This week’s post can serve as a follow-up to my previous post on upgrading to a high-speed internet connection. If you have multiple computers, you can get more out of your high-speed by setting up a network in your home or office. This will allow you to share your internet with all computers as well as sharing files locally.

Determine Your Needs

When setting up a network, you need to determine whether you need a wireless setup or if you can get by with only a wired connection. If your computers are spread throughout your home or office, or if you use a laptop, a wireless solution will serve as the better option. However, if you have desktop setups that you keep in one room, wireless connectivity may be a waste.

Wired Setups

If you don’t need wireless capability, you can easily setup a wired network. All you will need is a wired router or switch and Ethernet cables to run from the router to each individual computer. Connect your high-speed modem to the input port on your router and the other computers to the remaining ports via Ethernet cable.

Wireless Setups

With ever-increasing amounts of Wi-Fi enabled devices hitting the market, more people are making use of wireless networking. This is a more complex task, but will reward those who wish to use their laptops freely and connect remotely located desktops to the internet.

Purchasing a Router

Your wireless setup begins with the purchase of a wireless router. Recently, wireless n has become the standard frequency and transfer rate. Unfortunately, many network cards do not support the very new n standard. The previous standard, wireless g, is still widely available and supported by most network cards. Before purchasing a router check your network cards for accepted broadcast types, which will most likely be n, g, or the older b and make sure they are compatible. You will see many brands and a wide range of prices and options. I have personally had success with the two most popular brands, Linksys and Netgear.

Network Adapters for Desktops

If your desktop isn’t located near your wireless router, you will need an adapter to connect to the network. There are two basic types PCI and USB. I have used both with success. A PCI adapter connects to a PCI slot on your motherboard. Installing this will require you to open your tower and plug in the adapter, which isn’t as difficult or scary as it can seem to computer novices (Warning: when opening up a computer always disconnect from power source). A picture detailing what a PCI slot looks like is provided below. For those lacking an open PCI slot, a USB adapter will work to connect. These obviously connect to a standard USB port. As previously stated, check for compatibility with your wireless router before purchase.

Creating the Network

You will begin by making a wired connection between a computer and the input port on your router. Power on your router and open an internet browser on your computer. Use the address bar to navigate to the router’s IP Address, which is 192.168.1.1 (or similar, this should be provided with your router). This will bring you to a login screen whose default user and password will also be provided by your router. This will grant you access to the router’s settings. I would begin by changing the admin password so that others can’t access your router settings. To create the network, you must create an SSID, which serves as the name of the network. You must also pick a security type, as I do not recommend leaving your network open. WEP is an older encryption type and is now easily hacked, however some adapters do not support newer security types. I use WPA-2 Personal. To secure your network, you choose the type and a passphrase. The security encrypts your passphrase and the network. If you have DSL or Satelitte Internet, you may need to add other information to the router settings. Other than that, your network is created. Now, connect the modem to your router’s input (or Internet) port and any wired connections to the wired ports.

Connecting Wirelessly to the Network

Laptops and other computers with wireless network adapters can now connect to the network. On a Windows PC, simply choose Start->Connect To, and then select your network (the previously named SSID). If your network is secure (as it should be), you will be asked to select the security type and to enter the passphrase. BAM! You are now connected and using your new wireless network. Congratulations!

Conclusion

Keep in mind that all equipment is different and individual settings and names may vary. Consult product manuals and your ISP before giving up and remember the Internet is a valuable resource. If you get confused on a particular step, do a Google search.