How to Set Up Wireless Internet

Level of difficulty: Intermediate

A wireless Internet or Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a networking technology that uses radio for communication and can cover a small area or even a few square miles by convergence of multiple access points sometimes known as a hotspot. The use of Wi-Fi or wireless Internet has many advantages like creating an easy Internet access for computers without space and wiring considerations. The only disadvantage of a wireless Internet connection or Wi-Fi is the access of unauthorized devices to the wireless network. Nevertheless, a number of upgrades or installation of security passwords easily solves this.

Materials Needed:
- Wi-Fi Device
- Wireless Router
- Internet Connection through a Modem
Step 1
Understand a wireless Internet or Wi-Fi connection. This connection works by connecting the wireless network ready or Wi-Fi ready equipment such as laptops, PDAs, or computers to a wireless router and the router to an Internet modem. A router is a type of equipment used to route or direct information towards and from clients and server or in this case, the laptop or computer to your modem. An Internet modem connects a network (wired or wireless) of computers to the Internet.
Step 2
Make sure that an Internet connection is available. Check Internet access, settings and the connection to your modem. Consult the documentation that accompanies the modem.
Step 3
Connect the wireless router to the modem. A wide selection of diverse brands and models of routers are available and may have differing methods of connecting to a modem. Normally, a cable will be required to connect the modem to the wireless router through a port, labeled Internet, WAN or WLAN.
Step 4
Configure the wireless router by following the User’s Manual. Plug the router into one of the computers to configure it. Temporarily use a modem cable to connect the router to the computer. Three things will be needed to be configured: a) the wireless network name also known as SSID, b) the wireless encryption (WEP) or Wi-Fi protected Access (WPA) or password of the wireless network and c) the administrative password that will be used to adjust and secure the network and router settings. Save the settings and unplug the router from the computer.
Step 5
Connect your computers to the wireless network and Internet. New computer and laptop models have a built-in wireless network support and would automatically detect an existing wireless network. If no built-in wireless network support is included, plug the wireless network adapter into the computer’s USB port and place the antenna on top of the computer or insert the network adapter into an empty PC card slot for laptops. Microsoft Windows XP can automatically detect a new adapter. A prompt may appear requiring an installation CD for the adapter. Follow the steps to configure the computer for wireless network and Internet.