Create a Wireless Network

Computer networking is a great way to collaborate with other computer users in your home or office. While it is becoming increasingly easy for the basic computer user, it can still be a difficult, frustrating experience for many people.

Steps

Setting Up the Network

  1. Get a router. To create wireless network you need a wireless router or wireless access point.
    • If you have broadband connection with DSL modem simply connect the WAN port of new wireless router to the LAN port of wireless router.
    • To configure new wireless router connect the network cable with your PC and new wireless router.
  2. Open the web browser in the PC and type the default IP address of the router. Usually it is 192.168.0.1. However, each router's companies IP addresses differ, so look at your owners manual for complete specifications. Enter the user name and password (default user name is “admin” and default password is also “admin”).
  3. Configure the WAN port. Go to WAN Settings and chose the DHCP mode.
  4. Go to LAN Settings and change IP address of the router. Do this if you have same IP address with DSL modem. For example, if your DSL modem IP address is 192.168.0.1, change the wireless router IP address to 192.168.1.1 and give the default subnet mask 255.255.255.0.
  5. Configure the DHCP server of the wireless router. Give IP addresses a start range and an end range.
  6. Configure wireless SSID. Change the default primary SSID and broadcast SSID to secure the wireless router. Choose the security mode and WPA algorithm, and enter the key to the router.
  7. Change the security mode to Mixed WPA/WPA2-PSK. Change the WPA Algorithms settings to TKIP&AES. You can also configure the wireless key.
    • Secure your wireless network by following the security recommendations from the instructions while setting up your router.  You may choose to leave your wireless network unsecure, but then people may be able to see the information you're transmitting or even access your network without your knowledge.
  8. Use the SSID you created during the router setup and password to join your wireless devices to the network.  If you left the network unsecure, you won't need a password.

Detecting your Wireless Adapter

  1. Note the manufacturer and model of your wireless adapter.
  2. Plug it into your PC.
  3. Find the drivers. If your operating system does not recognise the wireless adapter, get drivers from any discs that came with the adapter. Or, failing that, download them from the Internet.
  4. Install the drivers. In Windows XP, either right click on the .inf file and click install, or enter Device Manager and Update Drivers on the Unknown Device.
    • Once Windows XP recognizes your wireless device it should appear in Network Connections and offer you a choice of routers to connect to within range.

Connecting to a Network

  1. Choose your router (usually the manufacturer name aka SSID), the security method and enter the passkey in order to connect to it. Use Auto DHCP, unless otherwise instructed.
  2. This should find the wireless router (click refresh until it does) and connect to the network through the new router.
    • Use all your wireless devices to make them communicate with each other on your new wireless network.  For example, if you have a PlayStation and want to stream your music to it using DLNA, you can as long as you have a Wireless Network setup using the above steps. Test it out and have fun!



Tips

  • In Windows XP or Vista, go to Start > Control Panel > Network Connections (click "Switch to Classic View" if you cannot see the Network Connections icon) > right click on your Local Area Connection ethernet adapter > Properties > check File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks > Click "OK"
  • A passkey is not the same as a HEX key
  • Sharing files (or ensuring that your computers are really networked) and/or a printer in Windows XP, requires Print and File Sharing enabled on all computers.
  • Check to be sure your wireless function key on your keyboard is enabled.
  • In Mac OS X, click on the Apple menu on the Menu Bar and click on "System Preferences...". Then, click on "Sharing". Then you may select which service that you want to be shared on your wireless network. For further support, click on the Apple Support Page link for sharing on your wireless network. Apple Sharing Support
  • Buying a router with USB ports sometimes adds network share drive storage space.
  • Disconnecting your router from the Internet should not stop your wireless devices from communicating with each other.

Warnings

  • Remember to set up your security settings to prevent unauthorized access to your network. WPA encryption is much more secure than WEP.
  • You rarely, if ever, need to use the manufacturer supplied software to access a wireless network. All modern operating systems are capable of this by default.
  • Turning on your equipment in the wrong order could cause your new setup to not work! Be sure to power on each item in order. It really does matter. Generally it's the modem then the router and not the reverse order.
  • Also remember to change the default passwords and usernames on your wireless router. Many war drivers will travel around finding hotspots and then trying the default codes for that type of access point. This could result in you getting locked out of your own router and having to manually reset your network.

Things You'll Need

  • Wireless adapter/modem/receiver (internal or external)
  • Wireless access point/router/transmitter/hub/switch (always external) only necessary if you need to do more than communicate between two PCs in your house.
  • A way to write down your passwords

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

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