A wireless network your computing usage more relaxing & flexsible by letting you access your internet/network anyway in your house within the range. With wireless network, you can always connected within the range eventhough inside the toilet. haha…
Adding a wireless network in your home is easier than you think, when you need is a wireless equipment and some easy configuration.
1. Prepare the equipments
You’ll need at least two network components, a wireless router and a wireless network adapter.
Wireless router is a device who which convert the signals coming across your internet connection into a wireless broadcast.
* For wireless router, some are built in ready with dsl modem, while some are not. For those model without dsl modem, u need to add another dsl modem to connect to your internet. You can always refer to your ISP for the modem.
Wireless network adapter connects your computer to your wireless router.
For desktop, u will need a USB network adapter or a PCI network adapter.
For laptop, nowadays all laptop already equipped with 802.11b/g WLAN. For older version without WLAN, u need to add a PCMCIA type network adapter.
2. Connect your wireless router
a. Before you go any further, print these instructions. You’ll be temporarily disconnected from the Internet, so while you’re doing the installation, you won’t be able to get to this page to refer to the instructions.
b. If you connect your modem to the wall in a similar way that you connect your TV to your cable television outlet, you probably have a cable modem, and it probably has a coaxial cable connected to it (like the round black or white cable you plug into your TV).
c. If you connect your modem through the phone lines, you probably have a DSL modem, and it probably has a phone cable connected to it.
d. Connect your wireless router to your modem. Your modem should stay connected directly to the Internet. Later, after you’ve hooked everything up, your computer will wirelessly connect to your router, and the router will send communications through your modem to the Internet.
e. to connect your router to your modem:
*If you currently have a 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 don’t currently have a computer connected to the Internet: Plug one end of a network cable (included with your router) into your modem, and the other end of the network cable into the Internet, WAN, or WLAN port on your wireless router.
f. Plug in your router. After a minute or two, the Internet, WAN, or WLAN light on your router should light up, indicatingp that it has successfully connected to your modem.
3. Configure your router
a. Using the network cable that came with your wireless router, temporarily connect your computer to one of the wired network ports on your wireless router (any port that isnt labeled Internet, WAN, or WLAN).
b. Turn your computer on, it will automatic connect to your router.
Create a password if a prompt appears. 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.
* you will note that the LED on your erthernet port blinking once connected.
c. Open your PC browser such as Internet Explorer and type in the address to configure your router as described in your router manual.
d. Create a password if a prompt appears. 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.
e. Internet Explorer will show your router’s configuration page. Most of the default settings should be fine, but you should configure three items:
#Set your wireless network name (known as the SSID) to something unique that does not identify your name or address.
#Enable wireless encryption (WEP)to help prevent uninvited guests from connecting to your wireless network.
#Set your administrative password to prevent others from configuring your router.
The exact steps you follow will vary depending on the type of router you have. After each configuration setting (SSID, WEP, and administrative password), be sure you click Save Settings, Apply, or OK to save your changes.
Note: The pictures in this section show Linksys wireless equipment. Equipment from other manufacturers will vary in appearance. For example, to save your settings in Linksys, you click Save Settings. Other equipment may have a different display, and you may have to click Apply or OK.
SSID or naming your network
A service set identifier, or SSID, identifies your network. Choose a unique name that you’re confident none of your neighbors will use, but don’t specify your name or your address. This is not a security tool, so you don’t need to make the SSID complex.
WEP or protecting your wireless network
When you configure encryption, select 128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). 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). For example, you could use the last sentence you spoke. After you create a passphrase, your router will display four encryption keys, each normally 26 characters long. Write down the first key.
Some router you can directly name the key you want. Always refer to your router manual. The security level of 128-bit WEP encryption is high enough for most people.
* if you didnt secured your network, then anyone can connect to your network whenever they discover your SSID.
Administrative password
The last configuration change you should make is to the administrative password. Just like any other password, the administrative password should not be a word 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.
Tip: Write down your passwords on a piece of paper and store them in your home safe if you have one. If you don’t have a home safe, store your passwords with your other important family documents. If you think of your passwords as important documents, you’ll always know where to find them.
* this is very important to set a password on your router to prevent other people to access your router.
4. Connect your computer device
If your computer does not have wireless network support built in, you can install a wired or a wireless network adapter. Windows XP will automatically detect the new adapter and might prompt you to insert the CD that came with it. The on-screen instructions will guide you through the configuration process.
Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) is not required for wireless networking, but it does make setting one up much easier. SP2 also helps protect you against viruses, worms, and other Internet intruders. To install SP2, visit Microsoft Update. The steps below apply only if you’re using SP2. Windows XP will show an icon with a notification that says it has found wireless networks.
To connect your computer to your wireless network
a. Right-click the wireless network icon in the lower right corner of your screen, and then click View Available Wireless Networks.
Note: If you run into problems, consult the documentation that came with your network adapter. Don’t hesitate to call the manufacturer’s technical support number for help.
b. The Wireless Network Connection window appears and displays your wireless network listed with the SSID 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.
c. Windows XP prompts you 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.
After you’re connected, you can close the Wireless Network Connection window. Now you’re ready to browse the Web wirelessly. You can also create a wireless network in your home that connects your computers, printers, cameras, games, and other accessories for easy access and enjoyment.
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