We will show you how to build an entirely wireless network using wireless router, rather than adding a wireless access point to an existing wired network. If you do decide to use an access point with an existing wired broadband router, the following information is still valuable, because you’ll need to follow many of the same steps to configure your access point.
A wireless router is the device that sends the wireless signals, including Internet access to other computers on your network, its placement within your home can be crucial. If the router is stationed in an obscure corner of the home, it might be difficult to obtain reliable connectivity throughout your home. Therefore, it’s generally best to choose a central location for the router. Not all users have the option to choose their location, because if the network is paired with a broadband Internet connection, the router will need to be connected by cable to the broadband modem, and there might be limited cable outlets in the home.
Also, be aware that the closer a wireless router is to external walls, the more easily its signals can be detected by someone outside your home. Although your wireless security configuration will protect you from wireless hackers, it doesn’t hurt to place the wireless router toward a central location to weaken the signal that leaks outside of your home. If the initial location doesn’t provide solid coverage throughout your home, try other spots or consider using more powerful wireless antennas on your equipment or a wireless signal booster.
Configuring your wireless network is a fairly straightforward process, but there are important steps throughout that ensure that your network will run as designed and that it is safe from attacks. For this configuration, it’s necessary to connect your primary computer to the router using an Ethernet cable, but you’ll be able to connect to the router wirelessly afterwards with any computer that has a wireless adapter, including this primary computer.
First, shut down the computer that’s connected to your broadband modem and then turn off the modem. Find the Ethernet cable that’s connected to the rear panel of the modem and disconnect the end that’s attached to your PC. Attach this end to the WAN port on the wireless router. Next, connect another Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the rear panel of your computer and connect the other end to a numbered port on the rear panel of the router.
Power on your modem, wait a bit for it to initialize, and then connect the router’s power adapter to its rear panel and plug it in. Turn on your computer and take a look at the lights on the router’s front panel. In addition to the power and WLAN lights, you should see a light that represents the LAN port to which you connected the computer. For example, if you plugged the Ethernet cord into port one, the light above “1” may be on. The interfaces for routers can vary, so check your router’s manual if you’re not sure what to look for. If no lights are on, or the expected light is not on, check all of your cable connections.
The next step will vary depending on your device, but you’ll need to either install the software included with your wireless router or enter an IP address in your browser that will direct you to the router’s configuration page. Each of these options should walk you through the process of setting an administration password to access the router’s configuration settings, selecting your Internet connection type, and inputting your username and password for your Internet connection.
During this phase, you’ll also need to create an SSID for your network. This essentially gives your network a name. Choose the name with care, because an easily guessable name can make your network more susceptible to attack. Don’t use your name or other personal info and don’t use a name that could entice outsiders. Create a long SSID that includes letters and numbers and try to change your SSID about every three months.
Finally, configure the security for your wireless network. Again, your router will likely include a wizard that walks you through the process. Regardless of what the wizard defaults to, you should select the strongest security option. If your router have WPA support, use that. If not, use the strongest available WEP option.
After your wireless router is installed and configured, you’re almost finished. Now you need to install or configure the wireless adapters on your computers or mobile devices. If your notebook or mobile device has built-in wireless, use the included wireless utility to connect to the network.
If you’re connecting with a computer that doesn’t include built-in wireless, you can connect to the network using the USB or PCI adapter that you have installed. After installation, the device’s software can be used to input the SSID and security information.
At this point, your wireless network is complete. Although the typical installation is trouble-free, it’s possible you can encounter trouble with flaky network adapters. If you’re unable to connect a computer to your network, make sure the adapter is securely attached to the computer and that you’re using the correct passphrase or encryption key.
