Configure Wireless Router

If you've never had to configure a wireless router, you might think it's a task reserved for someone with two or three degrees in computer engineering; in fact it's amazingly easy. A little common sense, and some time spent plugging everything in, and your wireless set up is complete.

Nearly every router (such as the D Link wireless router DI-624, shown) will come with a setup CD. This will contain step-by-step instructions on how and when to make the connections required to get your network operational. We'll go over some of the basic steps involved, but bear in mind that every make and model may have some slightly different methods.

If the model you're installing has a combination of 4 port router, ADSL modem, firewall and Ethernet switch, Setting it up involves connecting the router to your phone jack. A splitter is required to separate the signal from the phone jack for use by the router, allowing you to use the phone while connected to the Internet. Several splitters are usually included, but they can also be purchased at any electronics store, such as the one you got the router from. The splitter plugs into the wall jack, then the telephone is connected to one port on the splitter, and the router into the other.

A standard wall transformer (included) will connect to the back of the router for power, and several Ethernet ports can connect any computers (with compatible Ethernet ports) or network-compatible printers that may not require wireless access. Also the antenna must be connected to get the signal to any devices with a wireless access point, such as a notebook computer. In order to get the best coverage, try to place the router as high as possible, and away from any possible sources of interference, such as mobile phones or microwave ovens.

The setup CD will instruct you on how to access the router through one of your computers. It may be necessary to temporarily connect an Ethernet cable directly to the router in order to configure it. Once that is done, the cable can be removed. At this time you may need to set up things like:

- A password for the router control section

- the SSID, which identifies the network

- the type of security authentication (WEP or WPA/PSK, for example)

The router will seek out the devices connected to it (wirelessly or otherwise) and assign them IP addresses, etc. At this point, you should be ready to go!

We will look at specific models such as a Linksys wireless g router in the next section.