Today’s world is truly technologically advanced. We expect things like the internet to be readily available, high speed, and most times, wireless. Almost any device we might carry today would have Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), ready in a few seconds notice. With everyone familiar enough with using these services, how many actually know how to install it? Of those people, how many could set up a wireless network without the specialized bundled software that walks you through the process? I will explain not only how to set Wi-Fi up in your home, but the importance of securing your new gateway to the rest of the world.
You might be wondering what to buy, and where to buy it. First, you would have to already have had high-speed internet installed. This means having a cable modem or DSL (Digital Subscriber Line). The device which will allow you to be wireless is called a gateway, or router. This is what we will be configuring and installing. You can pick one up at almost any electronics store. There really is only one difference between models and that is the speed at which information can be moved through it. The general speed of the router is labeled by a letter standard. Wireless B, G, and N are the most common; where N would be the fastest, and B is the slowest. Other advantages to N are its ability to move around obstructions and broadcast further. To take advantage of your computers’ wireless internet capability, you should get a router that supports the fastest connection possible.
You have selected your router, and are now ready to setup. First, take the existing Ethernet cable that connects your modem and your computer together, and disconnect it from the modem’s side. Then connect it to one of the four open ports on the router that are grouped together. Using the Ethernet cable supplied with router; plug one end into the modem where you had previously taken out the cable. The other end you will insert into your router’s WAN (Wide Area...