SET UP A WIRELESS NETWORK

A network can be one computer connected to the Internet, or two or more computers connected to each other (and also to the Internet). In a wireless network, the computers are connected by radio signals instead of wires or cables. Advantages of wireless networks include mobility and no unsightly wires. Disadvantages can include a slower connection than a wired network and interference from other wireless devices, such as cordless phones.
A wireless network can make using your computer more relaxing by letting you take it anywhere in your house—to your couch, your bedroom, or even your backyard. With a wireless network, you don't have to go out of your way to use the Internet, because it's everywhere in your home. You also don't have to be tied to your office to take care of other computer-related tasks—with a wireless network, you're always connected. You can search the Web for 'reseed lawn' and then, while reclining in front of the TV, print out your garden center shopping list on the printer in your home office.
Adding a wireless network to your home is easier than you think. It requires four steps:
Choose your wireless equipment.
Connect your wireless router.
Configure your wireless router.
Connect your computers and devices.
CHOOSE YOUR WIRELESS EQUIPMENT
The first step to setting up a wireless network is to make sure you have the equipment you need. You'll need at least two network components: a wireless router and a wireless network adapter.
Wireless router converts the signals coming across your Internet connection into a wireless broadcast, sort of like a cordless phone base station. Be sure you get a wireless router and not a wireless access point.
Wireless network adapter. Connects your computer to your wireless router. If you have a newer portable computer, you might already have wireless capabilities built in. Make sure you have an adapter for every computer on your network.
You can also connect your digital video recorder (DVR) or media extender to your wireless network. If the device has a wired network connection, use a wireless game adapter for a single device or a wireless bridge to connect multiple devices. Wireless game adapters aren't just for games—they'll work with anything that has a wired network port.
Connect Your Wireless Router
Locate your cable modem or DSL modem, and unplug it from its port to turn it off.
If you connect your modem to the wall in a similar way that you connect your TV to your cable television outlet, you probably have a cable modem, and it probably has a coaxial cable connected to it (like the round black or white cable you plug into your TV).
If you connect your modem through the phone lines, you probably have a DSL modem, and it probably has a phone cable connected to it.
If you currently use a dial-up connection to connect to the Internet, set up your wireless network using ad hoc Internet sharing.
Connect your wireless router to your modem. Your modem should stay connected directly to the Internet. Later, after you've hooked everything up, your computer will wirelessly connect to your router, and the router will send communications through your modem to the Internet.
To connect your router to your modem:
If you currently have a computer connected directly to your modem: Unplug the network cable from the back of your computer, and plug it into the port labeled Internet, WAN, or WLAN on the back of your router.
If you don't currently have a computer connected to the Internet: Plug one end of a network cable (included with your router) into your modem, and the other end of the network cable into the Internet, WAN, or WLAN port on your wireless router.
Plug in your router. After a minute or two, the Internet, WAN, or WLAN light on your router should light up, indicating that it has successfully connected to your modem.
5. Configure Your Wireless Router
There are two ways to configure your wireless router: using Windows Connect now and manually.
If your router supports Windows Connect Now, you don't need to continue reading this article. You can configure your wireless router and Windows XP computers quickly and easily by following the instructions in Using Windows Connect Now technology
If you don't have a router that supports Windows Connect Now, you need to manually configure your router:
Using the network cable that came with your wireless router, temporarily connect your computer to one of the wired network ports on your wireless router (any port that isn’t labeled Internet, WAN, or WLAN).
Turn your computer on; it will automatically connect to your router.
3. Open Microsoft Internet Explorer and type in the address to configure your router, as described in your router's instruction manual.
4. Create a password if a prompt appears. The address and password you use will vary depending on what type of router you have, so refer to the instructions included with your router.
Tip: Write down your passwords on a piece of paper and store them in your home safe if you have one. If you don't have a home safe, store your passwords with your other important family documents. If you think of your passwords as important documents, you'll always know where to find them.
Now that you have configured your wireless router, named your wireless network, protected it, and assigned an administrative password, you are ready for the last step:
Disconnect the network cable from your computer—you'll be able to connect wirelessly from now on. Connect your computers and devices
If your computer does not have wireless network support built in, you can install a wired or a wireless network adapter. Windows will automatically detect the new adapter and might prompt you to insert the CD that came with it. The on-screen instructions will guide you through the configuration process.
To connect your computer to your wireless network
Right-click the wireless network icon in the lower right corner of your screen, and then clicks View Available Wireless Networks.
Note: If you run into problems, consult the documentation that came with your network adapter. Don't hesitate to call the manufacturer's technical support number for help.
The Wireless Network Connection window appears and displays your wireless network listed with the SSID you chose. If you don't see your network, click Refresh network list in the upper left corner. Click your network, and then click Connect in the lower right corner.
Windows prompts you to enter a key. Type the encryption key that you wrote down earlier in both the Network key and Confirm network key boxes, and then click Connect.
4. Windows will show its progress as it connects to your network. If the Wireless Network Connection window continues to show Acquiring Network Address, you may have mistyped the encryption key—click Cancel and return to step 3.
After you're connected, you can close the Wireless Network Connection window. Now you're ready to browse the Web wirelessly. You can also create a wireless network in your home that connects your computers, printers, cameras, games, and other accessories for easy access and enjoyment.