Wireless Router Setup

A wireless router is a device used to connect your PC, laptop or handheld device to a network without the use of cables; this is usually done when persons want their devices to be on a network or to be connected to the internet.

Setting up your wireless network initially is not a painful task, it’s as easy as plugging in a few cables, and most of what you need is supplied in the box.  Your box with your new wireless router will usually contain your router, a power adapter or cord, a wired cable which is an optional accessory at times and an antenna which is also optional.  Some wireless routers have a built in antenna while those with an external antenna usually require the customer to attach it manually.

The first step is to decide where you will place your wireless router; the most central location is always the best choice but there are a few factors to consider when choosing the location.  Houses or buildings that have concrete walls with cement and steel are not good mediums for wireless signals to pass through and should be your primary concern when mounting your router.

Another factor to consider is the distance from your internet source – usually a modem and the amount of cable that you will need.  Sometimes the centralized location is a number of feet away from the modem and you will still need more cable than the measured distance as leaving the cable lying on the floor may not be your best option and additional cable would be needed for aesthetics and ensuring that persons do not trip over the cable but there is a limit of 100 meters or 328 feet.

Above 100 meters in length the signal along the cable would weaken and need additional equipment to boost the signal.  Another factor is power source as you don’t want to mount your router too far away from an outlet.

Once you have decided on your location and installed your wireless router your next challenge may be security.  Many people will drive around in neighborhoods or park outside office buildings for the sole purpose of leeching off an unsecured wireless network but if your central mounting point in your building does not have your signal going outside or if your antenna is not very powerful, then you may not need security.  If you check the environs and determine that your signal is going too far outside your building then security will definitely be required.

There are many options for wireless security ranging from passwords which can be anything you choose, to hexadecimal keys (using alphanumeric keys which you randomly choose or hexadecimal keys generated based on a word or phrase you use,) or locking your wireless router to only allow the devices you specify to gain access.  Though these steps may sound difficult the more modern routers have easy to use interfaces which will guide you in your efforts to properly securing your wireless network.