How to Set Up Wireless Internet
Setting up a wireless internet connection seems baffling to the uninitiated but modern routers, access points, and operating systems have made it simple enough for anyone to do, following written instructions.
Equipment Required
- Modem – Most wireless connections require the use of a broadband internet connection. A cable or DSL modem provides the internet service.
- Router – A router is used to manage internet traffic and deliver data to multiple computers in a home or office network.
- Access point – The access point is the antenna-based system that moves data through airwaves. Most home access points are also routers. Many office-based systems have separate routers and access points.
- Wireless adapter – The wireless (Wi-Fi) adapter connects directly to a computer to allow that computer to access and interpret wireless data. This can be either an external or internal device. Home PCs will use either an internal PCI/PCIe card or an external USB device. Most new notebooks have the wireless adapter built in. If not, a USB or PCMCIA card adapter is required.
Choosing a Wireless Router or Access Point
For ease of installation, it is recommended to purchase a wireless router. For most home and small office use, a simple wireless router is sufficient. D-link, Netgear, and Linksys all manufacture high-quality, easy-to-use wireless routers. These wireless routers support almost unlimited wireless connections and four wired Ethernet connections. There are a few different wireless standards being used. All Wi-Fi now uses the 802.11 standard. The slowest among these is 802.11b. For most intents and purposes the 802.11b standard has been phased out. The median standard is 802.11g. 802.11g provides a range of up to 150 feet indoors and speeds of up to 54 Mbps– sufficient for standard video and music streaming. The new standard is 802.11n. An 802.11n wireless router provides a range of 300 feet and speeds at up 70 Mbps. Additionally, most wireless adapters are backwards compatible so an 802.11n router will work with 802.11g and 802.11b adapters and an 802.11g router will work with 802.11b adapters.
In choosing adapters, it is more a matter of personal choice. Many experts prefer to use internal adapters as they are more stable and usually have higher performance antennae. USB adapters are used because they are easy to install and can be easily switched between computers.
Installing the Wireless Router
How to Setup Wireless Internet
The wireless router is installed to the modem via a standard Ethernet cable. Unplug the modem and in the back, there will be an Ethernet output. Connect a cable to the modem output and run it to the back of the router. The back of the router will have 5 Ethernet ports. Four of these ports will be labeled 1 through 4 while either the first or last port will be labeled internet, WAN, or WLAN. Plug the Ethernet cable into the internet/WAN/WLAN port of the wireless router.
Another Ethernet cable should then be attached to one of the four other ports and to a working computer. This will be needed to configure the router. After configuration, this wired connection can be removed if you so desire. The wireless router should be centrally located. Placement and distance from the wireless adapter can play a large part in establishing a quality, high-speed connection. The router should never be place too close to either a wall or ceiling but a one-foot distance is adequate to stop most structural interference. To minimize interference from other sources, the wireless router should be kept away from cordless phones, microwaves, and televisions.
Configuring the Wireless Router
With all the cables connected and the wireless router placed in the optimal location, turn on power to the modem. Wait for the modem to establish a connection with your internet service provider and then turn on the wireless router. The wireless router will have a series of lights or other indicators on the front to show when a connection to the internet has been established and when connections to other computers are established through the hard lines. Once the wireless router has established a connection with the modem, turn on the computer connected to the wireless modem via Ethernet cable.
If the wireless router came with a start-up disk, insert it into the computer’s drive and follow the instructions on the screen. This disk will install any needed drivers and it will usually install an application to help set up and establish a connection between the computer’s wireless adapter and the wireless router.
After the setup disk has completely installed, it will still be necessary to configure the wireless router for security and optimal settings. In the manual that comes with the wireless router are instructions on how to log on to the router. Open your web browser. Internet Explorer or Firefox will work. In the address bar, enter the address of the router as stated in the manual. In most cases this address will be either http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1. Sometimes another address is used such as http://www.routerlogin.net. Once the correct address is entered a security window will open asking for a user name and password. Almost every wireless router ever made has a default user name of “admin.” The default password varies by brand but most commonly the password is “Admin,” “password,” or simply left blank.
Wireless Security
When logged in, the first thing to do is change the SSID name. This is the name displayed when searching for wireless networks available on a computer. Leaving the default SSID can cause confusion and make it easier for hackers to break into your network.
After changing the SSID name, it is prudent to establish a security protocol and password. In the router’s security settings, there will be choices for which security protocol to use. WEP is an older protocol and easily broken by hackers. It is recommended to use the WPA-2 protocol which is much higher level of security.
Lastly, the administrative password will need to be changed so others cannot log on to your wireless router. For most wireless routers, the user name is not configurable. It will always remain “admin.” The password is changeable and should be modified at this time. Once this is complete, the configuration window and browser can be closed.
Connecting to the Wireless Network
With most operating systems, including Windows XP, Vista, and 7, once the adapter and router is installed, the computer will detect that wireless networks are available. In the task bar, right click the icon and from the menu, choose to view the available wireless networks. Find your SSID name on the list and click to connect to the network. Enter the password that you have established for the WPA-2 security protocol. In most cases, the computer will connect to the internet and establish a local IP address.
[...] How to Set Up Wireless Internet [...]