Hi,

I am thinking about setting up a wireless network for two computers that I own. I have a pentium 4 running XP and also a dual core PC running XP. I am on virgin media broadband with a cable modem into the dual core pc. Can someone give me a brief guide as to how I would go about it and what I need to purchase as I have looked around the internet and can't find anything that explains it in simple terms. Would be grateful for any help.

What you need is a wireless router and some cards or dongles that will let the computers "talk" to the router - unless you are comfortable with opening the case, you would be better off purchasing USB dongles - also if you want to connect any laptops, it's pretty certain that they are already ready to connect to wireless.
Once you have the router, all you need to do is unplug the modem supplied to you by Evil Media, plug in an Ethernet cable from the modem to the router [a special port located "WAN" or "Internet"]. We'll help you do all this though, if you can help us by posting in threads other than your own

Are you comfortable buying from eBay? If so, I'll find all the items you need at a price better than your average computer shop. If not, you should go to a shop like Staples [avoid PC World, Curry's and the usual lot - you'll get ripped off]

__________________
Thanks,
Ash
CF Founder
Great Webhosting. Shared starting at $2 per month. VPSes starting at $6 per month.
www.Centicero.com
Want to get in touch? Send me a PM | Do you want to continue receiving free help? Or do you want this site to close? Become a premium member.

I'll try to type up a nice generic How-To in a bit (during lunch hour) that maybe Ash could turn into a Stickey (if it's good enough). So will provide more Info later. Sorry for the delay.

Maybe, if we get good enough articles we will make a "how to" section with tutorials on.

__________________
-Rob Putt - Blog!
CompuForums Secondary Administrator
+ Download the CompuForums Thread Viewer!
+ Add yourself to the Member Map!
+ Be sure that you are up-to-date with the rules.
+ Still Not A Member? Register Now!
+ Contact Us
+ Email Me! - rob at compuforums dot org
+ipHideAway - Unfilter Anything Anywhere! Anonamize your surfing today!!

