| 1. Essential Equipment | | | | Wireless networks require a network |
| | | | identification code called the Service Set |
| Right, let's move right along. The first | | | | Identifier (SSID). When connecting devices to |
| thing to do in setting up a wireless home | | | | the network, this is the name you use to |
| network is to get the correct equipment. | | | | specify which network you're connecting to. |
| These are the things you need:Wireless home | | | | Make sure you set up this parameter using the |
| networking kit | | | | router setup page or utility.4. Encrypt Your |
| | | | Wireless Network |
| This is your basic equipment for the | | | | |
| network. Typically, these home networking | | | | Remember an intruder can easily gain access |
| kits come with a firewalled wireless router | | | | to an unencrypted network without too much |
| (e.g. the immensely popular Linksys WRT54G). | | | | trouble. Wireless networks these days usually |
| Some also bundle a wireless PC card for | | | | use the WEP standard to set up encryption. To |
| connecting laptops to the network, or a | | | | configure this, go to your router setup page |
| wireless USB adapter for connecting desktop | | | | or utility and enter the WEP security key |
| PCs.Windows installation CDs | | | | (usually its a 128 bit hexdecimal text entry |
| | | | you need to key in).Note this WEP key down. |
| These are required sometimes during | | | | Now, go to each PC in your network. Open up |
| installation of drivers, so its handy to have | | | | the Control Panel -> Network Connections and |
| them around first.Ethernet cables | | | | select your wireless network connection. You |
| | | | need to enter the WEP key for the connection |
| These are required if you intend to mix | | | | - the manufacturer's should have instructions |
| wired PCs into a wireless network. For | | | | on how to do this.5. Sharing the Printer |
| example, you can connect an Ethernet cable | | | | |
| between the wireless router and a desktop | | | | If you intend to share a printer (say from |
| PC.2. Install the Wireless Router | | | | your desktop), then go to your desktop, go to |
| | | | Control Panel and select Printers. |
| Install the wireless router according to the | | | | Right-click your printer icon, and choose |
| manufacturer's instructions. Modern wireless | | | | Properties. If there's a Shared tab in the |
| home networking kits make this really easy. | | | | dialog box that appears, click the tab and |
| Just connect the wireless router to power | | | | make sure the share option is |
| supply, connect the wireless PC card to your | | | | selected.Conclusion |
| laptop, or USB adapter (or Ethernet cable) to | | | | |
| the desktop PC. Then insert the installation | | | | Guess what? That's it! Setting up a wireless |
| CD into one PC and start the software | | | | network is as simple as that. You can now |
| installation process.As part of the setup | | | | easily check email, share files, or print |
| process, you usually need to surf to a local | | | | documents from the comfort of your living |
| IP address, e.g. 192.168.0.1 to setup basic | | | | room, garage or front porch! So what are you |
| parameters for the router. Most of the | | | | waiting for? Get busy and set up that |
| options can be left as default, with the | | | | wireless network now!Gary Hendricks runs a |
| exception of SSID (Service Set Identifier) | | | | hobby site on building computers. Visit his |
| and encryption settings, which are explained | | | | website at for tips and tricks on assembling |
| below.3. Choose the Service Set Identifier | | | | a PC, as well as buying good computer |
| | | | components. |