How to Install Your Own Wireless Network

Before embarking upon setting up your wireless network, you need to have a clear idea of what you want from it. At first, decide on the number of computers, their respective locations and the addition of any peripherals like the printer. These are the basic things that you need to determine the technology that will suit you best. Generally, the most recommended equipment for wireless network installation is the 802.11g technology. It is generally preferred due to its almost universal compatibility.

Given below is the list of equipments that you will require for your wireless network installation:

•             A fast and good broadband connection.
•             A wireless router
•             A wireless network adaptor
•             A USB adaptor for desktops and a PC card adaptor for a laptop

It is a clever decision to buy the network adaptor and the wireless router from the same manufacturer for better compatibility. Some personal computers have the wireless network adaptor as an in built feature. In that case you do not have to buy a new one. Once these equipment are ready, you are all geared up to enjoy the benefits of wireless networking.

With the equipment at hand, all you have to do is install them properly. At first, connect your modem to the wireless router. When you bought this router, there was a cable with it. Use this cable to connect the modem and the router, attach the end labeled Internet/WLAN/LAN to the router. In case of any confusion, refer to the user manual that you get with the router. Once this is done, put on your modem and establish the internet connection once again. Ensure that the router is turned on too. After about 45 seconds, you will see lights that indicate that the router is connected to the modem.

The next step in your wireless network installation is configuring your modem. Start the internet explorer and enter the address bar specific to your router. This requires the default password of your router sometimes. Just enter the password that your router comes with and do not be tensed because this is just a matter of changing some techniques and not as complicated as rocket science! In the SSID section, you will need to put in your network name. Ensure that this name is not extremely obvious as a very easy to guess network name may lead to security problems. Another section requires you to enter the WEP and WPA. Be clever and enter something that is difficult to guess and will prevent hackers from taking ill advantage of your network. This is something that you do not need to remember so make it long and complicated. The next important thing is to enter the administrator’s password. This is something that is very important and make sure that this contains a combination of letters and numbers. Once all this is done, disconnect the network cable.

One important thing in the wireless network installation is that you must have Windows Service Pack 2 on your computer. Go over all these steps for all the computers on your network.

If you have a USB network adaptor, connect this to your computer. For a laptop, plug the USB network adaptor in your expansion slot. Windows will understand that there is a new hardware and ask you to put in the CD that accompanies the hardware. Insert the CD and follow all the instructions that appear on your screen. After this is done, you will notice that there is a new icon on the taskbar. Right click this icon and select the option of “view available wireless networks”. Now you will come across your very own wireless network, if not, then click refresh. Once the network name arrives, select “connect” and enter the network key. This done, sit back and wait until the connection is established. Once the wireless network installation is done, go ahead and enjoy its benefits!