Setting up a Wireless Network
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This is a general guide showing how to set up a wireless network. Equipment needed: Microfilters These plug into your phone socket and connect to the broadband router. Example of a microfilter
Broadband modem Depending on the mode of your broadband connection, you either need an ADSL modem or cable modem, which should be of good quality to support your wireless network. Example of a broadband modem
Wireless router A wireless router is an essential part of wireless network. It is connected to your modem and allows multiple computers to share an internet connection. Many of the new wireless routers also act as modems, which you will know when you read the user guide or manual supplied with your product. It also provides security features to networking. The basic function of wireless router is to send and receive wireless communication to the PC. Example of a wireless router
Wireless network adapter Wireless network adapters usually come with your PCs. If not, you have to buy them. They form an intermediary part between wireless routers and PC. In a wireless network, each computer should have a wireless network adapter. Example of a wireless laptop adapter
Steps in setting up a wireless network 1. Choose the wireless network standard There are three standard wireless networks available presently. They are 802.11b, 802.11a and 802.11g. Most home networks use 802.11b standard which is the least expensive of the three and can support up to 11 Mbps broadband connection. The 802.11a wireless network is a bit more expensive but offers faster communication. It is mostly employed in businesses. The latest 802.11g standard can support up to 54 Mbps broadband and is the most expensive of all network standards. 2. Buy compatible equipment for your wireless network Once you have chosen your network standard, you have to buy equipment like wireless routers and wireless adapters to match it. 3. Plug in the wireless adapter Wireless adapter can be added by inserting networking adapter into an empty slot in your PC. After that, configure your wireless adapter. When you start your OS like Windows XP, it will automatically detect the hardware you recently inserted, and begin to configure it. If needed, you have to use some installation CD given along with adapter. 4. Link your wireless router with modem Connect your wireless router with your modem. Now, when the modem is plugged into internet, the wireless router will get send and receive signals from internet. It will broadcast wireless signals to your PC. 5. Configure the wireless router Next your wireless router has to be configured. Wireless routers will have network ports and you have to connect the appropriate port to PC with a network cable. Start your internet browser program and configure your wireless router. Enable Wireless encryption (WEP) security feature which will protect your network from hackers. To get internet access through access point, just insert the PC card into it and you will become a part of wireless network. Securing your wireless network Network safety is a feature that makes your data communications more safe and reliable. Whether it is wired or wireless, a network sometimes can be prone to security risks. You will be surprised how many people allow their wireless network to be easily accessible to their neighbours or even passers-by. Password protect your network A Router which functions like a hardware firewall can prevent many attacks. Most routers will come with a weak password as default, so make sure you change it to something secure. Passwords like "password123" are easy to guess or hack into. Update your firewall Configure the firewall programs properly. Your ISP may offer you firewall programs free of cost. All you have to do is to configure it properly and run regular updates. Most firewalls are capable of stopping internet hackers or spyware. You can either update these manually or set up an automatic update. More tips on securing wireless networks can be found in the following sites: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/security/wireless.mspx http://www.practicallynetworked.com/support/wireless_secure.htm Wireless networks can be still safe, so do not be put off by the security issues. If you take some care in securing your network, wireless networks are not so unsafe as some people fear them to be. The newer Wireless networks come with Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption method which ensures that your data more safe. Remember, with the new equipment and security improvements, most security breaches happen due to people being lazy to pay attention to appropriate measures. Example of a wireless network set-up
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