How to Setup a Wireless Network

29 October 2008 197 views No Comment

OK you’re tired of been hooked up to a Ethernet cable that run from your Cable or DSL modem to your computer, now is the time to say bye bye to your cables and hello wireless.

OK setting a Wireless Network is not that hard actually is very easy here are the hardware pieces you need to buy:

Wireless Router - I have a small network in my house connected via Linksys router.
Wireless Card Adapter - If you’re using a Laptop or a computer you need to buy a wireless card to be able to connect to the router.

OK now we cover all the hardware you need to complete the installation, as I stated before setting up a wireless network is not hard. lets proceed with the installation.

First of all take out of the box your new router and place it near the main computer where will be installed to distribute the signal, connect the Ethernet cable that came with the router to the Internet Gateway the company provider modem DSL or Cable Modem and to the router port labeled WAN.

- [Remember Cat 5 cable that came with the router will be connected to the modem, the other end will be connected to the router WAN port]

- [Now get another category 5 cable and connect it to your computer Ethernet port and the other end to your router port number #1. If you want you can configure the router by entering http://192.168.1.1 For most routers in the browser.]

After connecting the Ethernet cable from the modem to the router and from the router to your computer Ethernet port turn on your router and wait to illuminate all the lights at least while is been power up, once the router has boot up make sure the WAN and Port number #1 of the router is turned on.

To test your connection open Internet Explorer or whatever browser you’re using and type an address, if the Website is displayed then your computer is configured correctly.

But don’t go yet the reason of buying a wireless router is to surf the Internet with out cables, for now I will assume you have 2 computers a desktop and a laptop, your laptop will have an integrated wireless card which is the one we perfectly need to connect to your wireless router.

To connect your router via Windows Vista - Go to Start and network, once the network area is opened look at the top where you will find a tab called “Add a wireless device” click on it, you will see your new router listed select the router and follow Windows Vista steps to complete the connection.

Once you had completed the wireless configuration in your laptop, your laptop will then connect automatically to the network with out having to repeat the same steps and viola! You’re connected.

Security options are available in the router build in administration page click on the security tab to choose the security protocol, WPA is better and more secured than WEP but is your choice, make sure to secure your network or eavsdroppers will borrow your network for free. Now that finally your wireless network it’s installed enjoy your freedom!

If you still not sure how to setup your wireless network this video might help then. Enjoy and comment!