Setting up a wifi network

Setting up a wifi network

A Wi-Fi network allows you to interconnect all your computers (and any guest computers) you want to share. There are two options in setting up a Wi-Fi if you already have an existing network or not.

Option 1 (an existing network)

1. Here, view available networks by right- clicking the network icon at the bottom right of your computer (the icon looks like 2 computers or a set of bars in your taskbar on the bottom right of your screen) and selecting; view available networks or connect/disconnect or click on the Wi-Fi icon to see a list of available networks, depending on the operating system installed in your computer.
2. Select the network to connect to by clicking on ‘connect’.
3. Enter the security key (this applies to wireless networks that have the encryption; WEP, WPA or WPA2). Next, you will be prompted to enter the network password/passphrase. It is automatically stored, so you only have to input it once.
4. You are now connected and can start browsing or sharing. Open your internet browser and visit a website to confirm you are connected to the internet.
5. Make sure you have a firewall and updated antivirus software especially if you're accessing a public Wi-Fi hotspot.

Option 2 (setting up a network from scratch)

Before setting up the network you will need;

• A modem
• A wireless router
• Wireless network interface cards (that is, if you do not have them in-built in your computer).

After getting the router, install it in a central location to ensure each room is covered by the Wi-Fi signal.

Getting started

1. Connect the devices

Connect your modem to the wireless router (using an Ethernet cable) ensuring you connect the modem to the port labeled ‘internet’. This moves the internet connection from your modem to the wireless router.

Plug in your computer to the back of the router (using Ethernet jacks). This is a necessary connection in configuring the Wi-Fi network

  2. Turn it on

The order in doing this is of great importance. First, turn on your modem, then the wireless router and finally the computer.

3. Set up the network

Start your web browser and select the router’s IP address (check the documentation that came with the router for the default IP address used by the device)

Next, you will see a login window asking for a username and password, the default values are in the documentation.

Once logged in, you will see the router’s settings page. Change the default admin password so that unauthorized persons do not reconfigure your settings.

Choose a username that will be broadcasted by the router to identify it across the network.

4. Connect to the internet

Once you are through with all settings, disconnect your computer and go the network settings and you should see your new Wi-Fi network listed under available networks. Select it and enter your password (if you are using one) to connect to the internet.

Conclusion

I hope this solution helps you connect your Wi-Fi network. Thank you.