Setup A Wireless Network
The wireless network is very useful when you have twoor more computers in different rooms and your desireis to use them all to share files,and Internet and printers.Any serious PC user should consider networking their computers and gain more storage space.
The wirelessnetwork consist of a Router,Modem,Cat-5 cable,PCIWireless Interface Card,as well as software setup anddevice driver utilities.A Broadband Internet account needed for Internet access.
If you can afford the investment of the components needed for this network,it may be worth it all.The SMCRouter ran us about $100.00 while the wireless NICcards cost $80.00
INSTALL THE WIRELESS NIC CARD
After making sure we had a wireless NIC Card,we thengrounded ourselves by touching a doorknob to removeany and all static electricity from our bodies.Next weremoved the system unit cover,and carefully installedthe wireless Network Interface Card in an empty PCI orPeripheral Connect Interface slot.
The cover was been replaced on the system unit andall peripherals were reconnected.After we booted upthe computer,the system recognized the new card and asked for the device driver.Following the on-screeninstructions made the installation a snap.
SETUP BROADBAND INTERNET CONNECTION
With both network cards installed in the syatem unit,wenext had to install one end of our CAT-5 cable in theback of the Router in the WAN connection.The otherend connects to our Cable modem providng us withBroadband Internet connection.
Since we used the cable modem,a coixail cable was connected from the wall outlet to the modem.If we choseto use a DSL modem instead,we would have inserteda cable much like a modem cable.Whether you use DSLor cable,either provides high speed internet access.And with the cable modem,you free your phone linesfor other more important phone calls.
We sat the cable modem on top of the router and hadthe cables neatly placed aside.The modem must beconnected to the Internet through coaxial cables.
SETUP THE WIRELESS ROUTER
We use SMC's wireless Barricade Router to send andreceive data from two computers.The Router was placedin two different spots and we received the best signalbetween the computers at about equal distance.Toprovide power,we use the adapter that came with theRouter.The only cat-5 cable needed was the cable fromthe modem to the router.
After installing all connections on the Router and theCable Modem,we are now ready to boot up the PC.Weneed to be sure we have the software on hand that will be needed to configure the Router.Follow the setupSoftware Cdrom that comes with the router for easyand fast setup.
CONFIGURE THE WIRELESS NETWORK
We now boot up our computer and we first use ourcdroms to install the device drivers.And after yoursystem recognize your cards,start your networksetup wizard to begin configuration and astablish aconnection between all computer on the network.
Windows XP offers the easiest setup in any type ofnetwork.Windows Me and 98 were not as easy andquick as XP but was setup in good time.
The TCP/IP address must be configured on your PCif it has not been installed.Click on Start,Settings,andControl Panel.Double click the network icon and thenselect Configuration.Click Add,double click Protocol,and select Microsoft in the manufacturers list.Now youselect TCP/IP in the list and click OK.The TCP/IP isnow installed in the list.
Simply follow the configuration setup that came withyour wireless router and you will easily be able to setup,and share files,folders,Internet,and printer access withany computer on the network.
Enjoy your computers more by connecting them togetherand have more storage space or use one for a backupto your business.Play games on your XP system and playnon XP compatible games on the same network with theWindows 98 system.
Print files from either computer and share scanners,and other devices on the wireless network.And you won't have those cables laying around as an eyesore but havea neat workplace in your home.
Don't want the wireless network? The Powerline networkis an alternate network to consider and you won't needany wires since the computers send data through thepowerlines in your home.