How to Setup a Wireless Home Network

In order to setup a wireless home network, that are few different scenarios that can be considered, depending on the equipment that the end-user already has at his disposal. In order to properly setup a wireless home network, certain minimum hardware requirements are to be considered, as well as a stable, preferably always-on connection to the Internet.

In most cases, normal PC users connect to the Internet via DSL or standard cable connection. In the case of DSL, users have a modem that is used to gain access to a broadband connection. Additionally, in order to setup a wireless home network, a wireless router will be required, in order to interconnect several wireless clients such as PCs, laptops and other wireless connection compatible devices.

In order to connect a PC to a wireless network, a PCI wireless card will be required to be installed on the PC. In the case of a laptop or notebook, a wireless PCMCIA card (if the portable computer does not already have one onboard) will be required in order to gain wireless access from such a mobile terminal. There are also USB wireless devices that most people seem to find works better because these devices are small and you are not required to open up your PC.  In the case of notebooks.  Just about every newer notebook will have a wireless card installed already.

After all hardware is setup and ready to go, the first and most important step is to setup the wireless router, as it will be the device that ensures proper interconnection between the terminals and the Internet. In order to do so, it is recommended to turn off your cable model as well as any wired PC connected to the modem. Unplugging the Ethernet cable from the cable modem and plugging it into one of the LAN ports of the wireless router will insure proper communication between the wireless router and the PC. The next step will be to connect another Ethernet cable between the modem’s Ethernet port and the wireless router’s WAN port.

When doing so, it is important to know that the WAN port on the wireless router is separated from the rest of the LAN ports. Once this is done, it is recommended to turn on the cabled modem and wait some time until the status lights are indicating connectivity with the Internet Service Provider.

As the cabled modem indicates that the connection has been established, it is time to power on the wireless router as well as the cabled PC. At this point, the majority of the setup of the wireless home network is done, all that is remaining being configurations of particular custom settings.

In almost all cases your wireless router will have a install and setup CD.  You should simply insert the disc and follow the on screen prompts.  Because every router is different and has a different interface the CD or the manufacturers support website is your best bet on setting up your router the correct way.
In cases where you are having extreme trouble getting your device to work your should do the following.

Unplug everything or at least turn every electronic device off.  Then boot the modem.  Wait two minutes then turn the wireless device on.  Wait two minutes then turn your computer on.

If you still cannot set up your wireless network then you can call your ISP for support.  Most wireless router manufacturers have free tech support via the phone.  They may be able to help you as well.

If you just don't have a clue or the time to set this up yourself I would suggest this computer repair computer.  They can remote into your computer and speak to you over the phone to help setup your wireless network.  The cost is $89.99 at the time of this writing.  In most cases this is not needed but we listed it here for people who are having issues getting the devices to work.

Here is a nice site we found for default wireless router passwords. http://www.routerpasswords.com/

Quick List of the Top Wireless Router companies

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