Step-by-step setup of a wireless network. How to set up a Wi-Fi network and wireless router

Ability to connect to wireless Wi-Fi Almost every laptop has it.

Using this technology, computers exchange data with each other and network devices(printers, access points, etc.), and also access the World Wide Web.

There are many laptop models, but they all work according to the same communication standards. Can you imagine what it would be like for their owners if Wi-Fi setup would it be done differently on each laptop?

Many laptops - one Wi-Fi

Procedure for setting up wireless network depends only on the operating system.

Some manufacturers equip their laptops network utilities, but this does not provide anything new, except that it makes the setup process more convenient. Of course, you can use them, but it is more useful to know how to work with OS tools.

If you figure out how to set up WIFI on Windows 7, 8 and XP using the system, you can do this on any laptop, regardless of the model.

Three conditions for turning on Wi-Fi for the first time

Before you connect your laptop to the Wi-Fi network for the first time, you need to do three things:

turn on the adapter wireless communication(it is also called network card WLAN or wireless);
install the wireless adapter driver;
start the WLAN autoconfiguration service.

Step 1. Enabling the Wi-Fi adapter

To turn on the Wi-Fi adapter on the laptop, there may be a button or key combination: Fn+ [one of the F1-F12 keys, where wifi icon]. You can tell that the adapter is turned on by the glow of the indicator on the laptop case:

Step 2. Driver installation

To install the wireless driver, connect the laptop to the Internet using cable access or a USB modem, go to the manufacturer's website and download the wireless driver for your operating system.

Run the downloaded file, wait for the installation to complete and reboot the machine.

For automatic start WLAN autoconfiguration service (if it does not work), open with administrator rights command line and run two commands in it:

sc config Wlansvc start=auto
net start Wlansvc

After this, the Wi-Fi adapter will “see” access points located in the signal reception area.

Step 3. Setting up and connecting Wi-Fi on Windows 7 and 8

Quick connection

To connect a laptop to an already existing Wi-Fi, click on the “Network” icon in the system tray and select from the list desired point access.

Click the "Connect" button.

Enter your security key (password) and click OK. The connection will be established.

In addition to this method to the selected wireless point you can connect by pressing Wi-Fi buttons on the modem (router).

Important! Networks marked with a shield icon with exclamation mark, do not require a password. They are not protected in any way, and data is transmitted through them in clear text.

Step 4. Connect to a hidden network and change the communication profile

To connect to an invisible network whose name is hidden, as well as to create a new wireless access profile, right-click on the “Network” icon in the tray and enter “Network Center...”.

In the "Change" list network parameters» in Windows 7, click “Set up a new connection or network”, and in Windows 8 (8.1) - “Create and set up a new connection or network”.

Select "Connect to a wireless network manually." This window, like the following ones, looks the same in Windows 8 and 7, so let’s look at the settings using Windows 8 as an example.

Enter the access point name (SSID), security type, encryption and password. If you are going to use this network constantly, check the “Start connection automatically” checkbox.

The “Connect if the network is not broadcasting” option should be checked when the access point is not visible in the list.

In the next window, you can change the connection parameters by clicking the button of the same name.

Basic parameters - name (SSID), grid type and availability cannot be changed. Security settings can be changed, but they must be the same as those assigned to the access point.

Step 5. Connecting and setting up Wi-Fi on Windows XP

Connect to available wireless networks. To connect a laptop to an already existing networks Wi-Fi, right-click on the “Network” icon in the tray and open “View available wireless networks”.

Select the desired access point from the list and click “Connect”.

Enter the password (security key) and its confirmation. After clicking on the “Connect” button, the connection will be established.

Imagine being able to surf the Internet while sitting on the sofa in your room, chatting with friends online while cozying up in a soft bed in the evening, or sending documents from your computer in the kitchen to the printer in your home office. The wireless network has the greatest possible flexibility and does not require complex configuration. This article describes the steps to set up and start a wireless network.

Choosing the right equipment

Before you begin setting up your wireless network, you will need the following components.

Broadband Internet connection is high speed connection, unlike a dial-up connection, which has low speed data transfer and is not powerful enough to operate a wireless network. The most common broadband connection methods are DSL lines and cable. To get broadband connection, you need to contact your Internet service provider. Internet connections using DSL lines are usually provided by telephone companies, while cable connections can be obtained from telephone companies. cable TV. Internet service providers usually provide high-speed modems and can even connect them to your computer. Some suppliers may even offer a bundle - a modem and wireless routers. This equipment can also be found in stores that sell computers and electronics.

Example of a cable modem (left) and a DSL modem (right)

Wireless router

The router provides data exchange between the local network and the Internet. Thanks to a wireless router, computers are connected to a local network using radio signals instead of wires and cables. There are several various types wireless network technologies, including 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n standards. It is recommended to use routers that support 802.11g or 802.11n as these routers provide high throughput and a powerful radio signal. More information For information about wireless LAN technologies, see Wireless Networks: Questions and Answers.

