How to setup the best wireless router?
Once you have purchased the best wireless router to suit your requirements and budget, the next step would be to set up the router properly. It is not a difficult procedure. In fact, with a little technical know-how, anybody can set up a wireless network without much hassle. The following are the steps you will need to follow in order to set up a wireless network.
- Get proper equipment - Check the computers and laptops that you wish to connect to the network. Older computers may need external wireless network adapters. Make sure you have one adapter for each PC or laptop on your network. Also, buy wireless network adapters manufactured by the same company that made your wireless router, to minimize occurrence of compatibility issues.
- Connect your router - Turn off your Cable/DSL modem by unplugging it. Then, connect your wireless router to your modem. Make sure that the cable that your modem uses to connect to the Internet is left untouched. If you presently have your computer(s) connected to a router or a modem then unplug the end of the network cable that connects to the computer. Plug this end into the wireless router, in the port labeled Internet, WAN, or WLAN (depending on the manufacturer).
- Turn on your router - Plug in your modem and turn it on. Wait for it to connect to the Internet. Then, plug in and turn on your wireless router. A little while later, the Internet, WAN, or WLAN (depending on the manufacturer) light on your wireless router should light up, indicating that it is communicating successfully with your modem.
- Configure your router - Temporarily connect your computer/laptop with the wireless router using the cable that came bundled with your router. Now turn on your computer. If you are using Windows XP with Service Pack 2, the computer/laptop should automatically recognize the wireless router. Type in the address and password given in the router manual in the router configuration page. You should configure 3 settings in the router configuration page. These include your network name (termed SSID), "Wireless encryption (WEP) or Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)" (this is a pass phrase that the router will use to supply you with a number of encrypted key-codes), and your administrative password (use something that is hard to guess). You do not need to remember the pass phrase, but do remember the administrative password. You'll need it if you ever want to change your router's configuration settings. Make sure you click "Save", "Apply" or "OK" after configuring each setting. Once done, disconnect the network cable from your computer / laptop.
- Connect your PC / laptop - If you use Windows XP with Service Pack 2, you already have wireless network support built in. Simply plug in the USB adapter in a USB port and place the antenna on top of the CPU or monitor (in case of PC), or insert the network adapter into an empty PC card slot (in case of laptop). Windows XP will recognize the new device and prompt you to insert the driver CD (if necessary) into the drive. Install the driver by following the on screen instructions). Now, Windows XP should show an icon of your wireless network on the taskbar. Right click the icon and click "View Available Wireless Networks". In the window that pops up, choose your network and click "Connect". When asked, type in the encryption key that the router gave you earlier. Click "Connect".
That's it. You're done. Now you can enjoy complete freedom of movement within the range of the router with your laptop, and also keep the room cleaner by eliminating the need for network connection cables. Also, if you ever get stuck during the installation process, consult the manual or call the help desk of the router manufacturer. That should take care of all of your problems.
