Get WiFi at Home

Many modern household electronics, such as smartphones, televisions, computers and video game consoles can connect to the Internet. Once you have a high-speed Internet provider, such as broadband cable, you can connect the devices wirelessly so that they connect to the Internet from any room. You can learn how to get Wi-Fi at home by hooking up a wireless router to your modem.

Steps

Internet Connection

1. Check that all the devices that you want to use are enabled for a wireless connection. Most devices purchased since the mid-2000s usually support Wi-Fi.
   • Your Wi-Fi enabled devices are not limited to laptop computers and smart phones. Television sets, video streaming devices, like a Roku, iPads and gaming devices can all be set up on a Wi-Fi Local Area Network (LAN).
2. Sign up for a high-speed Internet connection. These monthly services can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 per month, and they allow you to set up a Wi-Fi connection, in addition to any computer cables you may use to connect to the Internet.
   • Make sure the Internet Service Provider (ISP) installs your Internet modem before you attempt to connect a Wi-Fi network. You will need to connect the modem to the wireless router.

Wireless Router

1. Purchase a wireless router for your Internet connection. You can buy a router on the Internet, in technology stores like Best Buy or at most box stores, like Target or Walmart.
2. Choose the type of wireless router based on your Internet connection and Internet use.
   • Buy a 802.11N wireless router, if you have average Internet usage and fairly fast broadband. This type can use 2.4 gigahertz or 5 gigahertz connections.
   • Buy a 802.11B or 802.11G router if you know your Internet connection is only 2.4 gigahertz and you have no desire to upgrade to a faster connection in the future.
   • Consider buying a 802.11ac wireless router if you spend a lot of time on the Internet and are always looking for a much faster connection.
3. Buy a wireless network adapter, if you have a computer that does not have a wireless card. If your desktop or laptop is older than 2006, you may need to install a card or purchase a USB adapter.

Wireless Network

1. Turn off your ISP's modem. This is the small device that they installed to connect your home with Internet service.
   • Only disconnect the power. Do not disconnect the Internet cable from the wall.
2. Plug in your wireless router to the power cord. Make sure you have room for it near your modem. A light should glow when the power is on.
3. Connect the wireless router to the modem with an Ethernet cable. This is the cable that can be inserted into most computers to connect to the Internet. It will click into place when properly inserted.
   • If you had previously used an Ethernet cable to connect your modem to a desktop computer, you will need to remove it and plug it into the wireless router instead. You can use your wireless adapter to connect to the Wi-Fi connection.
   • If you were using a router to connect to the Internet, your wireless router can replace it.
4. Plug your modem back into the wall. Wait a few minutes while it starts up.

Wireless Network Configuration

1. Find your wireless router's instruction manual. It should come with a URL that you can type in to set up and configure your wireless connection.
2. Go to your Internet browser on a computer that will be Wi-Fi enabled. Type in the URL from the manual.
   • You should use the computer that you plan to use as the main computer in your wireless network. For instance, you may choose your desktop over a small laptop because you will have more regular access to it.
3. Follow the instructions in your manual to set up your username and password. You will need to choose a name for your connection, called an SSID, that is unique.
4. Follow the instructions to set up a security key. This will ensure that only people in your household can access your network and connection.

Device Connection

1. Install your wireless adapters on the devices that need it, if you have not already.
2. Log into a device you want to connect.
3. Click on the Network Connection, Airport or Wireless Connection menus.
4. Select the SSID. Type in the password. You should be connected.
5. Repeat this procedure with each device you want to connect.

Video

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Things You'll Need

• High-speed Internet
• Modem
• Wi-Fi enabled devices
• Wi-Fi adapter
• Wireless router
• Name
• Password

Sources and Citations

• http://www.microsoft.com/athome/organization/wirelesssetup.aspx#fbid=KWLm6FP680j
• http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57571188-285/home-networking-explained-part-4-wi-fi-vs-internet/
• http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-set-up-a-wifi-router-to-use-with-your-lapto.navId-323046.html

See also

• Unlock Huawei E585 Mifi Router
• War Drive
• Improve WiFi Reception
• Switch on Wireless on an HP Laptop
• Connect a Nintendo 3DS to a Hotel's TOS Protected Wi Fi
• Increase the Range of Your Wifi
• Configure Your PC to a Local Area Network
• Turn Your Android Phone Into a Wi‐Fi Hotspot
• Choose a Wireless Router
• Build a Low Cost WiFi Antenna

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