Wireless router example

Wireless network adapters

Network adapter is a device that connects a computer to a local network. To connect a laptop or desktop computer to wireless local network, a wireless network adapter is required. Many laptops and desktop computers have built-in wireless network adapters. To check whether a wireless network adapter is installed on your computer, follow these steps:

Device Manager showing the wireless network adapter

If your computer does not have a wireless network adapter installed, you can buy one from a computer or electronics store and install it yourself. It is recommended to use Universal Serial Bus (USB) based adapters. Such adapters are small in size, easy to install and transfer from one computer to another. Check that the adapters are the same type as wireless router. The type of adapter is usually indicated on the packaging - usually a letter, such as G or A.

Examples of USB wireless network adapters

Installing a modem and setting up an Internet connection

After all the equipment has been purchased, you will need to install a modem and set up an Internet connection. If your modem was not installed by your Internet service provider, follow the instructions in your modem documentation to connect your modem to your computer and the Internet. If you are using a DSL line, connect the modem to a telephone jack. If using a cable, connect the modem to a cable outlet. For more information, see Set up a high-speed cable or DSL connection.

Wireless Router Placement

Place your wireless router in a location where it will receive the strongest signal with the least amount of interference. To achieve best results follow the tips below.

Place your wireless router in the center of your service area. Install the router as close to the center of the house as possible to ensure the highest possible radio signal strength in all areas of the house.

Place the wireless router high off the floor and away from walls and metal objects such as metal cabinets. The fewer physical obstacles between the computer and the router, the more likely it is that the router's signal power will be fully utilized.

Reduce clutter. Network equipment The 802.11g standard uses 2.4 GHz radio frequencies. Many microwave ovens and cordless phones use this same frequency. When turned on microwave oven and making a cordless phone call, the radio signal may be affected by interference. You can avoid many problems if you use cordless phone working for more high frequency, for example 5.8 GHz.

Wireless Security

Security is always important, but especially with a wireless network because the network signal can travel outside the building. If the network is not protected, nearby people with a computer can gain access to information stored on network computers, and access the Internet through your connection. To ensure the security of your local network, follow these steps:

Create a network security key

Write down the security key and keep it in a safe place. You can also save the security key to a USB flash drive by following the wizard's instructions.

Use a firewall. Firewall is software or equipment that helps protect your computer from intruders or malware. Using a firewall on each computer on a local network allows you to control the spread of malware across the network, as well as protect computers when accessing the Internet. Windows Firewall included in this Windows versions. For more information, see Firewall FAQ.

Adding computers to the network

To connect your laptop or desktop computer to your wireless network, you need to follow these steps.

File and Printer Sharing

Many users have wireless networks that allow them to access the Internet from any room in the house, but would like to wireless access to files and printers.

The easiest way to share files online is to set up sharing using a HomeGroup. If home group missing, you can share files by placing them in one of the shared folders. Any file or folder placed in a shared folder automatically becomes available to other users connected to the local network. To share a shared folder, follow these steps:

Open the "Advanced sharing options" section. To do this, click the Start button and select Control Panel. Enter network in the search field, select Network Control Center and shared access , and then in the Navigation Pane, click the command Change additional options public access.

Click the double quote icon to expand the current network profile.

In the section Access to shared folders Select one of the following options:

Enable sharing to allow network users to read and write files in shared folders.
Disable sharing (users signed in to this computer will have access to shared folders).

Installing a router (router) is the first step to creating home network, but how to choose it correctly? How to configure the router after purchase? Follow these instructions to select a router and set up a secure wireless network (Wi-Fi) in your home.

Steps

Router installation

Buy a wireless router. To determine which one is best for you, take a number of factors into account. Distance, amount of interference, transmission speed, and security level of the wireless network must be taken into account.

Connect the router to the modem. After purchasing a router, you need to connect it to a modem. There is a port on the back of the router labeled WAN/WLAN/Internet. Using standard Ethernet cable connect this port to your modem.

Make sure the router is connected to power and turned on.

Connect it to your computer using an Ethernet cable. This is not always necessary, but can be useful if you want to configure your wireless router before connecting any wireless devices to it. Connecting your computer via a physical cable will allow you to tinker with your wireless network settings without losing your connection to the router.
- To configure your router as efficiently as possible, connect it next to your computer. Once setup is complete, you can move the router to its permanent location.

Setting up the router

Install the router software. Not every router has its own software, but if it does, install it on the computer to which the router is connected. Using the included software makes setting up the router much easier than setting it up via the web interface.
- Using the software, specify the wireless network name and security type. For maximum protection wireless network, select WPA2. Create and enter a password for the Wi-Fi network.
- Most router software automatically detects your Internet connection type. Your router needs this information to provide Internet access to all your wireless devices.
Open your router's configuration page. If configuration software is not provided for your model, access the router configuration page through a web browser. Open the web browser you are using and enter the router's IP address. Typically this is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Check the documentation for your router or on the bottom panel for the exact address.
- To access the configuration page, enter your login and password. They are also indicated in the documentation for the router that came with the kit. Usually the default login is admin and the password is password or admin. You can look for a standard login-password combination for your router on the website PortFoward.com.
Enter your information to connect to the Internet. This includes the IP address and DNS from your ISP. Most routers fill in these fields automatically. Otherwise, contact your Internet service provider and find out the information you need to enter.

