The Internet is a really powerful tool. It gives us access to all kinds of information at any time, for example, email, Google search, and Wikipedia. So there is something a bit of a contradiction about the fact that you can only use the internet when you are sitting at your desktop computer. What if you could use the Internet from anywhere in your home or office?
If you already have a high-speed (broadband) Internet connection at home, setting up your home wireless network is easy. A wireless network, commonly known as wi fi management, allows laptops, smartphones, and other mobile devices to connect to a home Internet service without an Ethernet cable.
To create your own Wi-Fi network, you need a wireless router. This is a device that will transmit the Wi-Fi signal from your Internet connection throughout your home. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can offer you a wireless router for a small monthly fee. If you've never set up a Wi-Fi network before, this might be the easiest option.
If you are looking to buy your own router, we recommend that you spend a little more time exploring the different options. CNET offers a comprehensive guide on how to buy a router.
- Once you have purchased a wireless router, you need to connect it to your existing internet modem.
- Connect an Ethernet cable from your modem to your wireless router (a short Ethernet cable is usually included with your wireless router for this purpose).
- Connect the power cord to your wireless router.
- Wait at least 30-60 seconds and verify that the LEDs on your router are working properly.
- Using a web browser, enter the default IP address of the router in the address bar and press Enter. Your router's instructions should include this information, but some of the more common addresses include 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, and 192.168.2.1.
- The router's login page will open. Again, the precise login information should be included in your router's instructions, but most routers use a standard username and password combination, such as administrator and password.
- Your router's configuration page will open. Find and select the Network Name option, then enter a unique name for the network.
- Find and select the network password option and then select the encryption option. You can use various types of encryption, but we recommend WPA2, which is generally considered the most secure.
- Find your computer's network settings and look for nearby Wi-Fi networks.
- Select your network and enter your password.
- If the connection is successful, open your web browser and try going to a web page like www.google.com. If the page is loading, it means that your Wi-Fi connection is working properly.