How to Install a Wireless Router

Here we will enlighten you about what a router is, how to install a wireless router, and why it is so important in the field of computer networking. It also addresses some security concerns you need to follow while installing a wireless network.

Each computer has its own unique identity in the form of an IP address. All forms of networking activities between multiple computers take place through the exchange of data packets.

For the sake of accurate and secure network communication, it is vital that these data packets do not get lost and that they reach their intended destination in time.When you have a network of multiple computers, this activity becomes even more important and equally complicated.

Though at first it seems like some sort of rocket science, in reality, it is not difficult by any stretch of imagination. It is actually quite a simple task, and one that can easily be completed in the time it would take for your cake to bake.

Before you begin, make sure you purchase the right stuff.These devices come in different varieties and brands, with each type having a different set of features aimed at specific network needs. If you happen to have a SOHO (Small Office Home Office) network, you could consider buying any one of the Linksys wireless routers belonging to the WRT54G series.

Once you are ready with the appropriate networking equipment, the first thing you should do is power off both your modem as well as your computer.

Open the user guide, and study its ports and connection jacks carefully. Connect the cable coming in from the modem to its appropriate port. It is usually at the rear, and you should be able to locate it with ease.

Next, connect the cable that goes to your computer's network adapter to its corresponding port. Once again, refer to the detailed diagram to avoid erroneous connections.

After ensuring that all the cables are plugged in tight, power on the modem. Once its power light achieves a steady state, switch on the power.

Usually, there are multiple lights on the router body. However, only two of them hold primary importance from a user's point of view - the Power light and the Ethernet light. Both should be in a steady state for your network to function normally.

If the Ethernet light happens to be flickering, it indicates a problem with your ISP (Internet Service Provider). If the power light happens to be flickering, you can power off the device, and power it back on after a minute to resolve the issue.

The next thing you should do is power on your computer. In most cases, the devices come with an inbuilt self-installing mechanism, which takes care of the installation process by itself.

However, if for some reason the self-installation does not happen, you can go ahead with a manual installation using the instructions provided on the installation CD. It comes as a part of the package, and the installation, in most cases, is pretty straightforward and self-explanatory.

If you still have any issues, you can always get in touch with your manufacturer's customer care service. They usually have qualified technical support teams who guide you through the entire process, and assist you in troubleshooting problems.

This device keeps track of MAC addresses, and restricts the network to only allow connections from those devices.

This will stop others from logging into your personal network, especially at places like mobile hotspots.

This setting can be used in temporary situations, and it will stop your computer from getting exposed to risks, by allowing certain connections without notifying you.

This will certainly prevent outside hackers from breaking in.

This should be done in order to ensure that extensive signal leakage does not take place.

This is for up-to-the-minute protection for your system.

Assigning static addresses will prevent the computer from being directly reached via the Internet, unlike dynamic addresses, which would help network attackers to easily obtain valid IP addresses from your network's DHCP pool.

This helps to fool the hackers, who might think of the system as a poorly-configured network if you use the default name.

This technology encrypts messages so that they cannot be easily read.

Since the assigned username and password are usually very simple, change these settings immediately.

Installing a wireless router will enable you to enjoy all the features of a wired counterpart, along with the added advantage of flexibility. With this, you can move around freely within the area of the signal, and yet remain connected to the network.

This can be quite beneficial, especially if you happen to access the Internet using a laptop, PDA, or a mobile phone, as it will not restrict you to a fixed place of work.