Setup wireless network home

Select the wireless settings and the system will ask you for the network name or the SSID then instruct you to type in your password.

SheKnows is a part of Penske Media Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Jennifer Weatherhead. View All. Tags computer internet. Leave a Comment Comments are closed. Last Updated: June 22, This article was co-authored by Luigi Oppido. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades.

He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! This article has been viewed , times. Installing a router is the first step to creating a solid home network, but how do you choose the right one? And once you've purchased your router, how do you go about setting it up? Follow this guide to get the right router configured for a secure wireless Wi-Fi network.

Connect your wireless router to your modem. Connect the router to a computer with an Ethernet cable. Configure the wireless router using the computer. Connect other devices to the router via Wi-Fi. Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers.

Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Related Articles.

Article Summary. Part 1. Acquire a wireless router. There are a variety of factors that will determine which router is best for you. These include distance, interference, transfer speed, and security. One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a router is the distance between the router and the devices that you are wirelessly connecting.

More expensive routers generally have more antennae, which can lead to a more stable connection at further distances. Another factor to consider is the amount of signal interference. If you have multiple devices that operate on the 2. Newer routers can operate on the 5 GHz band, which is much less crowded and thus less prone to interference.

The drawback is that 5 GHz signals do not travel as far as 2. Transfer speed is a feature to consider. Newer routers claim to be able to transfer data up to Mbps.

While this may be helpful when moving data between two computers over a network, it will not increase your general Internet speed, as this is set by your ISP. There are three main router speeds available: It is important to note that these speeds are virtually impossible to attain in any environment other than a clean room free of signal interference.

As the internet comprises malicious elements, this network layout is often avoided by private and even professional users. Plus, the IP address pertaining to the modem is persisted as you do not have a routing device at your disposal. This network is perfect if you are planning to expand the Ethernet support of your router. Also known as a router-switch network, this setup allows you to connect multiple devices to the router, using the Ethernet itself. Most routers have limited Ethernet ports with even the best ones only featuring only 4.

A Switch can, therefore, increase the Ethernet coverage and allow several devices to be connected to the internet via the UTP Ethernet cable. Plus, a switch-based network can either be managed or unmanaged. In case you connect the Ethernet port to a managed switch, depending on the number of ports you seek, you can make use of network prioritization, traffic control, and also get access to virtual LANs.

However, as a managed switch can cost you a fortune, it is better to set up a Smart Switch network. The Switch selection is at your prerogative as you can select a 4-port Switch or even one with 48 ports to show for.

While most of the networking and layout concepts are similar to that of the one with Managed Switches, unmanaged switches are simpler to work with and offer plug-and-play support. Daisy chaining is still possible but you should refrain from it as unmanaged Switches do not have the hardware to prioritize traffic, which might slow down the daisy chains considerably. With an access point, mirror the router at a farther location, specifically by connecting it with the router via the Ethernet cable.

Initially, even the access point feels like an Ethernet connection but it actually mirrors a router and allows you to connect several wireless devices to the internet, at once. As far as the transmission channel is concerned, it can move data packets in the 2. Plus, with a WAP in play, it becomes easier to bring other devices into the existing LAN domain, as you can place it almost anywhere, either by connecting it to the router or even a PoE-enabled switch.

If you have ever come across an internet line that is sourced from an area adjacent to the home telephone hub, you must have a fair idea regarding the Phoneline network. Plus, Phoneline networks are easy to set up and do not require massive overheads.

Also, select service providers make use of the existing home-bound wiring, which further reduces the overall costs. However, with ISPs and services related to satellite internet getting the recognition they deserve, Phoneline network layouts have started losing their sheen.

If you are looking for network layouts that are in sync with extended homes and establishments, it is always advisable to consider a wide range of relaying resources. Setting up an advanced home network feels appropriate for a two-story residential complex. The best way to go about the setup is to get a good router in place. Next in line has to be the Switches that need to be connected directly to the router to keep the speeds intact. Instead of daisy chaining the Switches, you should connect them in parallel and pair one access point as well.

Also, the second Switch can be used to fit in another access point, depending on the number of wireless devices that you need to cater to. Overall, network diagrams make sense for such an advanced setup, as you can then keep up with the IP address of each and determine the issues, if and when they show up. While it might look like another advanced network, mesh systems are known for fewer wires and enhanced efficiency.

This means, the router only sports one Switch and one Access Point, to begin with. Test the network connection while the network cable is still connected, disconnect the network cable, and then continue to the next step to run the wireless network setup wizard. Step 3: Run the Windows wireless network setup wizard to add devices to the network Use the Windows network setup wizard to add computers and devices to the network.

In Windows, right-click the network connection icon in the system tray. In the network status page, scroll down and click Network and Sharing Center. Click Next , and then follow the on-screen instructions to set up a wireless network. When the network setup is complete, continue to the next step to connect to the network. Step 4: Connect to a local network Connect to the local network. For most notebook computers, there is an LED light or a light on a keyboard key with this symbol that glows blue when the wireless device is turned on and enabled, and glows orange when off or disabled.

Some notebook computer models might use a different color scheme. In Windows, click the network connection icon in the system tray. In the network list, select the wireless network you want to connect to, and then click Connect.

Enter the network pass phrase or security key for the selected wireless network, and then click Next. Step 5: Share drives, folders, and files on a local network You must turn on network discovery to access the computers on the network. You can also set files and printers to be shared and customize sharing options for specific files or folders. Turn on network discovery and file and printer sharing on a local network Follow these steps to open advanced sharing settings and turn on network discovery and file and printer sharing.

In Windows, right-click the Network connection icon in the system tray. On the network status page, scroll down and click Network and Sharing Center. In the left pane, click Change advanced sharing settings. Select both Turn on network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing in the sharing profile you want to change.

Set sharing options and permissions for specific files or folders on a local network Set sharing options of files and non-public folders from the computer whose content you want to share. To share non-public folders, do the following:. In Windows, search for and open File Explorer. Right-click the folder, select Give access to , and then click Remove access to remove sharing options or Specific people to add new sharing permissions.

If you choose Specific people , the File Sharing window displays. Click the down arrow and select the user you want to share with. If the user is not listed, type the user name or email address, and then click Add. Click the down arrow under Permission Level to set the permission level for each user or group.