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6 Simple Steps To Setting Up A Wireless Home Network.

There are many scenarios for how you may want to set up your network but for this example we will be looking at the following:

The current setup consists of two desktop PC computers, two printers and internet access via a broadband Cable modem (primary desktop only). We would like to setup a wireless network that will include a new PC laptop and that will allow shared access to printers, files and High Speed Internet service. All computers are running Windows XP.

New equipment that we will purchase includes a wireless router (connected directly to the primary desktop via Ethernet cable), a wireless PCI card and antenna (for the second desktop), and a wireless PC card (for the laptop). While in general most Wi-Fi gear is compatible we will be purchasing ALL EQUIPMENT from one manufacturer in order to maximize signal range and ensure true compatibility.

Step 1. Connecting the Wireless Router - First make sure that all devices are powered down including the PC, cable modem and the wireless router. Using an Ethernet cable connect the LAN or Ethernet port of the Cable modem to the router's WAN port.

Use a second Ethernet cable and connect it to your PC's Ethernet adapter.

Connect the other end of the cable to one of the router's 4 Ethernet ports. For simplicity select port 1. Next, plug in the power adapter to the router's power port then connect the power adapter to an electrical outlet. Now turn on the cable modem and start up your PC to begin configuring the router.

Step 2. Configuring the Router - This will allow the router to function in your network and gain access to the Internet via your Internet Service Provider. Start by opening your web browser and in the address bar type in the manufacturer's default IP address (ex. http://192.168.1.1) for your specific router model. Refer to your router's quick-start guide for correct value. Then press Enter.

Once you login you will see the router's setup screen. If there is a setup wizard it will guide you step by step through the process. Otherwise, you will need to configure certain values for your wireless network to be completed. Again, refer to the router's quick-start guide for specific value settings. Additionally, you should turn on your router's WEP or WPA security functions along with changing the default SSID (or ESSID) name and Admin password since hackers know many of these and can use them to log into your network.

Step 3. Install the Wireless PCI card and antenna into the second desktop - With the PC shut down remove the cover and locate an available PCI slot. Remove the corresponding slot plate from the back of the PC and carefully slid the card through the open slot. Insert the card into the open PCI slot and secure it into place. Replace the cover and power up the PC. It should recognize and enable the new hardware. If necessary run the setup utility that's on the CD included with the network card.

Once the card has been enabled go to the Control Panel, select Network, select Wireless Networking connection. Click on Properties. Click on the Wireless Networking tab. Select the wireless network name we just setup. Click on Configure and adjust your security setting to match those on your wireless router.

Step 4. Install the Wireless PC card into the laptop - Many laptops now come with built-in wireless cards however if yours does not follow these simple instructions.

Turn off your laptop and plug your wireless PC Card into an available PCMCIA slot on the side of the laptop. Turn the laptop back on and it should now recognize and enable the new hardware. Refer to the card manufacturer's quick start guide and if necessary run the setup utility that's on the cards Installation CD.

Once the card has been enabled go to the Control Panel, select Network, select Wireless Networking connection. Click on Properties. Click on the Wireless Networking tab. Select the wireless network name we setup previously. Click on Configure and adjust your security setting to match those on your wireless router.

Step 5. Setup printer sharing - On the primary desktop (desktop1), click on the Start button and go to the Control Panel, select Printers and Faxes, and right click on the printer you would like to share and select Sharing. Select Share this Printer. Setup is complete.

Repeat the process for the second desktop to share it's printer.

Now that both printers are on the network you can add them to all three computers. From the laptop go to the Control Panel, select Printers and Faxes, and click on Add a Printer. The "Add Printer Wizard" screen will appear. Click on Next and then select the option to add a network printer. Click Next. Select Browse for a printer. Once your system has found the new printers select one and click OK. The printer should now be ready to accept print jobs. Repeat process to add the second printer. Once setup is complete do the same for the two desktops to ensure that all three computers have access to both printers.

Step 6. Setup file sharing - File sharing can be risky since you are opening up your files for others to access. If you have not already done so you should turn on the wireless security feature for your network before attempting to share files.

On the computer that you want to share files on right click on the folder that you would like to share. Select Sharing and Security. Check Share this folder. Next click on Permissions. You will see a user called Everyone. Assign the rights you would like to give all users on your network. If you want to be able to accept files while sharing them, allow Change and Read access. However, if you want to restrict access to read only then deny Change access and allow only read access.

From the laptop, go to My Computer. Double-click on the network neighborhood and then double-click on the workgroup and you will see the names of the three systems on the network. Find the name of the primary desktop computer. The shared folder should be under that icon. Now you can use that folder same as you would any other folder on your computer. Repeat the procedure from the other desktop (desktop 2) to access the shared folder from there.

Completed Wireless Network Layout

Internet Access - Once your wireless card/antenna is turned on Windows XP will auto detect all available wireless networks. You can then select a network and connect by right clicking on the Network Connection icon, located in the systray and selecting View Available Wireless Networks.

Once the Connect to Wireless Network screen appears select your new wireless network from the Available Networks field. If you have opted to use a security function such as a WEP Key then you would need to enter the key number into to Network Key field. Then click Connect.

A notification message will now appear above the systray indicating that your wireless adapter is connected to your network. You now have access to both the web and the other computers on your network. Repeat at each computer.