| The world has gone wireless. It's no surprise that | | | | point' to launch the install wizard. For Macs, install |
| with steady advances in technology, many home | | | | AirPort Utility then open the application. This |
| and business internet users have decided to toss | | | | application will also bring up an install wizard to help |
| out the cabled connections of yore in favor of | | | | you through the process. |
| the flexibility of a wireless connection. Setting up a | | | | 3. The programs will walk you through setting up |
| wireless connection in your home or office is quick | | | | a name for your network, to identify it from |
| and painless. Using this guide, you should be up and | | | | other wireless networks, as well as setting up a |
| running in no time. | | | | password, or security key, to ensure that others |
| What You Will Need | | | | can not access your wireless network. |
| - Broadband internet connection | | | | 4. Before launching the internet, make sure that |
| - Wireless-enabled device or a wireless network | | | | you set up some security on your network. This |
| adapter | | | | is especially important for businesses, as company |
| - Wireless router | | | | and employee data is often sensitive and private. |
| The Steps | | | | There are several security measures you can |
| | | | use, including MAC addressing and WEP encryption. |
| 1. First you will need to connect your wireless | | | | MAC addressing restricts unauthorized devices |
| router to your modem. A network cable will | | | | from accessing your network, and WEP |
| typically be provided with your router; insert one | | | | encryption jumbles up data when you send it |
| end into the modem and the other end into the | | | | over the internet, which ensures the data's safety |
| router's Internet/WAN/WLAN port. After the | | | | while in transport. |
| devices have been connected, plug them in and | | | | 5. Make sure your firewall is activated. Firewalls |
| give your modem a short amount of time to | | | | are your first line of defense against the malicious |
| re-connect to the internet. You will want to set up | | | | content and users that sometimes lurk in the |
| your router in a central location, which will allow | | | | shadows of the internet. Your firewall will monitor |
| for better signal strength around your home or | | | | all incoming information and either block it or allow |
| office. Avoid placing the router near walls or metal | | | | it. Also, firewalls protect you from any |
| objects as these can obstruct the signal. For | | | | unauthorized users who may try to use your |
| businesses, you will want to determine the | | | | internet connection to access your computer. |
| number of people who will access the wireless | | | | 6. For another user to access your wireless |
| network in order to ascertain the number of | | | | connection, they will need to know your password |
| access points you will need to set up. | | | | security key. PC users will need to open the Start |
| 2. To connect to your wireless signal, ensure that | | | | menu, and then click on 'Connect to' which will pull |
| all of your devices wireless settings are enabled. | | | | up a list of networks. Click on your desired |
| For PCs you will need to navigate to your | | | | network, input the password, and just like that |
| network settings (Click the Start button, then | | | | you are connected to the network. For Mac |
| Control Panel > Network and Internet > | | | | users, you can simply click the AirPort icon and it |
| Network and Sharing Center). Once there, you | | | | will allow you to select a network. Once you |
| can click 'Set up a connection or network' in the | | | | select your network you can enter the password |
| left pane, then 'Set up a wireless router or access | | | | and connect. |