Wireless Introduction

How do I set it up?
The basic installation process, whether you are on a Mac or a PC, is relatively easy: install the drivers, plug in a W-Fi card and ensure that your Access Point is configured and connected to the internet. Our guide will show you how to set up your wireless connection, configure your network and make it secure. Plus, we've got some troubleshooting tips to help you out when things don't go as planned...

1) Set up your internet connection
Once you have signed up for a broadband internet account, your connection will either be installed by your ISP or you may have to install the hardware yourself. ISPs may charge an installation fee or include it as part of your broadband package, so it is wise to check this before handing over your money.

There are two main types of connection: USB and Ethernet.

USB: The modem that connects you to the internet is plugged directly into your computer. The only way to share this with other computers is by using your main computer as a conduit. The obvious drawback is that your main PC has to be switched on when you want to access broadband from another machine. Ethernet: The set-up is more complicated but the benefits are greater. The broadband connection is maintained separately from the devices using it so that you will not need a computer that is always switched on to use it. The most common Ethernet connection is made using a DSL or ADSL broadband router. The router is connected to the internet via your existing phone line or into a cable line. If you have a cable line then your connection will be set up, if you are using a DSL broadband router then you will need to enter the details that your ISP provides. This is usually done by connecting to the router through a web browser - you will need a PC with a network card and Ethernet cable to conduct this initial set-up. Once you are connected it is worthwhile checking that your internet connection is working before you go wireless so that if any problems arise you are confident that it is not your Internet connection at fault.

2) Install your Wi-Fi card
Installation of your wireless card depends on what sort it is. In all instances you will need to install the drivers that came with it first. Many operating systems come with drivers already installed but you may find that the ones that come with your card are more up to date. Alternatively, go to the manufacturers website to ensure that you have the latest drivers.

Once the drivers are installed you will need to install the card. If it is part of a USB peripheral or on a PCMCIA card (usually found in laptops) then it's a simple case of plugging it in. If it is a PCI card (usually found in a desktop PC) then you will need to shut down your computer, open it up and plug the card in, put the PC back together and restart it before continuing.

3) Set up your Access Point
Your AP will come with step-by-step instructions on how to set it up. If you get stuck then try the manufacturers website for the latest drivers and information. There are AP on the market which provide an all-in-one solution with a DSL router, ethernet sockets, DHCP, firewall and AP in one device so if you're building a system from scratch this is the only box you'll need. You will need to activate the DHCP server on your router or Access Point. It is important that only one device has DHCP serving enabled as two servers on the same network may clash and cause network connections to fail. You should activate DHCP access, as opposed to DHCP serving in any device you want to join the network.

Continue to...
Page 1 - Introduction
Page 2 - Configure your network
Page 3 - Make your network secure
Page 4 - Troubleshooting tips