Setting up a Home Wireless Network
Introduction and Overview
Many families and individuals live an active life online. With increased resources, it is common for a person or household to purchase more than one computer. The next task, is to get those computers to simultaneously connect to the internet at the same time. This is typically limited by the fact that many Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) rent access to a single Internet Protocol (IP) address. Due to many factors, setting up a wired Local Area Network (LAN) quickly becomes too complicated and costly. This document will help cover the bare basics of setting up a wireless LAN in one’s home, apartment, office.
Establishing a home network (wireless), is not typically a major project. We will start by covering some basic assumptions which will cover many questions. Equipment will need to be planned and purchased, and some screw turning will occur, surprisingly, some wires will be found in wireless networks. Some configuration will also need to be completed of both hardware and software. It is the goal of this document to make sense of the archaic geek-speak used by many technophiles. Lastly we offer some tips to help keep your system from being the target of neighbors who wish to not pay for internet access.
Assumptions
Let’s jump into this section. This document requires some steps to be carried out which will be more detailed than space allots. Additionally, with a large variety of hardware/softwares, this document will be too generic for any one make/model of modem, router, NIC or OS.
Read equipment manual
Please read the manuals that came with your hardware. They cover installation details specific to your equipment.
Ability to follow directions
Directions in the manual will expand upon general guidelines provided herein. However, some directions will be provided to ease the setup of your network.
MAC SPOOFING
Some ISP’s log the first network device (computer or gateway/router) which connects to their network. They then lock out additional devices for various reasons. You probably have used a computer connected to your modem directly. This may cause some problems connecting your new network. We will attempt to tell your network to pretend to be that first computer so that problems like this don’t occur. I assume that when configuring your network, you will be using the original computer that connected to the modem/internet before you expanded your network.
Ability to install hardware
You will have to install hardware before this is done. Typically the modem, gateway/router and possibly network cards. If you can not plug in devices, or are unable to access the computer’s internal workings, you may request the family mechanic to turn the screws for you.
Equipment Needed
Let’s keep this short, there is plenty of selection for specific manufacturers and models. Look at your situation and find the best fit for your location, budget and technical expertise.
Internet Service
This is more of a rental than a purchase in most areas. You may use Asynchronis Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) via your telephone provider, a cable modem via your cable provider, or the Radio Frequency RF modem provided and installed by an independent ISP. In any case, there is typically a socket on the device that looks like a LARGE telephone style jack. If the ISP provided a “special” cable for this jack, keep it handy.
Wireless Gateway/Router
Here comes the first true selection. You want to consider your budget, and the farthest distance you want to work with the computers as well as building construction/obstructions. You can be safe with a router that handles b/g networks (communication standards). The connection speed is typically equal or greater than what your ISP will provide. If you plan on wireless gaming or transferring large amounts of data around your new network, you may consider the higher connection speeds of the Draft-N devices (newest at the time of writing). Read the device manual, to understand specifics for that device. Most routers use a process that allows you to use 1 ISP provided address for more than one computer, this is Network Address Translation (NAT). You may want to make sure the modem you choose has this option. Typically, this is one more layer of protection for your network.
Wireless NIC enabled computer
You may need to purchase network cards for your desktop/mini-tower computers, and possibly for your laptop computers. Buy devices that have the same standards as your router (b/g or Draft-N). Here too a selection is widely available. Some even work without opening the computer to install the hardware (USB based). For internal cards, please check your computer to see if you have available space for the wireless NIC. If your laptop does not already have wireless capability, you can get a removable card to go in the side.
Wiring Basics
Some wiring will be needed. You will be required to plug in your devices, and hook them up to the telephone or cable lines. Most connections are as easy as plug-and-chug (such as the power cords). The basic flow of information will go from WALL  MODEM  ROUTER  COMPUTERS.
Starting at the wall, connect the cables from your outlet (telephone or coaxial-cable) to the modem provided by your ISP. This should be to an easy to identify spot on the modem. Usually the size and shape of this jack determines which cable you use (standard telephone (RJ-11) or coax-cable).
Next, you may have been provided a special cable to use from the modem to the “computer.” Connect this to the modem’s LAN/PC port. This it typically a plug that looks like a LARGE telephone line (RJ-45). Plug the other end into the router port labeled “INTERNET.” You may not want to plug in the power to the modem yet. I recommend this to prevent some unknown person from establishing a connection to your network before you can secure it.
If you haven’t, install the wireless NIC’s in the computers. This may be as simple as plugging in a USB and power cable, or inserting a card in the side of a laptop. Or, possibly, you will need to open the computer case, and install a card in an available slot. Follow the installation directions provided with your card. There will, more than likely, be some software on a CD to install for the card to work properly. Again, follow the directions that came with the card.
Configuration
You will need to set the ground rules for your network. Most specific options will be listed in your manuals. We will cover some basics.
Broadband Modem
Usually little or no configuration is needed here outside of plugging in the wires.
Gateway/Router
You will need to have your router plugged in and turned on for the software configuration. Before that, you can set up the router to work best for your situation.
Hardware (Location, Location, Location)
It is the same as in the brick-and-mortar business world. You want the router to be as high as possible (basements will keep your range VERY short). This will give you the longest range. If your router has external antennas, typically, they should be aimed to be straight up and down. Also, try not to put the device somewhere in which you can’t control the temperature or humidity (attic, or above the stove/kitchen range). Heat and humidity could ruin your device and warranty.

