Wireless Connection
A guide for learning about how to find cheap wireless routers and other types of routers
A wireless connection is a computer network that allows you to connect to the internet without having to connect hard wires into a network device. These days, a single home may have anywhere between 1 and 5 computers connecting to the same network to allow parents and kids alike to access the internet. It is quite cumbersome to drill holes and run Ethernet cables from all over the house to one network router. This is the perfect example of when implementing a wireless network would be quite beneficial.
By setting up a wireless network, you can run one Ethernet cable from the main computer to the router and allow all of the other computers in the house to use a wireless connection to get connected to the internet. This requires a little more hardware than just your basic computer and modem. But it has become fairly inexpensive to build a wireless network in your home as wireless networks have grown in popularity and are fast becoming the norm. A wireless router is the main piece of hardware needed to set up your wireless network. Wireless routers are not that expensive if you get just the basic router without all of the bells and whistles.
Once you get your wireless router home, you’ll need to install the router by using the set up CD Rom that comes with the router. You’ll want to run the setup before physically connecting the router to the computer. The setup wizard will walk you through each step of the process and some routers are even color coded to make it easier to figure out where each plug goes. Once you have installed your router, you will be prompted to set up your wireless network. The name of your network is called the SSID. When you set your SSID, it’s best to choose something original that is unlikely to be used by one of your neighbors. This will help prevent the possibility of your neighbor connecting to your wireless connection and vice versa.
There are issues that arise when you use a standard SSID, such as “Linksys”, are that you may inadvertently connect to someone else’s network thinking it is your own. This will give you a low signal and may cause frequent disconnects. This is also considered stealing the wireless connection. When you use an original SSID and enable security, this will ensure that you are the only one to use a wireless connection on your network which will give you a better signal and more speed.
Once you have your wireless network set up, any computer in the house that has a wireless adapter installed can make a wireless connection to your network. Once they are connected to your wireless network, they will be able to access the Internet. In theory, you should be able to connect to your wireless network from anywhere in or around your house. Sometimes, if you have a high range router, you can even connect from a few properties over. This is why it is important to have proper security in place for your wireless connection.