How to Install a Wireless Network

Things You’ll Need:

* Computer
* Internet Access
* Wireless Network Cards
* Modem
* Wireless Router

Step1
PICK A ROUTER – There are tons of wireless routers to choose from. Depending on how big your house or office you might have to purchase multiple routers. The current standard in wireless technology is known as Wireless G. It is rated at a maximum speed of 54Mbps with a radius range of approximately 75'. This is most suitable for small homes or offices. Other types include Wireless A, B, and N and all vary in bandwidth and range. Do some more research and find out what might be suitable for your needs.

Step2
PICK A WIRELESS NETWORK CARD – If you set up a wireless network make sure to get wireless networking cards for each desktop, otherwise there’ll be no way for you to connect to the internet. Most laptops have wireless networking cards built in, check your laptops manual to make sure.

Step3
PLUG IN THE ROUTER - Once you pick out a wireless router that suits your needs plug in the power supply and connect it to your primary computer. If you already have a wired router go ahead and unplug it and throw it aside. Reconnect all the cables from the modem to your wireless router until you see green blinking lights on both the modem and router. This signals that the wireless router is picking up and internet signal.

Step4
SET UP THE ROUTER – Turn on the computer directly connected to the wireless router. Most routers come with software disks that include drivers needed for them to work. Go ahead and install the required software and restart your computer. Once restarted open up your internet browser and type http://192.168.1.1 into the address bar. A window will pop up asking for a username and password. You do not need to enter a username, just enter admin as the password. This may not work for some wireless routers, check your manual for further instructions. Give your router a unique name and set up wireless security right away. You don’t want people using your bandwidth. Select WPA2Personal for security mode and create a password. Share this password only with others you want to grant internet access to.

Step5
Save your settings, turn of your computer. Disconnect any Ethernet cables connected to your computer and congratulations you’ve just set up your wireless network! Now you can access the internet from anywhere in your house or office!