| Wireless networking allows you to easily share | | | | yourself. Here are some common terms you may |
| your Internet access as well as printers, and | | | | come up againt. |
| media, very easily without wires. Setting up a | | | | - SSID - this is your networks name. Choose |
| wireless network is generally very easy and it is | | | | something unique, as generally it will come up with |
| becoming more and more commonplace to do | | | | the manufacturer of the router name. When you |
| this in your home or small office. The great thing | | | | try and search for the router with your computer |
| about wireless networking is the fact you can add | | | | you will want to identify which name represents |
| wireless functionality to your existing network. | | | | you own router. |
| If you intend to use wireless networking it is | | | | - WEP or WPA is the type of security encryption |
| advisable to have windows XP service pack 2 as | | | | to prevent other people accessing your Internet |
| a minimum. Whilst this is not absolutely essential it | | | | connection. WPA will generally allow you to use a |
| can make things much easier when connecting to | | | | memorable word to user a password whilst WEP |
| wireless networks and also a few security issues | | | | is more a randomly generated bunch of numbers |
| have been fixed with this service pack | | | | and letter. |
| The first stage to setting up a wireless network | | | | - Administrator Password - this is just the |
| is to obtain the correct equipment. There are | | | | password to actually access the administration of |
| several different options, depending on your | | | | your router. Unless someone has already got a |
| current setup. If you currently use a cable based | | | | connection to your router they will be unable to |
| provided then you just need a broadband router, | | | | change settings. If you do use a password here, |
| however, if you currently use the more common | | | | make sure it is something memorable as it is quite |
| ADSL style broadband suppliers (common here in | | | | possible that you will not have to access the |
| the UK) then you will need to ensure you | | | | admin, once setup, for a very long time. |
| purchase the router with the ADSL modem built | | | | Now your router is all set up we need to |
| in. The router will now connect to the Internet for | | | | understand how to connect a computer to the |
| you and allow other devices to connect to it | | | | network. This is very easy to do. If you have |
| wirelessly. If you were previously used to having | | | | wireless technology built into your computer then |
| to go to a dial up connection - you now no longer | | | | ensure it is switched on. If you haven't, insert |
| need to do this as as soon as your computer | | | | your wireless device into the relevant port. |
| connects to the router - you will automatically be | | | | You should have a wireless icon in the bottom left |
| connected to the Internet. | | | | hand corner by the clock. Right click here and |
| To connect your wireless router should be | | | | search for wireless networks in range. |
| straight forward enough. If you use the CD that | | | | In the box that comes up you should see a list of |
| comes with the router it will quickly guide you | | | | the networks in your area that your computer |
| through the setup. The basics are to plug your | | | | has detected. Being wireless technology is so |
| existing modem into the router if you are on a | | | | popular these days it is common to see several |
| cable system, or disconnected your previous | | | | different routers in here from neighbours. |
| broadband modem and input your settings into | | | | Within this list you should see the name that you |
| the new router. You should have indicator lights | | | | previously inputted as you SSID. Double click this. |
| advising you of the routers status. These vary | | | | You should now be prompted for either your |
| from router to router so refer to your | | | | WEP or WPA key - enter this. |
| instructions provided. | | | | You should now be connected. Go ahead and load |
| As previously mentioned, the CD that comes with | | | | your preferred Internet browser. You should be |
| the router is often the best way to quickly | | | | able to surf to any given page. - Congratulations - |
| create a secure active wireless network. | | | | You have successfully configured your wireless |
| However, if you are like me, you may want to | | | | network! |
| explore the settings of the router to configure it | | | | |