How To Create a Wireless Network At Home

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Anyone can set up their own wireless network. All you need is a little know-how.

To complete this How-To you will need:

A computer with wireless capability
A high-speed modem, like a DSL or cable modem
A wireless router
A broadband internet connection

Step 1: Confirm that your computer is wireless

Make sure your computer is configured to go wireless. If it doesn't have a wireless network card already installed, you'll need to buy one.

Step 2: Install a broadband connection

If you don't already have one, get a broadband internet connection, along with a high-speed modem (like a DSL or cable modem). Your internet service provider will probably supply the modem. This is how you access the internet.

Step 3: Buy a wireless router

Buy a wireless router, which allows you to share your modem's connection to the internet over radio waves. A new router will likely broadcast on the latest, fastest standard, but if your computer or wireless card is older, make sure it's compatible with your router.

Step 4: Turn off all hardware

Turn off all your hardware, including your computer, modem, and router.

Step 5: Connect your wireless router to the modem

Connect your modem to your wireless router according to your router's directions. Most likely you'll simply remove the cable originally connecting your modem to your computer and connect it to the port on the back of your router labeled "internet," "WAN," or "WLAN."

Step 6: Make a temporary connection

Take the network cable included with your modem and connect your computer to one of the open slots on the back of the router. This will be only a temporary connection.

Step 7: Power up

Turn on your modem and let it boot up. Then plug in your router's power supply. Finally, turn on your computer.

Step 8: Find configuration address

Open your web browser. Enter the internet address needed to configure the router, which should be included in your router's instructions. Once you've entered the address, enter the password, if any, listed in the manual. You should now see a configuration menu.

Tip: When you're done setting up the router, change the default administrator password needed to access the configuration menu.

Step 9: Change the SSID

Change your network's default SSID, which is the name you choose to call your network. It can be anything you want, though for security reasons you might not want to pick anything that locates you exactly, like your street address or apartment number, because the name often can be seen by people within range.

Tip: To make your network more secure, disable the feature called SSID broadcasting. Now your network name won't be as readily visible to people in your area.

Step 10: Configure your security settings

Configure your security settings, which will include choosing between two kinds of protection, WEP or WPA access. You'll need to set a password that will be required to access the network. Choose one that's a mix of numbers and upper- and lowercase letters.

Tip: WPA is more secure, so choose it if it's compatible with your system.

Step 11: Save your settings

Your network is now basically secure. Save your settings. If you wish to increase your security later, consult your router's instructions on how to turn on something called MAC address filtering, which restricts which actual computers can get on your network.

Step 12: Connect wirelessly

It's time to go wireless—disconnect your computer from the router. Open the wireless network connection menu on your computer. Enter the SSID and password you chose to connect to your network.

Step 13: Connect other computers

Bingo! Now you can surf in style. Connect any other computers you want to the network. If you're experiencing trouble, consult your router's manual for troubleshooting tips.

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Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

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• essential
• home
• how-to
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[ale12396]

that computer is a macbook pro! i'm 100% sure!

[brooklypark]

i had Vista for 2 years too.. till my IPv6 fucked me over.. but thank goodness i have WINDOWS 7 Pro.!

[IcePrincess619]

Hahaa the puppet on the phone

[dineshhome7]

that was nice ..easy to understand nice video !!

[TheNiko4545]

Aren't you the maker of the Portal 2 videos too?

[2theothers2]

Can someone help? I can create a wifi network fine, but when I connect with my ipod touch the internet won't work, which is weird because it shows up as a wifi and I know the password! I don't know if this matters, but I have a cricket usb modem, so.... what gives?

[tonytonytee]

someone should have their ass beat for this video..

[sotamies99]

thumbs up if my solution worked no adapters or anything shit in that video simple stuff lol for video makers it sucks XD

[sotamies99]

easer way for windows 7 users!!! 1 goto control panel and large icons 2 goto network and sharing center 3 select set up a new connection or network 4 scroll down when you see adhoc connection click it 5 read insructions on screen!! 6 click next put your connection name:example my wifi for this u need wifi card any model cheap or expensive 7 then select up security type if u want 8 save this network click it 9 press next and then click share internet connection 10 go another computer and find it

[MatexDeLuxe]

@CodeRedStorm Yes it is.