| There are many advantages in having a home | | | | currently connected to the back of your PC; plug |
| wireless network. No wires trailing all over the | | | | this cable into the port on your router labelled |
| house is probably the most popular reason for | | | | Internet, WAN or WLAN. Or check the |
| going 'wireless'. Other advantages include the need | | | | documentation that came with your router. Now |
| for just one printer for all your computers, being | | | | plug your modem back into the phone socket, |
| able to easily share files and the ability to have | | | | give it a couple of minutes to connect to the |
| several computers connected to the Internet at | | | | internet, you can then plug in and turn on your |
| the same time. So what do you need to achieve | | | | router. After a minute or so, the Internet, WAN |
| a wireless network? This article is for Windows | | | | or WLAN light should illuminate, this shows that |
| XP with Service Pack 2 or later. | | | | your router is now successfully connected to |
| What do I need to set-up a wireless network at | | | | your modem. |
| home? | | | | Step 2. To configure your wireless router, you will |
| 1. A Wireless Router | | | | need the network cable that came supplied with it. |
| 2. Wireless Network Adapter (One for each PC) | | | | Temporarily connect this cable to the LAN port |
| 3. A Broadband Connection | | | | on the back of your computer and to one of the |
| You will not be completely wireless, in that you will | | | | open ports on your router. You can turn your |
| still need a physical device, your Modem, | | | | computer on if you want, it should connect to |
| connected to your main phone socket. A Router | | | | your router automatically. The instructions for |
| carries out a similar function to your Cordless | | | | your router should include an Internet address and |
| Phone's Base Unit. It accepts the incoming | | | | password. Type the address into Internet |
| Internet Connection then turns it into a wireless | | | | Explorer to configure your router; you may be |
| signal. Your computer is fitted with a Wireless | | | | prompted for a password. Follow the steps on |
| Network Adapter, which picks up this signal, in the | | | | your routers configuration page, you will need to |
| same way that the antenna on your Cordless | | | | name your wireless network and create a |
| Phone would receive a signal from its base unit. | | | | password. When you're done, remember to press |
| It is a good idea to get your Router and Wireless | | | | Save or OK. You can now disconnect the |
| Network Adapters from the same vendor. This | | | | network cable from your computer. |
| will provide the easiest and most reliable set up. | | | | Step 3. Some modern computers have wireless |
| As you begin looking at Wireless devices, you will | | | | support built in. If this is the case you will not |
| become familiar with certain specifications. 802.11a, | | | | need a wireless adapter. If your PC does not |
| 802.11b, 802.11g are the ones to look for. 802.11g | | | | have wireless support then you can now plug |
| is the one now recommended as it is reliable and | | | | your adapter into a USB port. Place the antenna |
| compatible with most other devices. Go for a | | | | as high as possible, on top of your tower, for |
| USB Network Adapter, these simply plug into any | | | | instance. Windows will detect a new device; you |
| available USB port. If you do not have a spare | | | | may need to load the installation disc that came |
| port, consider buying a USB hub. | | | | with your adapter. Follow the instructions to |
| So the basic configuration is this: Your Cable or | | | | complete installation. Once this is completed you |
| DSL Modem stays connected to your phone line, | | | | should see an icon on your task bar to show your |
| the cable from your Modem that currently is | | | | wireless network is now connected. Right click on |
| connected to your computer, now plugs into your | | | | the icon to view wireless networks, you should |
| wireless router. You plug a wireless network | | | | now see a list of networks. Click on the name |
| adapter into a USB port on your computer. Read | | | | you chose for yours then click connect; you will |
| the documentation that came with your router to | | | | be prompted for your network password created |
| identify the different ports. | | | | earlier. It may take a few moments to complete |
| Step 1. Unplug the modem from your phone | | | | connection. That's it, all done. |
| socket. Unplug the cable from your modem | | | | |