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