4) Configure your network
Windows
The process for setting up a new network, or connecting to an existing wireless network is a similar process for Windows XP, 2000, 98 and Me. Just follow these instruction and you should be connected in no time.
- Current networks available?
Whichever order you install things, eventually you reboot your PC and see a new network icon on the desktop. This looks just like the conventional internet connection icon (the two monitors in the bottom right of your screen), except it almost certainly has a red cross next to it. That's because there’s no other wireless-enabled PC within range, and so no networks to which it can connect.
- Configuration settings
The 'Available networks' list is empty, so click on Advanced for more help. If the 'Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings' option is cleared, this usually means the adapter wants you to use its own configuration utility. So forget these instructions for the moment, and consult your manual. The box on your system was checked? Then that's fine, just click the Add button to define your network.
- Define Network Properties
The 'Network Name (SSID)' acts a little like a network password (though not so secure) – only PCs with the same SSID can get access. So choose something that other people are unlikely to guess. 'Data encryption (WEP enabled)' is part of your security, so make sure that option (and 'the key is provided automatically') is ticked. And if you're networking PCs directly (no access points), leave the Ad hoc option checked.
- Verify your connection
Click on OK to close all open dialogs. You may have to reboot, but the system tray wireless icon should now be red cross-free. Hover the mouse cursor over it for a tooltip reporting full network speed and "excellent signal strength." Even though it’s not connected to anything. Double-click on the icon to learn more, including your automatically-assigned IP address. Well done – that’s the first system working.
- Activate DHCP
Open the Networks Connections Control Panel. Highlight your Ethernet or wireless connection, then right-click and choose Properties from the context menu that appears. Under the General tab you can see a list of items the connection uses; highlight Internet Protocol and click the Properties button. Make sure the radio buttons next to 'Obtain an IP address automatically' and 'Obtain DNS server address automatically' are highlighted.
More information and help on networking for Windows can be found on the Microsoft Help & Support website.
Mac OSX
- Configure your computer to use the network
Assuming that you're using an Apple Airport as your wireless gateway go to System Preference and select Network. Select Airport from the drop down menu. Click on the tab that says 'Airport'. Check the box that says 'Join a specific network'. If your network requires a password then input it in the box below the network name. - Set up your IP address
The default configuration assumes that your computer is given an IP address from a DHCP server. If you need to set yourself a static IP address then click on the TCP/IP tab and input your information.
More information and help on networking for Apples can be found on the Apple Service & Support website.
Continue to...
Page 1 - Introduction
Page 2 - Configure your network
Page 3 - Make your network secure
Page 4 - Troubleshooting tips