Set up your wireless network. For most routers, the wireless network settings section is located in the main menu. There you can turn the wireless network on or off, change its name and select the encryption type.
- In the SSID field, enter the name of the network. This name will be displayed on any device that detects your network. If you live in a densely populated area, do not use your personal information as the network name, as anyone with a wireless device will recognize it.
- Make sure you choose the most new type encryption available for your router. In most cases, this is WPA2. WPA2 uses only a password. You can choose any one you like. Complex passwords consist of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
Save your settings. After completing the settings on the router configuration page, click “Apply” or “Save settings”. After a few seconds, your settings will take effect. In some cases, you may need to reboot the router.

Place the router. To receive better signal try placing the router in the center. Remember, any obstacles - walls or doors - worsen the signal. If your house consists of several floors, you may need several routers to organize a stable wireless network.
- The only thing that may limit you in choosing a location for your router is physical connection to the modem.

Connecting to a router

Connect wireless device to the network. As soon as the router started transmitting wireless signal, you can check your connection by scanning for available wireless networks using another computer, smartphone, or tablet.
- Scan for new networks. On Windows, click on the network icon in the system tray in the lower right corner of the screen. Select "Connect to a network" and find your network name in the list. On a Mac, click on the AirPort icon in the menu bar, which looks like 3 curved lines. Select from the list available networks your name.
Enter your password. If you chose the WPA2 encryption method, then you need to enter a password to connect. If you are using personal computer, you can turn it off hidden characters, which will make entering the password easier.

Check the connection. Once you are connected to the network, wait a moment to receive an IP address. Open your web browser and try going to a site you don't normally visit (this will ensure you're not loading the site from memory).

Today use wireless internet possible from completely different devices. This can be not only a laptop and computer, but also a phone, tablet and even a TV. But these devices must support WI-FI technology . Almost all modern laptops have Wi-Fi. This also applies to smartphones and tablets. And on computers wireless connection can be created by purchasing a special adapter.

I will tell you about this and much more right now.

So, after we have turned on WI-FI, we can already try to connect to it. Let's start with the laptop.

1. Connect to WI-FI on a laptop

Any modern laptop has WI-FI. Just turn it on, then find our wireless network and connect to it. Let's get on with it.

Opening:

Start – Control Panel – Network and Internet – Network and Sharing Center – Change adapter settings.

Here we see the icon Wireless network connection. By right-clicking on it, select the item Turn on.

A window will appear at the bottom of the screen (where the clock is) with the wireless networks found. We find our WI-FI and connect to it.

Confirm by entering your password.

Now we can open any other browser and try to load sites.

2. Connect to WI-FI on your computer

Co desktop computers a little more complicated. They most often lack wireless technology. But this problem is easily solved by purchasing a special board or a small adapter.

This is what I had on my old computer:

By inserting it into the standard USB port WI-FI appears on the computer.

On my new PC Network adapter in the form of a fee:

The price is almost the same ($10), and it has a better signal, which has a positive effect on Internet speed.

After installing any of these adapters and installing drivers for it (the disk is included), exactly the same will appear on the computer connection to WI-FI, as in the laptop example. We proceed by analogy with a laptop.

3. Connect to Wi-Fi on your phone and tablet

On your phone, just go to settings, turn on WI-FI and find your network. Here's an example from an iPhone:

On other phones everything is similar, including Android smartphones. It’s the same on tablets too :)))

4. Connection on other devices

On other devices, for example, TVs that support WI-FI or even printers, everything is done the same way: it turns on, the network is found and the connection is made.

I hope you were able to connect to WI-FI.

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Will teach you that how to create a wireless connection

Explains the essence of this concept in an accessible and correct manner.

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Creating a wireless connection in Windows 7

If you are ready to find out, How create a wireless connection, please read the attached instructions:

1. Click on START, find the CONTROL PANEL tab

2. Change the type of page being viewed (right top corner) to VIEW: CATEGORY; Immediately select the VIEW NETWORK AND TASK STATUS option

3. Now go to MEASUREMENT OF ADAPTER PARAMETERS and open the menu of the WIRELESS NETWORK CONNECTION tab; open the PROPERTIES tab

4. Take a look at the GENERAL tab and you will immediately notice the marked items that apply to a specific connection

5. Find Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) in the open window and mark it with a “tick”

Completing the connection creation process

Now, in order to clearly verify the successful completion of the operation, you need to restart the computer. Now you know how to create a wireless connection, all that remains is to log in and connect to the network! As you can see, in this process There is nothing complicated about creating a wireless connection. The most important thing is to follow the instructions exactly according to the steps, and you will definitely succeed. Successful completion of the procedure = access to the Internet on your computer.