Set up a Home Wireless Network

Wireless networks have increased more than ever, and has become widespread not only in the business district but also in the residential areas. The flexibility and mobility of wireless internet at home allows one broad subscription to be shared with every member of the family, anywhere they maybe inside the house without any tangle of cable to struggle with. This article will guide you through setting up your own wireless network with all the necessary information to help you along.

What is required to set up a Home Wireless Internet?

Before you start to set-up a wireless network you need to secure 3 things.

  1. Broadband internet connection
  2. Wireless router
  3. Wireless internet enabled computer or wireless network adapter.

Wireless router - A router basically broadcasts your broadband internet connection wirelessly to your home. It converts signal from your broadband connection in a manner that it could be detected by your wireless network enabled computer. Be sure to buy a router instead of a wireless access point, so that you can share the broadband connection between multiple networks.

Wireless network adapter - To be able to detect and use the wireless network, you need wireless network adapter. New models of laptops usually have wireless network adapter built in, but be sure that your portable computer have wireless capabilities before you proceed. If your computer is not equipped, you need to buy and install a network adapter.

What are the types of broadband connection that come into the home?

Broadband provides higher data rates than dial-up networks; it allows more data to be carried through the transmission medium. It has high quality internet services, and it is constantly ON; there is no need to set up these connections more than once. There are several broadband technologies as listed below.

Type of Connection Transmission Medium Speed
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Copper Telephone Lines 100Kbps to 1Mbps
Cable Internet Cable TV Coaxial Cable 1.5Mbps+
Fiber Optics Light through Glass Fibers 10Mbps to 100Mbps
Wireless Air (From WiFi, WiMax, etc..) 54Mbps
Satellite Air (From Satellite) 500Kbps to 80Kbps
Broadband over Power Line Power line 500Kbps to 3Mbps

Noticeable variation of speed results from the diversity of the transmission medium that is being used. As a subscriber, most likely, your options would depend on the area where you live. Not all broadband technologies are available in all areas, especially when you live in a rural area. Other factors that would affect you choices may be the diversity in packaged services and price.

What are the types of WiFi routers? How fast can WiFi go?

Many types of routers, manufactured by different makes, are out in the market. Despite the difference in user interface, one good parameter to look into is the WiFi protocol that the router is based on. Devices named as Wireless G routers or Wireless N routers are based on WiFi protocol IEEE802.11g and IEEE802.11n respectively. The table below illustrates the speed and other useful information about different types of routers.

Router Protocol Data Rate Notes
Typical Max
B 11Mbps 6.5Mbps
  • The first popular standard
  • Operates at same frequency with some home equipments, thus may cause interference
A 54Mbps 25Mbps
  • Outdated
  • Higher cost, suited to business uses
  • Supports larger number of simultaneous users
G 54Mbps 25Mbps
  • Backwards Compatible
  • Widely used in laptops
  • Operates at same frequency with some home equipments, thus may cause interference
N 540Mbps 200Mpbs
  • Backwards Compatible
  • Recently standardized
  • Operates at same frequency with some home equipments, thus may cause interference

How do you set-up a wireless router?

Setting-up a home wireless internet is now easier than it have been before. Nowadays, plug and play services come in handy in establishing a connection between the router and a computer. If you are using an older operating system however, there is a need to configure the device before you can use it.

  1. Gather materials - The first thing you should do is to make sure that you have the 3 things listed above. Take into consideration the types of WiFi protocols, and base you decision upon the specifications given and its compatibility with your computer.
  2. Connect Wireless Router - Once all the equipments are ready, connect the router in between the computer and the modem. The router manufacturer should give you a comprehensive diagram which will easily guide you to the connection of the router. It involves only 2 sets of cables, and is very easy to do.
  3. Configure/Install Hardware- If you are using a new version of operating system, installing the hardware should be an easy step-by-step manner in which you would just be asked question and the program will do it all for you. If the wizard doesn't automatically play try doing the next steps.

Open Set up a Wireless Router or Access Point

  1. Click the Start button Picture of the Start button
  2. Go to Control Panel
  3. Go to Network and Internet
  4. Go to Network and Sharing Center
  5. Go to Set up a connection or network in the left pane
  6. Go to Set up a wireless router or access point.

Again, the wizard will walk you through the process, and it should be a hassle free thing to do. However, if your operating system does not support plug and play or Window Connect Now you would need to manually configure your router.

Is WiFi secure?

No. Shared networks, wired or wireless, are susceptible to eavesdropping and exposed to malicious users. Although extra levels of security for the wireless networks have been constantly developed, and to some extent protects users' information, it is still wise to put up extra security protection in setting up a wireless network. Whenever appropriate and practical, try to acquire additional security methods and procedures. Whenever using confidential information such as financial or health insurance accounts, be sure to use SSL encryption or other techniques in order to protect things important to you.