Imagine... sharing your Internet access, files and printers or surf the Web while you're sitting on your couch or in your yard. Isn't that convenient? Well that is the technology of Wireless Network. The good news it's easier to Setup Your Home Wireless Network.
Here are some computer tips on How Setup Your Home Wireless Network:
1.Choose your wireless equipment
- Yes, first comes first. You have to choose your wireless equipment. But when you are shopping for the equipments you need you will notice that there are three different wireless networking technologies:
- 802.11a - 54 Mbps maximum data rate and has a range of ~35m
- 802.11b - 11 Mbps maximum data rate and has a range of ~38m
- 802.11g - 54 Mbps maximum data rate and has a range of ~38m
- 802.11n - 600 Mbps maximum data rate and has a range of ~70m
I do recommend 802.11g, because it offers excellent performance and is compatible with almost everything. After Choosing the wireless networking technology you will be using, now is the time to shop for the equipment. You may include the following on your shopping list:
- Wireless Router - It converts the signals coming across your Internet connection into a wireless broadcast. Be sure to get a wireless router and not a wireless access point.
- Wireless network adapter - It is the one that connects your computer to your wireless router. Most branded computer nowadays specially the notebooks already has a built in so just check your users manual or specs of your computer. If you do not have one you can add a PCI Wireless adapter or a USB wireless adapter on your computer. I would recommend you to get the same brand as your wireless router to avoid conflict.
2.Connect your wireless router
- You may use the diagram below as your as your guide. Printing the instructions below would be much recommended.
a. Connect your router to your modem
- If you currently have your computer connected directly to your modem: Unplug the network cable from the back of your computer, and plug it into the port labeled Internet, WAN, or WLAN on the back of your router.
- If you do not currently have a computer connected to the Internet: Plug one end of a network cable (included with your router) into your modem, and plug the other end of the network cable into the Internet, WAN, or WLAN port on your wireless router.
- If you currently have your computer connected to a router: Unplug the network cable connected to the Internet, WAN, or WLAN port from your current router, and plug this end of the cable into the Internet, WAN, or WLAN port on your wireless router. Then, unplug any other network cables, and plug them into the available ports on your wireless router. You no longer need your original router, because your new wireless router replaces it.
b. Plug in and turn on your cable or DSL modem. Wait a few minutes to give it time to connect to the Internet, and then plug in and turn on your wireless router. After a minute, the Internet, WAN, or WLAN light on your wireless router should light up, indicating that it has successfully connected to your modem.
Note: Check the documentation that came with your equipment for additional assistance.
3.Configure your wireless router
- Using the network cable that came with your wireless router, you should temporarily connect your computer to one of the open network ports on your wireless router (any port that isn't labeled Internet, WAN, or WLAN). If you need to, turn your computer on. It should automatically connect to your router.
- Open Internet Explorer and type in the address to configure your router.
- You might be prompted for a password. The address and password you use will vary depending on what type of router you have, so refer to the instructions included with your router.
- The table below shows the default addresses, usernames, and passwords for some common router manufacturers
Router Address Username Password 3Comhttp://192.168.1.1adminadminD-Linkhttp://192.168.0.1admin
Linksyshttp://192.168.1.1adminadminMicrosoft Broadbandhttp://192.168.2.1adminadminNetgearhttp://192.168.0.1adminpassword
Internet Explorer will show your router's configuration page. Most of the default settings should be fine, but you should configure three things:
- Your wireless network name, known as the SSID. This name identifies your network. You should choose something unique that none of your neighbors will be using.
- Wireless encryption (WEP) or Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), which help protect your wireless network. For most routers, you will provide a passphrase that your router uses to generate several keys. Make sure your passphrase is unique and long (you don't need to memorize it).
- Your administrative password, which controls your wireless network. Just like any other password, it should not be a word that you can find in the dictionary, and it should be a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Be sure you can remember this password, because you'll need it if you ever have to change your router's settings.
The exact steps you follow to configure these settings will vary depending on the type of router you have. After each configuration setting, be sure to click Save Settings, Apply, or OK to save your changes.
Now, you should disconnect the network cable from your computer.
4.Connect your computers
You should have installed the wireless driver of software of your Wireless Network card or adapter. Usually, it is auto detect and will be prompted to insert the CD that came with your adapter. Please follow the on-screen instructions that will guide you through the configuration process. You should see the wireless Icon on your task bar.
Now, you should disconnect the network cable from your computer.
4.Connect your computers
You should have installed the wireless driver of software of your Wireless Network card or adapter. Usually, it is auto detect and will be prompted to insert the CD that came with your adapter. Please follow the on-screen instructions that will guide you through the configuration process. You should see the wireless Icon on your task bar.
Congratulation you are now ready to to connect your computer to your wireless network.
Here are the steps on how to to connect your computer to your wireless network:
1. Right-click the wireless network icon in the lower-right corner of your screen, and then click View Available Wireless Networks. If you run into any problems, consult the documentation that came with your network adapter. Don't be afraid to call their tech support.
2. The Wireless Network Connection window should appear and you should see your wireless network listed with the network name you chose. If you don't see your network, click Refresh network list in the upper-left corner. Click your network, and then click Connect in the lower-right corner. Choose wireless connection
3. You will be prompt to enter a key. Type the encryption key that you wrote down earlier in both the Network key and Confirm network key boxes, and then click Connect.
4. It will show its progress as it connects to your network. After you're connected, you can now close the Wireless Network Connection window. You're done.
Note: If the Wireless Network Connection window continues to show Acquiring Network Address, you may have mistyped the encryption key.
I do hope this Computer Tips on How Setup Your Home Wireless Network have provided you essential and necessary information on How Setup Your Home Wireless Network.
Note: This is a re post from my previous blog.
