A network enables everyone to share peripheral devices like as a printer, a router for access to the internet and access files on alternative computers or an external storage device. A wireless network allows you to do it without being connected to something physically, such as an Ethernet cable.
This means that as long as you are in range of the router (very probable in the typical residence 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 watching television and surfing the internet in the living room.
You may want to obtain the song files that you have downloaded from the internet whilst sitting on the toilet in the bathroom and add them to your external hard drive which is sat in the lounge.
Maybe you want to hook up your iphone to the house network and surf the web from your bedroom.
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 service
a wireless adaptor for every PC you want to connect (this is already built into most laptops)
At this time, if you own a desktop PC, you’ll need to turn off the computer, open the case and insert the adaptor into a free PCI slot on the motherboard. Now restart your computer. Windows will discover the new adapter and instruct you to install the driver on the CD-ROM that arrived with it. For an easy life and unless you’re 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 directions and slot in the CD ROM into your PC. Most wireless routers contain videos explaining what connections you need to build to get it functioning. Follow the directions for that easy life you are looking for.
Normally speaking, the router connects to the internet. And everything else connects to the router. The router is the core of the network. It’s centre or heart if you like. Each device connects to it either by fixed wire or wirelessly.
If you’ve followed the instructions correctly, you will be asked to create a name for the network. Call it something that will allow you to identify it effortlessly. In London and other densely populated cities, you’ll find hundreds of wireless networks. So make yours simple to find - - if your name is Janet, call it ‘Janet’s awesome private network’. If your name isn’t Janet call it something else obviously.
Keep following the set-up process and make certain that you put in the encryption software program 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 do not necessarily want to be associated with what your neighbour is downloading to his PC.
So the network is developed. 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 are going to need to get either an Ethernet cable or a USB cable and link 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. On the other hand, it will most likely have 4 or more Ethernet sockets. So, purchase devices with Ethernet connections as well as USB connections. This is predominantly important for external hard drives. It is unlikely that you will be able to network it if you only have a USB connection on it.
Once you have connected your device to the network, you will need to go back to your computer and check that it has been acknowledged 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 simpler it will be to set up a home wireless network.
And that is pretty much it. A wireless network is easy to set up and infinitely useful. And now that you are all connected, pick up your laptop and catch up with your acquaintances on facebook with a glass of wine 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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