networks. Some cell phone companies also offer a different form of wireless Internet service whose strength will depend on your location and the cell phone signal strength.

Wireless PCI Card/Wireless USB Adapter

Some older desktops from the early 2000s and before may not come preinstalled with wireless equipment. To establish a wireless connection, you must install either a wireless PCI card or a wireless USB adapter. Wireless PCI cards offer greater signal strength than USB adapters, but not all computers can support them. Refer to your computer's manual for information on whether the motherboard supports a PCI card. As of this writing, most new computers come preinstalled with wireless cards. Wireless cards and adapters also can allow access at Wi-Fi hotspots, such as cafes, for laptop computers.

Wireless Router

Some modems can double as wireless routers, but in many cases you need to purchase a router separately. The router connects directly to the modem and allows for the transfer of signals between a computer with either a wireless PCI card or USB adapter and the modem without the need for wires. A router's manual comes with instructions on security procedures, including how to limit access to only those you want using the wireless network. Wireless routers can allow multiple computers to wirelessly use the same Internet connection at the same time.

USB Modem

A USB modem offers another method to connect wirelessly to the Internet. USB modems, marketed by cell phone companies, run off of a specific carrier's network and offer Internet connectivity anywhere that has a phone signal. USB modems allow you to connect to the Internet without needing a wireless router, landline modem or wireless PCI card, and can allow you to take your Internet on the road with you. Modems come with software and, like any other computer component, must meet certain hardware criteria. Refer to the specific USB modem's manual to see if your computer meets the requirements.

References

• University of New Hampshire; How to Install a Basic Home Wireless Network; Patrick Sherwood; 2010
• ACreativeDesktop; Making Your Older Desktop PC Wireless; Austin Luna
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Best Practices for Configuring Wireless Routers at Home; Jim Gogan; Jan. 2009
• Columbia University: Verizon LG VL600 4G USB Modem

Resources

• University of Colorado at Boulder: Wireless Internet Access --- Frequently Asked Questions