How do I Set Up Wireless Routers?

All wireless routers come with installation guides and disks. Follow the instructions carefully. In terms of physical set up, you will use a standard Ethernet cable to connect your cable or DSL modem to the port on the back of the router labeled "WLan." You will then be directed to open a web browser on your computer and to go to a numerical address, which is typically 192.168.1.1. The router will ask for a password, which is typically "admin."

At this point there may be a number of things you wish to configure. The only thing that is really essential, however, is for the router to have the username and password for your Internet access account. By default the router has a pool of IP addresses, which it distributes to any client attempting to connect wirelessly within its range. This is called the DHCP server. If you turn off this feature, you will have to assign IP addresses manually.

What if the wireless signal isn't proper?

Your wireless network adaptor should have a status program that will provide you with basic information about your network and the available signal strength. In case of a poor signal, try repositioning the router or re-orienting the antennas. Walls, metals, cordless phones, microwave ovens, and even people can absorb much of the wireless signal and disrupt its effectiveness. A combination of removing obstructions and moving the router will normally resolve such issues.

What security precautions should I take?

Security is another important point for consideration. Two basic methods of securing wireless networks are Mac Address filtering and WEP:

• A MAC address or a physical address is simply a unique hardware identifier assigned to every network. The address would look something like: 00-EF-78-C6-34-56. In MAC address filtering a list of addresses is manually entered into the router so that only those addresses can connect to the wireless network.
• A WEP or Wireless Encryption Protocol establishes a shared key between the router and computers accessing the network. The router uses the key to encrypt and then de-encrypt all the data passed across the network. This offers more than adequate security for your home wireless network where your primary concern would most probably be a neighbor "borrowing" your connection. To configure a WEP key, use the router's management software and the accompanying manual for reference information.

As wireless equipment and broadband access technologies continue to improve, home wireless networks will only become more popular and more prevalent. While setting up a network may seem daunting at first, the procedure is actually simple and the rewards of the flexibility of access and connectivity offered by wireless routers makes the time and energy spent in configuration well worth your effort.