| In today's technology-driven world, more and | | | | cross-compatible and a lot share the same internal |
| more demand for internet access is being | | | | hardware. |
| observed each day. Homes that only a decade | | | | The core piece of equipment here is the wireless |
| ago would have one computer, tops, now have at | | | | router. This is what translates your network |
| least one per resident. People are living out the | | | | traffic into a signal that can be transmitted |
| majority of their lives on social networking | | | | wirelessly over radio waves. It also contains the |
| websites. Even refrigerators can go online. | | | | transmitters and receivers that communicate with |
| In such a world, it is no surprise that the demand | | | | wireless devices. In addition to the wireless |
| for not only home internet access, but wireless | | | | functions, the wireless router also handles IP |
| internet, has grown so heavily. People want to be | | | | routing, which is what allows multiple computers to |
| online all the time, and they want to be mobile. | | | | "see" each other and share one high-speed |
| Xbox gaming machines, blu-ray players, and cell | | | | internet connection. |
| phones are all able to utilize the wireless | | | | To set up your wireless network, you need to |
| connection to access online content, as well. | | | | attach power to the wireless router. Once the |
| Setting up a wireless internet connection is easier | | | | router is powered up (the lights will be on), you |
| than most people think. The required equipment is | | | | have to connect the network cable from the |
| inexpensive, user friendly, and easy to find in | | | | back of your Cable/DSL modem to the port on |
| stores and online. Before you can get started | | | | the wireless router labeled "WAN." This stands for |
| setting up your wireless connection, you will need: | | | | Wide Area Network, and will allow your wireless |
| - A home high-speed internet connection (cable, | | | | router to access the internet. |
| dsl, etc) | | | | Some wireless routers will require a few additional |
| - A wireless access point router (sometimes called | | | | steps, so you should refer to the installation guide, |
| just "wireless router") | | | | which will walk you through naming your wireless |
| - At least one PC or laptop with a wireless | | | | network. At this point, you should be able to see |
| network interface card | | | | your wireless network by looking for it on your |
| You can acquire these necessary pieces of | | | | PC or laptop equipped with a wireless network |
| hardware from just about any electronics store, | | | | interface card. Once your network is set up and |
| as well as large department stores, such as Wal | | | | working, consider researching wireless security, to |
| Mart or Target. There are many different types | | | | protect your wireless network from unwanted |
| and brands available, but they are nearly all | | | | use. |