Setting Up Your Wireless Network

This step by step tutorial assumes that you already have a broadband or high-speed internet connection from an internet service provider, commonly referred to as an “ISP". Many internet service providers will furnish a wireless router, either for free or with an additional charge, and these routers usually come with their own instructions for set up. Almost all cable internet service providers will provide a modem that you will plug into a phone jack and then directly connect to your laptop or desktop computer via a cable (instructions for setting up the modem are not provided in this tutorial), but if you want a wireless network you may have to purchase your own wireless router or purchase one from them separately. Either way, if you would like to get your own wireless router and set it up on your own, check out these handy steps:

• Make sure your devices are compatible – Setting up a new wireless network without making sure your stuff is wireless-ready is like buying an awesome new cereal without checking that you have milk at home. Avoid disappointment by checking your computer and device specs to make sure they are wireless-ready. Most laptops and many desktops from the last few years come equipped with wireless ability right out of the box, but it’s always best to check if you have an older, refurbished, or custom made machine.

• Buy a wireless router – There are a million options on the shelves, and they seem to change daily. With that in mind, instead of giving you specific recommendations here, I’m referring you to Cnet’s excellent, constantly updated guide to the best wireless routers on the market. Check through the reviews to find the router that best meets your needs and budget. Then buy it.

• Unbox and read over the quick start guide – Okay, now you’ve got your nifty new router and you’re ready to start get started. Open the box and unpack all the equipment, keeping an eye out for the quick start guide (Note: your router may not include one of these, if so I apologize for getting your hopes up). Take a minute to read it over, as it will give you an outline of the process of setting up your new network with specific details.

• Plug it in – This step sometimes varies, but the first step is usually to plug the router into the cable modem using a provided network cable (these cables are often blue or yellow). The port on the router that you should use is normally labeled “Internet”. Next, using a second network cable, connect the router to your computer. This cable will not be necessary later, but to get the router configured, it needs to be plugged in directly. Note: make sure you aren’t connecting to a port labeled “WAN” or “Internet” for the second cable. Once you have connected both of these cables, you should go ahead and plug the router’s power cable into the wall. At this point you should be prepared to wait a few minutes- it may take a little while for everything to get properly connected.

• Get into the configuration panel – It is usually necessary to customize some settings on the router, and that can only be done in “wired” mode. This is where it gets a little geeky. This is typically done by visiting a special URL in your browser and interacting with a configuration program. For this step, you’ll need to reference your router’s instruction manual. Don’t worry, this is usually rather painless. I’ll wait while you figure it out. Once you’re in, move to the next step.

• Name your new network – You wouldn’t name your newborn child “baby,” would you? Of course not! Take some time and come up with a network name that really expresses you. Bonus points if you make it a passive-aggressive message to shame your no-good neighbors.

• Set up a password – Remember how easy it was to connect to your new network? It’s that easy for anyone near your home to do just the same. While most wireless routers will work just fine without any sort of password, it will leave your network vulnerable to all sorts of rogues (and no one likes rogues). Again, you’ll have to check your instructions for specifics.

• Consider more comprehensive security measures – A password is a good place to start when it comes to protecting your network, but there are all sorts of ways to improve your security. These could range from hiding your network from anyone that does not know it exists to elaborate digital moats complete with digital dragons. … Ok, kidding about that last part.

• Enjoy the future – Once you’ve configured all your settings, you should be able to go to the list of available wireless networks, find your network, and enter the password. Finally, open up a web browser and load up your favorite website (I’m assuming this is WhiteFence) to make sure everything is working. You now have the power to check Facebook from the bathroom—congratulations!