How to Set Up a Wireless Connection?

Wireless connections provide the user with an opportunity to avoid the hassles of wiring. Users can sit comfortably at a remote location, which is within the range of a wireless network, and use the benefits of the computer network. Here are some simple steps, which can be followed to accomplish the task of setting up such a connection.

Following are the equipment required for its setup:

• A suitable router
• Participating desktops or laptops
• Network adapter (in case it is not built-in)

Following are some simple steps, which can be followed in the setup process of a wireless connection:

1. Select a trusted brand of wireless router, which has enough number of ports for the equipment to be included in the network. It is good to look out for an adapter of the same brand, or one which is compatible with the router; this makes the setup a bit easier.

2. Next step involves the connection of the router to a modem. One can follow the instructions provided in the documentation that comes along with the device, in case he/she is unsure about it. If he is comfortable with making the connections, all he has to do is to take a cable from the modem and connect it to the router in the WLAN port.

3. Configuration of this router can be easily done by connecting it temporarily with a network. Using a web browser, one can set up these configurations by opening the router properties and providing a unique SSID, which should differ from any existing network names within the network area.

4. While making the connections, one should also take care of the security issues. A security breach can be harmful for any kind of confidential or classified data within the network. For the purpose of security, one should configure WEP (wired equivalent privacy) and WPA (Wi-Fi protected access) encryption schemes.

WPA provides a stronger data encryption algorithm than WEP; however, both provide security against snoopers and hackers. WEP or WPA protects the wireless network from deliberate or accidental intrusion by any non-authorized user.

5. Next step is to set the administrative password, which restricts the authorized privileges to an administrator or network technician for security purpose. Save the settings of the router and unplug it from the computer.

6. Connect all the computers or laptops to the network. Most of the modern computers and laptops can automatically detect existing wireless networks. Install its adapter by plugging it into a Universal Serial Bus (USB) slot.

7. After all the connections have been made, check if the devices show correct lights. Generally, the network cards show a green light, and the WLAN light is turned on at all times, even if no device is connected to it. In case any problem occurs, refer to the user manual again, or contact network technician.

For proper setup, it is important to get the best hardware and software one can afford. One can also share devices like printers, scanners, etc., with the help of wireless network. It is also important to make note of the IP addresses, names assigned to the network and hosts, and MAC addresses, in order to avoid problems at the time of troubleshooting.

For optimum performance, it is good to use hardware and software that follow a single standard. A wireless router following 802.11g will not be giving expected bandwidth if the host uses a 802.11b based network adapter.