Software (Gentlemen, Start your Browsers)
Many wireless browsers also have a 4 port switch (wired option). This next configuration works best wired directly from one computer using a LAN cable hooked to the router directly. With the network setup as recommended (if possible)Power up and on your router then turn on your computer and log in. Most computers will detect the wired connection and allow this configuration to continue. If not, and you need help, search the Networking section of CompuForums for some help.
Start your web browser, and in the address bar, enter the address listed in your Router’s manual. Typically it is something similar to http://198.162.0.1/ or http://10.110.0.1/. This will take you to your routers configuration. You should be prompted for a Username and Password. These will be in your owners manual. Most routers have a wizard to help with the setup of the network.
Some general tips:
In the Router Setup (internet setup) section, you will see a setting referring to MAC SPOOFING. Typically, it is safe to chose the option “SPOOF THIS COMPUTER’S MAC.”
In the Wireless section of your router setup, make a note of each setting. You will need to tell your computer’s wireless to match these settings. If you plan on allowing your friends to access your network, you may need to keep the settings simpler so that you can remember them. If you are more security minded and competent on hardware and software, you will want take advantage of most newer router’s features that limit which computers can connect through the router. More specific tips for configuring may be found in the Security Tips section. I am not listing them here, assuming that this will be read by people of every skill level.
Computer NIC
After you install the software to make the cards come to life, you need to tell them the rules you set up earlier with your router. You need to follow the steps outlined in your NIC manual for configuring the settings of the network. It may very well be that the default settings will allow the computers to connect to your router. These configuration steps must be repeated on each computer that will connect wirelessly.
With the computer and router settings all in agreement, test the wireless connection from a computer not connected via a wire (the 2nd computer). You may unplug the cable from the back of the computer used for setup and test it that way as well.
Security Tips
Paranoia rules around my house. But then, I’ve seen individuals get into great legal (and credit) trouble because they left their system open. If it was a breeze for you to connect your computer wirelessly (with no configuration), then it is just as easy for your neighbors to steal from your connection. Your neighbors may not be as honest in many ways. They may download copyrighted material (songs, books, movies), send email spam, visit child-pornography web sites for starters. You need to take the steps needed to protect yourself from a lawsuit, as you are providing the means for these illegal activities.
ADMIN Password
First, your router will let you change the admin password. DO THIS. Do not leave it as the default. Make the password one you will know 10 years from now, but not that is easy go guess. (not 1234 or your birthday especially not your national tax identification (Social Security)number.
Keep It Secret, Keep It Safe
Next, most routers allow you to make your network private/invisible. Given this option, use it. Copy down the settings you chose to keep your connection from being seen by anyone who does not know the “password” in advance. You set-it-and-forget-it in the computer settings. But try to make it so that you remember it. It could be GymSocks.
Highest Security
Security protocols (WPA2- PSK, WPA- PSK) and encryption (WEP 64 and 128 bit) were included with your router for a reason. USE THEM. Mark what settings you use in the router, as you must make the computers match.
Lockout MAC’s
Most routers allow you to pick and choose which computers connect to your network via the Media Address Control (MAC) address. If you want only your home computers to connect to the network and NO others, then get their MAC addresses and set the router to only listen to them. If you need help getting these, visit the Compuforum web site for help. The steps to learn this “number” vary with each operating system used.
HOST Denial and Firewall
Some of the newer routers also allow you to block certain web sites. This could be used to block pornographic web sites or any other internet resource (FTP, Telnet). If your router can do this, you may be able to prevent some malware infections at the source. (I personally use mine to block advertising as well as adult sites).
Lastly, many routers offer at least one “firewall.” Most use NAT as mentioned earlier. Others also include Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI). Read your owners manual, and set these up to best protect your network.
Summary
The basics of a home wireless network are simple. You need an internet connection, a modem, a wireless gateway/router and wireless network interface cards. The setup is very little hardware, and mostly software. Before you buy, you should consider your needs and limitations when selecting the hardware. Once purchased and connected, the setup of the “house rules” in the router and set them in the computers, the bulk of the work is done. You can stop here and enjoy your network. However, as a responsible netizen, it is incumbent on you to consider security, and take what steps you choose. I hope this was, while VERY basic, a helpful document in setting up your home network. In all things, more options are available to you by reading your owners manuals.

Happy computing.

Thanks for the advice guys I really appreciate it. I notice a lot of the Wireless Routers come with a free USB dongle. Am I right in thinking that the USB dongle would be enough for my computer without any network or wireless cards in. I'm basically trying to set up internet access for my daughter on a computer in her bedroom from my cable modem downstairs in the lounge.

Yes - usually these dongles work quite well. Just be aware that you can only use one output from the modem, but if your main PC is near the router, you can always plug it into an Ethernet port - you then won't need to buy another wireless dongle.

__________________
Thanks,
Ash
CF Founder
Great Webhosting. Shared starting at $2 per month. VPSes starting at $6 per month.
www.Centicero.com
Want to get in touch? Send me a PM | Do you want to continue receiving free help? Or do you want this site to close? Become a premium member.

Sorry to be a pain, am a little unsure of how it works with my exisiting cable broadband modem. At present my cable modem sits right next to my main pc, so does the wireless router plug into the modem or replace the modem and does this mean if I am trying to get wi fi on one other computer I need a USB dongle for my main computer and the one I'm trying to get connected?. Hope this makes sense!

The router will plug into the modem using an ethernet cable, which is usaully supplied. If your computer is near the modem and has an ethernet [network] port, then you can hardware your current computer into the router using an ethernet cable - pretty much all of them have 4 or more ethernet ports.

__________________
Thanks,
Ash
CF Founder
Great Webhosting. Shared starting at $2 per month. VPSes starting at $6 per month.
www.Centicero.com
Want to get in touch? Send me a PM | Do you want to continue receiving free help? Or do you want this site to close? Become a premium member.