A wireless router also gives you the option of connecting with cable.
Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images
Using a wireless connection to the Internet cuts down on tangled wires and is especially useful for portable devices such as laptops. Many manufacturers now produce modems with built-in wireless capability; however, if you are using a non-wireless broadband modem, you can still enjoy Wi-Fi Internet access by installing a wireless router.
Step 1
Turn off the modem by unplugging its power cord. Connect the wireless router to the modem using an Ethernet cable. Plug one end of the cable into any available Ethernet port on the back of the modem, and plug the other end of the cable into the Ethernet port on the router labeled "Internet."
Step 2
Turn on the devices by connecting their power cords, starting with the modem. When the devices have been powered up, you will see blinking LED lights on the fronts of the devices. These will usually blink off and on until the connection has been established. This may take a few seconds or up to a minute or more.
Step 3
Insert the set-up CD that came with your router into your computer, or follow the directions in the manual to set up a user ID and password for your wireless network.
Step 4
Enable the wireless receiver on your computer or other device. For most laptops, you can press the function button (Fn) and F2 together to activate reception. Click the "Connect to" button from your computer's start menu and select the network you've just set up. Enter the password to connect to the Internet.
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privacy & security protectedReferences
- Microsoft At Home: 5 Steps: How To Set Up Your Home Wireless Network
Photo Credits
- Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images
