A network makes it possible for you to share peripheral devices like as a printer, a router for access to the internet and access files on different computers or an external storage device. A wireless network enables you to do it without being linked to anything physically, such as an Ethernet cable.
That means that as long as you are in range of the router (highly likely in the usual house in London) - you can link up to any of these devices from anywhere in the home.
For instance, you can print documents from the printer in the bedroom, while viewing TV and surfing the internet in the living space.
You might want to obtain the music files that you have downloaded from the internet whilst sitting on the toilet in the bathroom and upload them to your external hard drive which is sat in the front room.
Maybe you want to connect your iphone to the home network and surf the web from your bed room.
If you have an internet ready TV, you can even stream a film or home movie from your laptop straight to it. The point about a wireless network is that it gives you flexibility.
So how do I set-up a wireless network?
OK. Things you’ll require -
An internet connection (clearly)
a wireless router that connects to the internet
a wireless adaptor for every PC you want to connect (this is already built into most laptops)
Now, if you have a desktop PC, you’ll need to shut down the PC, open the case and insert the adaptor into a free PCI slot on the motherboard. Now restart your PC. Windows will detect the new adapter and instruct you to install the driver on the CD-ROM that came with it. For an easy life and unless you are an expert, follow the directions. They are more often than not idiot proof and it will most likely install quickly and simply. If you have several Desktop Computers at home, repeat this procedure on each.
Now, unpack your new wireless router. Follow the instructions and slot in the CD ROM into your computer. Most wireless routers contain videos explaining what connections you need to build to get it working. Follow the instructions for that easy life you’re looking for.
Generally speaking, the router connects to the internet. And everything else connects to the router. The router is the nucleus of the network. It is centre or heart if you like. Each device connects to it either by fixed wire or wirelessly.
If you have followed the directions correctly, you’ll be asked to create a name for your network. Call it something that will allow you to identify it without difficulty. In London and other heavily populated cities, you will find hundreds of wireless networks. So make yours simple to find - - if your name is Janet, call it ‘Janet’s awesome personal network’. If your name is not Janet call it something else obviously.
Keep following the set-up procedure and make sure that you put in the encryption software and a password for your network. Or else anybody will be able to connect to it and use your resources. This will mean your connection will slow down. And you don’t necessarily want to be connected with what your neighbour is downloading to his laptop.
So the network is set up. Your router is broadcasting its wireless signal. What now?
Well, if you have a printer, most likely it will not have a wireless adaptor. So you’re going to need to get either an Ethernet cable or a USB cable and connect that to your router to make it available to the other devices.
Consider, when purchasing peripheral devices that you require to network wirelessly, that your average wireless router will probably only have 1 USB socket. However, it will most likely have 4 or more Ethernet sockets. So, purchase devices with Ethernet connections as well as USB connections. This is particularly important for external hard drives. It’s doubtful that you will have the ability to network it if you only have a USB connection on it.
When you have connected your device to the network, you will need to go back to your computer and check that it has been recognized by Windows and that you can access it. Usually this will be automatic. If not, then you will need to go into My pC - Hardware and Sound - Add New Device. And add the device manually.
Usually the later the operating system i.e. Windows 7, the less complicated it will be to set up a home wireless network.
And that’s pretty much it. A wireless network is easy to set up and infinitely worthwhile. And now that you’re all connected, pick up your laptop and catch up with your acquaintances on facebook with a beer on the balcony.
Author Resource:
Networking is getting a lot easier to set up these days especially if you are running Windows 7. I have written a quick guide on how I got my network up and running. Generally speaking, the router connects to the internet . And everything else connects to the router. The router is the hub of the network. It’s centre or heart if you like. Every device connects to it either by fixed wire or wirelessly. If you follow these instructions correctly, you’ll be asked to create a name for your network . Call it something that will allow you to identify it easily.
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