How to begin a wireless network

During early days setting up a network was something only anetwork engineer could manage. Which included crimping network cables and attaching connectors to them after which connecting the computers to a switch or a router. They then was required to login to the router and use commands to configure the network. If all this sounds complex for you imagine how much more complex it might beto trulydo it. Plus it was even more complicated if there is a problem and you needed to figure out which cable goes where in the clutter of cables.

However with the invention and mass scale deployment of wireless technologies every item has become less of a challenge. Wireless does just what the name suggests it gets rid ofall the wires required to create a network inside the house. Besides a wireless network also provides mobility and that means you can move about your home or office and access the web.
Setting up a wireless network is that much easier. There are very few steps involved with getting a wireless network up and running.

You just need a network connection, a wireless modem or router and a computer with inbuilt wireless card.

The first step is always to connect your wireless router to the cable that comes from wall outlet which is your internet connection. Connect the router to a powerand turn it on.
The second step is to login to your computer or laptop and open a internet browser. Read the instructions for your particular brand of router. But a majority routers can be connected to by entering the address “192.168.1.1” in your internet browser.

Once connected you would be prompted to enter username and password and that is default to “admin” in many routers.

The third step is upon having connected to the router interface it is advisable to find the wireless setup tab and enter the account information given to you by your internet service provider. You will probably have to setup a password which is the SSID key which you would be prompted to enter the first time you connect with the router. Once you have done this you are good to go. You can restart your computer, enter the SSID key you setup and you will connect to the internet.

There is also a fourth step that I would recommend that is creating an Access control list on your router. Which means even if your neighbor is within the range of your wireless connection they would not be able to connect and employ internet for free. This would lead to less bandwidth available for you.

Upon having logged into the router interface access the wireless setup tab and enter your MAC address in the box provided. A MAC address is a unique code for every network device. You will find you mac address by opening the Command prompt window and typing IPCONFIG/ALL . Scroll down to find your wireless adaptor and find the physical address that is the MAC address for your computer. Do remember to set the option to permit access to the MAC addresses entered.