What you’ll need to set up your wireless network
1.A broadband (DSL or cable) Internet connection
To set up a wireless network, you need a broadband or high-speed Internet connection (not a dial-up connection) provided by an Internet service provider (ISP),you will usually be charged for a monthly fee. Two of the numerous broadband technologies are Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and cable technology. These require a DSL modem or a cable modem. After you have an ISP and a modem, you're ready to connect to the Internet.2.A wireless router, a DSL modem, or a cable modem with built-in wireless networking support
The router converts the signals coming across your Internet connection into a wireless broadcast, sort of like a cordless phone base station. If the modem router you received or purchased from your ISP already has wireless capability built in, you do not need to purchase a separate wireless router. Just follow the instructions provided by your ISP for activating your wireless connection.
3.An operating system that supports wireless networking
The Windows 7 operating system fully supports wireless networking.
4.A computer with built-in wireless networking support or a wireless network adapter
If you have a newer computer, you may already have built-in wireless capabilities,then you don’t need a wireless network adapter.If your desktop or laptop computer does not have built-in wireless support, you need to purchase a network adapter to wirelessly connect your computer to your wireless router. If you need an adapter for a desktop computer,you will need to buy a USB wireless network adapter. If you have a laptop,then purchase a PC card-based network adapter. Ensure that you have one adapter for every computer on your network.
5.A copy of your router setup instructions
Before you begin setting up your wireless network, it’s always advisable to make sure that you have the copy of the setup instructions provided by the router manufacturer or your ISP. If you do not have a copy, visit the manufacturer’s website for get instructions on how to set up your router. All routers vary, and you may need to consult the instructions to set up your wireless network using your specific router.
AFTER YOU HAVE EVERYTHING NEEDED TAKE THE FOLLOWING STEP
1. Connect to the Internet
Make sure that your Internet connection and your DSL or cable modem are working. Your wireless network depends on this connection.2. Connect your wireless router
These are the steps for connecting a stand-alone wireless router to your DSL modem or cable modem. If you have a modem router, follow your ISP’s instructions for connecting your network.Since you'll be temporarily disconnected from the Internet, print these instructions before you go any further.
First, locate your cable modem or DSL modem and unplug it to turn it off.
Next, connect your wireless router to your modem. Your modem should stay connected directly to the Internet. Later, after you've hooked everything up, your computer will wirelessly connect to your router, and the router will send communications through your modem to the Internet.
Next, connect your router to your modem:
3. Configure your wireless router
Using the network cable that came with your wireless router, you should temporarily connect your computer to one of the open network ports on your wireless router (any port that isn't labeled Internet, WAN, or WLAN). If you need to, turn your computer on. It should automatically connect to your router.
Next, open Internet Explorer and type in the URL or address to configure your router
There may be multiple website addresses you can use.
Router | Address | Username | Password |
---|---|---|---|
3Com | http://192.168.1.1 | admin | admin |
D-Link | http://192.168.0.1 | admin | admin |
Linksys | http://192.168.1.1 | admin | admin |
Microsoft Broadband | http://192.168.2.1 | admin | admin |
Netgear | http://192.168.0.1 | admin | password |
Actiontec | http://192.168.0.1 | username | password |
NOTE: Do this on the computer that you are using to set up your wireless network. The computer automatically links you to the router’s page. If you type the router’s URL on a different computer, typing the address in the navigation bar will not take you to your router’s configuration page.
On the router configuration page, you might be prompted for a password. The address and password you use varies depending on what type of router you have, so refer to the instructions included with your router or on the manufacturer’s website.
For quick reference, this table shows the default addresses, user names, and passwords for some common router manufacturers. If the address is not listed here, you can read the documentation that came with your router or go to the manufacturer's webpage to find it.
The exact steps you follow to configure these settings will vary depending on the type of router you have. After each configuration setting, be sure to click Save Settings, Apply, or OK to save your changes.
Now, before connecting your computers and devices to the network, you should disconnect the wireless network cable from your computer.