Anyone can learn how to set up a wireless network at home. Some specifics vary, depending on your router and the computers you're using, but the process is very easy if you know the right steps.
Install Your Router
Before you touch anything in your existing configuration, read your router installation instructions. Some wireless routers require you to install software that reads your current network configuration before you add a router into the mix. Other routers are fine with being plugged in and running right away. Before you do anything with your network, read the installation instructions for your router, and then follow them to configure your network connection.
Check for Updates
Once you've got your network connection established, make sure you have updated your router's firmware and network adaptors for the devices on your network. Download the latest firmware for your router, and check for updates to network drivers on your computers. You may experience compatibility issues without the latest drivers and firmware, and new versions of this software often address security problems through system patches or enhanced features.
Change Default Settings
Overwriting the default settings on your router is the most critical rule in wireless networking. Don't leave the network name and password set to the default, or savvy Internet users can easily tap into your network. Change your network name and password to protect your network. Select security features and a wireless security protocol to ensure that other users in your neighborhood can't access your wireless network.
Configure Shared Devices Through a Wired Connection
If you're sharing any wired devices through your wireless network, such as a wired printer, configure them through the wired connection. If you want to use a wired network printer through a wireless router from a laptop in the other room, start by connecting your laptop to the network through a wired connection and configuring the printer. Do this with all the shared network devices. Once you've got all your devices set up on the network through your wired connection, you should be able to access them wirelessly as well.
Connect Your Wireless Devices and Enable Sharing
Once you've gotten everything set up through wired connections, it's safe to connect your wireless devices and enable any necessary file sharing. When you connect your wireless devices, make sure you use the proper key and wireless network security protocol to connect to your network. Otherwise, you may have trouble connecting.
From there, enable any file sharing that you want to utilize between devices. If you want to access files from your computer via your laptop on the wireless connection, you'll need to enable file sharing on your computer. This applies to any files you want to share on your network. Just because two devices are connected to a wireless network doesn't mean you can automatically access them wirelessly; you've got to enable these connections through your operating system or device controllers.
 | In order to set up a wireless home network, you really only need two things: a wireless access point (WAP) and a wireless-enabled computer. Sounds easy, and it is. |
 | Ever find yourself wondering how does wireless Internet work? The truth is that there are still a few wires hiding in the connection. |
Wireless networks are only as good as the antennas on your router and your wireless devices. Fortunately, it's simple to replace many types of antennas to get better network performance and range. |
Wireless network setup sometimes goes astray. When it does, utilize these troubleshooting tips to get your network up and running. |
Wireless networks consist of a few basic devices that give you the flexibility to share files and an Internet connection throughout your home without putting wires everywhere. |
