Home Network: Home wireless network setup

Home wireless network setup

For most home networks once the hardware is in place it is time to set up the software and configure it. It is important to note that some software, for example the drivers for certain laptop wireless cards, must be installed prior to installing the hardware.

The first piece of hardware that must be configured is the router. Most wireless routers also have wired Ethernet ports. A router can be connected to a host PC via a cross-over Ethernet cable (normally supplied) for configuration. Once the router is connected and running, the web interface to router can be accessed by typing in the default address of http://192.168.0.1 in to a web browser (this may be different on different products). If the router has a built in modem then the first step is to setup and verify the Internet connection. The next step is to add users. It is sufficient to add the default user to start off with and other users can be added at a later stage. It is also a good idea to then add some basic security.

Once the basic configuration of the router is complete it can be disconnected and placed where it is going to stay. The router can then be switched on, and the administrator or default user should test the connection with his or her PC. Finally other users can be added via the router software by the administrator and more advanced router features and security can be implemented. For each user including the administrator their computer should be configured to access the specific router with correct login credentials. If advanced security is implemented this must also be specified. Configuration is normally done via the bundled software or through the operating system.