When it comes to setting up a network that supplies your home with internet access, you essentially have two options – connect your computers with a gang of wires and cables, or step into the 21st century and go wireless with Wifi. Unless you have a twisted infatuation for getting tangled up in30 feetof cord, you probably agree that wireless is the more practical option.
The popularity of home Wifi networks has spanned beyond the business world to become common in most homes. Advantages such as mobility, flexibility and convenience make it possible for everyone in the family to enjoy internet access from a single subscription.
How to Set Up a Home Wifi Network – the Ultimate Guide
Image via Wikipedia
Gather the Ingredients
There are three key ingredients you need to set up wifi at home.
1. Computer systems with full support for wireless networking.
2. High-speed internet connection.
3. Wireless router, broadband cable modem, or DSL modem with built-in support for wireless networking.
With these ingredients, setting up Wifi is a simple four-step process.
1. Check Internet Connection
First thing’s first – you’re going to need a working internet connection to begin with. Make sure you are getting access through your router or modem before moving forward.
2. Connect Wireless Access Point
When connecting a router or modem, you are essentially establishing the wireless access point that allows all home computers to feed off your Wifi network. The actual steps you take here will depend on:
- If you have a modem router
- If you have your computer connected to your modem
- If you have your computer connect to a router
Either way, what you’re basically doing is plugging the main network cable in your home into the WAN, WLAN, or Internet port on your router.
3. Configure Your Wireless Access Point
Configuring your router or modem is a process to be completed on the computer you are using to set up your home Wifi network. The actual steps will depend on the type of hardware, but you are basically identifying your SSID (the name of your network), and securing it with a passcode.
It is recommended to always change the default SSID your ISP supplied and give Wifi networks a unique name that make them easy to identify.
The most important part of this step is securing your network. Wifi Protected Access or WPA, is the most common wireless security protocol. WPA uses encryption to create a security key that prevents unauthorized parties from leaching onto your connection and accessing files. The version of WPA you need will depend on your operating system.
4. Connect Your Devices
The last step simply involves connecting devices to your Wifi. Feel free to connect your computers, printers, or peripherals such as a smartphone, gaming console, or tablet device. Many of the newer devices come with built-in wireless support, but if your hardware doesn’t, you can typically connect them physically via USB, and by installing the supporting software from the discs that accompany the devices.
