| Using a wireless router makes computing life | | | | modem. |
| much more enjoyable. Why confine yourself to | | | | At this point, you will want to power up your |
| work on the computer in the same location you | | | | modem. The modem should always be powered |
| took it out of the box? Setting up a wireless | | | | up first. Allow a few moments for the Internet |
| router is easy and allows you the freedom to | | | | connection to synchronize with the modem. |
| access the Internet, files, printers, plus much | | | | It is now time to configure your wireless router. |
| more, from virtually any location in your house or | | | | Temporarily disconnect the network cable from |
| yard. Before you shake your head about setting | | | | the router and modem. Once you have |
| up a wireless router on your own, trust me, if I | | | | completed this, connect the network cable to any |
| can do it, anyone can. | | | | port on the wireless router not labeled as |
| Here are some simple steps for setting up your | | | | INTERNET, WAN OR WLAN. You will probably |
| wireless router. | | | | have at least 4 open ports; any one will do. Next, |
| Select the correct wireless router for your needs. | | | | connect the other end of the network cable to |
| If you walk into your nearest Best Buy or other | | | | your computer. This may seem confusing, |
| computer store, you will see they have a wide | | | | however, you need a direct connection between |
| variety of routers available. There are basically (3) | | | | the router and computer to permit configuration. |
| wireless networking technologies on the market | | | | On your computer, open up an Internet browser |
| today; 802.11a, 802.11b, and 801.22g. So what are | | | | and enter the address which corresponds to your |
| the differences between these wireless | | | | specific make of wireless router. |
| technologies? | | | | ROUTER ADDRESS USERNAME PASSWORD |
| 802.11a wireless protocol is the oldest version of | | | | 3Com 192.168.1.1 admin admin |
| wireless networking technologies currently | | | | D-Link 192.168.0.1 admin |
| available. While you may find 802.11a wireless | | | | Linksys 192.168.1.1 admin admin |
| hardware at discounted prices, I would strongly | | | | Microsoft Broadband 192.168.2.1 admin admin |
| urge you to avoid them. 802.11a is limited in range | | | | Netgear 192.168.0.1 admin password |
| and capacity versus 802.11b and 802.11g. So why | | | | Once you have entered the address into your |
| set up your first wireless network with the oldest | | | | browser, you will be prompted to enter a |
| technology. | | | | username and password. Reference the chart for |
| 802.11b wireless protocol (11Mbs) is by far the | | | | your respective information. While in the |
| most common wireless technology in use today. | | | | configuration mode, you will have the option to |
| If you select this wireless protocol, you will be | | | | change your password, which I strongly suggest. |
| fine. But why not start with the latest and | | | | Next, you will need to set your network id or |
| greatest wireless protocol currently available? | | | | SSID. This name does not have to be lengthy, |
| 802.11g is the best wireless technology on the | | | | but choose something that is unique and but easy |
| market and all new computers with built-in | | | | enough for you to remember. |
| wireless cards utilize this protocol. 802.11b wireless | | | | Protecting your network. You will also have the |
| protocol was superceded by backwards | | | | option to either secure your network or leave it |
| compatible 802.11g (54Mbs). What this means is | | | | "open". By leaving your network "open", anyone |
| that if you have an 802.11b card on some of | | | | within range of your wireless router signal will be |
| your computing devices, you can use an 802.11g | | | | able to access your network. If you live in a |
| wireless router without the need to replace your | | | | location in a development or apartment, there is a |
| wireless card. If you have the option, I would | | | | good chance someone will be riding your |
| strongly recommend purchasing 802.11g cards for | | | | network..using your Internet access for free and |
| your computers as well to get the maximum | | | | degrading your access quality. It is a good rule of |
| benefits of this wireless network technology. | | | | thumb to secure access to networks and |
| Connecting your wireless router | | | | computers whenever possible. |
| Before starting, be sure you have a paper copy | | | | To secure your network, select the WEP tab or |
| of all instructions or the router manual in front of | | | | option. WEP stands for Wireless Encryption. You |
| you. Sounds simple, I know, but you would be | | | | will be prompted to enter a password or |
| surprised how many people neglect this basic | | | | passphrase. We have already addressed changing |
| step. Ok, let's get started! | | | | your administrator password from the default, so |
| The first step will be to power down your DSL or | | | | let's move on. Be sure to select Apply or OK |
| cable modem. This will be accomplished by | | | | after making your selections. |
| unplugging the devices from the electrical outlets. | | | | Disconnect the network cable from your |
| Next, connect the wireless router to your | | | | computer, and reconnect as before. One end of |
| modem. I would recommend keeping the distance | | | | the network cable goes into the port on the |
| between the router and modem as close as | | | | wireless router marked INTERNET, WAN, or |
| possible. I have both modem and wireless router | | | | WLAN, and the other end connects to your DSL |
| setting side by side on my desk. | | | | or cable modem. |
| Included with the wireless router, you should have | | | | After a few brief moments, an icon should |
| a short cable. This is your network cable. Plug the | | | | appear on your desktop alerting you a wireless |
| network cable into the wireless router in the port | | | | network has been detected. Right click on the |
| labeled INTERNET, WAN OR WLAN. This | | | | icon and select "View Available Wireless |
| designation varies depending on the brand of | | | | Networks". |
| wireless router you purchased. It does not matter | | | | If you do not see your network, click on the |
| which end of the network cable you connect to | | | | Refresh button from the menu. Once your |
| the router, since the same type of connector is | | | | network is visible, click on it. |
| used on both ends. | | | | If you have WEP protected your wireless |
| Once you have connected the network cable to | | | | network, you will be prompted to enter your |
| your wireless router, connect the other end of | | | | password or passphrase. If you have chosen to |
| the cable into your modem. Your modem will only | | | | leave your network unprotected, you will be |
| have one port available. You will hear a "click" | | | | cautioned that you are attempting to access an |
| when a secure connection has been established. | | | | unsecured network. Select your network and |
| You can now re-insert the cable which provides | | | | press "Connect". |
| your Internet access back into your DSL or cable | | | | |