Setting Up A Wireless Network

Setting Up A Wireless Network: The Basics

Wireless networks are all the rage today. People just love the idea of being able to tap into the power of multiple computers without the need for wires. In the past, setting up a wireless network was held back by one thing: cost. Today, however, the rapidly lowering cost of technology is encouraging people to turn to wireless solutions for their networking problems. If you wish to progress with the times and set up your own wireless network, then here are some things you should know.

First of all, you need the right components. These are the basic parts of a wireless network:

Wireless Router – The wireless router actually establishes the communication within the network. The wireless router is the device which sends the information along different pathways to the different systems in the networks. The reason why this is called a router is because the router actually determines the best route through which it can send the information.

Some people may choose to make use of access points instead of routers, but access points are mainly used in business and using them for a home system can be quite impractical.

Wireless Network Adapters – You need one of these devices for every computer unit you wish to connect to the network. In setting up a wireless network, these devices enable your computer to communicate with the router. This actually looks like your standard computer card.

When getting a wireless adapter card, the general rule of the thumb is: get the biggest antenna possible. A bigger antenna on the wireless network adapter card means better connection. You also have the choice to buy a USB network adapter which you can just plug into the USB port.

After you get the different components, you now face the actual task of setting up the wireless network. What's the first step you should take? Well, you should first install the different wireless network adapters into the units you want to network. If you have the wireless adapter card, you have to open up the unit (when it is turned off, of course) and insert the card into a free PCI slot. If you got a USB network adapter, however, all you need to do is plug it into a free USB port.

After the physical installation, you need to do the system installation. When you buy the network adapter, it should include a driver CD. Insert the disk when prompted and just follow the instructions in order to make sure that your wireless adapter runs the way you want it to.

After that, you need to identify the right location for your router. If you plan to share internet using the wireless router, then you need to wire it to your DSL or your cable modem. Otherwise, you need to place it as close to all the units in the network as possible. This means you might have to find the spot in the middle of the units. Fire up the router, wait for the led lights to go on and go to one of the units.

Configure each unit by accessing the router through a web browser. All you need to do is enter the IP address of the router and you will be taken to a window where you can make various adjustments. You have successfully finished setting up a wireless network.