Wi-Fi or wireless networking has improved operational efficiency and productivity in various commerce verticals. The technology has enabled habitancy to entrance the Web from virtually in any place either indoors or outdoors.
This article provides instructions on how to setup a Wi-Fi connection indoors in a few easy steps.
The Hardware
The first thing to look out for is the hardware. You will need a
• broadband Internet connection
• cable or Dsl modem
• wireless router
• wireless network adapter
• network cables
• computer that supports Wi-Fi
Choose equipment that offers maximum compatibility thereby avoiding unnecessary expenses later; devices artificial by the same seller are often easy to install.
The router is the core part of the Wi-Fi premise process. With a wireless router you can entrance the Internet from within a fixed range of distance by way of a desktop Pc, laptop, Pda or smart phone. The range for Wi-Fi is about 100 feet indoors and up to 300 feet outdoors
The router's function is to convert and broadcast the incoming signals from the modem. The broadcasted signals are picked up by wireless devices like the network adapter attached to the computer straight through an Ethernet switch/ Usb port.
The wireless network adapter maintains connection in the middle of your computer and the router. Today computers are ready with in-built adapters. Any way if you have an older Pc without an inbuilt one, a Usb adapter is recommended for a Laptop computer while a Pc card-based network adapter is more suitable for Desktops.
The Installation
The next step is to join together the various hardware components.
1. To join together the router to the modem, attach the cables to the router ports according to the labels. The labels may be separate according to the brand and you may need to refer the documentation provided for assistance.
2. If your modem is already linked to the computer, unplug the cable from the back of the processor and plug it into the router port labeled as Wan. If not then just join together the modem cable into the router port and begin the next step of configuring the router.
3. Attach a network cable from your router's Lan port placed next to the Wan, and plug the cable to the computer's Ethernet port.
4. Ensure that the modem is linked to the Internet indicated by a green light on the modem hardware. Then plug in the router to a power source and switch it on.
5. The Wan light placed next to the power display should light up indicating that the router has successfully linked to the modem.
The Configuration
1. To configure the router open a browser window and type in the router's Ip address.
2. For a Linksys or 3Com router the address is 192.168.1.1 while for Netgear the address is 192.168.0.1. You will be prompted to enter the user name as "admin" followed by the password.
3. The configuration page will come up with the settings at default mode. Most configurations will involve production only three changes.
4. convert the default Ssid and enter a unique wireless network name to recognize your network.
5. The next step is leading that of enabling wireless encryption (Wep) which would protect your network from unauthorized access. Enter a "pass phrase" that will be used by your router to generate keys uniquely for your settings.
6. Then enter your personal password ideally one that is a mixture of letters, numbers and symbols.
7. Save the changes you made and exit the page. Then disconnect the network cable attached from the computer to the router and join together the adapter in its place.
8. Your computer will detect the wireless network and prompt you straight through the next few steps of choosing the Wi-Fi network.
You are now good to surf the Web, browse your popular sites, print documents, send and receive mails, share media files by way of a social portfolio or play games with your friends.
How to install a Wi-Fi connection Like the Professionals
