- If you want to connect to the Internet without the hassle of cords, consider setting up a wireless router. A wireless router is similar to a regular router, except it allows to you connect the computer without wires to a network. This page provides information on how to set up a wireless router.
Securing a Wireless Router
This video emphasizes the importance of securing your router once you have set it up. The purpose for securing it is because, if you do not, others can not only use your wireless service, but can also access your computer and files. The video discusses the two main ways to set up the security: either through software provided with the router, or through a website that will walk you through the set-up process. Also mentioned is the importance of choosing a strong username and password.
Introduction
If you are not tech savvy, connecting to a wireless router may seem like a daunting task. But if you follow these easy steps, you should be able to connect to the Internet in a few minutes.
Step 1: What You Need
- To set up a wireless router, you will need several items besides the wireless router itself.
- A broadband Internet connection.
- A computer that is ready for a wireless connectivity or a wireless network adapter, which allows the computer to connect wireless.
Step 2: Set Up
- Before setting up the wireless router, you will need to connect it.
- Unplug or turn of your modem.
- Connect the router to the modem. If the modem is currently connected to the computer, disconnect the cord from the computer and plug it into the router.
- Turn on the power of the modem again.
- Wait about a minute and then turn on the power of the router.
Step 3: Configure Your Router
- Now it's time to configure your router. You will need certain information from the router company, such as the Internet address and password to use.
- To configure the router, you need to connect the computer to it, although you will later remove this cord.
- Visit the adress to configure the router.
- With some routers, you will need to provide a password.
- Next, you need to change some of the configuration settings for your security.
- Change the wireless network name (SSID), which is the name of your network.
- Change the wireless encryption (WEP) or wi-fi protected access (WPA). For safety purposes, it should be quite long.
- Change the administrative password to something unique with both numbers and letters.
Step 4: Connect to the Network
- Last, connect the computer to the wireless network.
- If the computer did not have Internet access before, set up the wireless network adapter.
- The instructions to connect with depend on what computer and operating system you are using.
- On Windows XP, click on "view available networks" in the right corner. On a Mac, click on "networks" in system preferences.
- Connect to the network.
- Choose a security setting (for example, WEP or WPA) and type in the network key you chose earlier.
- Connect.
- If you run into problems when attempting to set up a wireless router, contact either the tech support of the router company, computer or Internet provider, depending on the problem.
Conclusion
Setting up a wireless router is not as complicated as it seems. Set up the router, configure it and then connect your computer to to the network.
