What You’ll Need To Set Up Your Wireless Network

It's easier than ever to set up a wireless network, especially now that Internet access and routers (like Linksys wireless routers and D-link wireless routers) have become widely available.


The Windows 7 operating system fully supports wireless networking. For Windows Vista users, we recommend installing Windows Vista Service Pack 2 before setting up your wireless network. For Windows XP users, we recommend installing Windows XP Service Pack 3.

Use Windows Update to check whether you need the service pack and to install it. Click the Start button, click All Programs, click Windows Update, and then click Check for updates. Although the service packs for Windows Vista and Windows XP are not required for wireless networking, they can make things much easier and can help protect you against hackers, worms, and other Internet intruders.

To set up a wireless network, you need a broadband or high-speed Internet connection (not a dial-up connection) provided by an Internet service provider (ISP), usually for a monthly fee. Two common broadband technologies are Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and cable technology. These require a DSL modem or a cable modem (often provided by your ISP). After you have an ISP and a modem, you're ready to connect to the Internet.

The router converts the signals coming across your Internet connection into a wireless broadcast, sort of like a cordless phone base station. Newer DSL and cable modems come with integrated wireless networking capability and are called modem routers.

If the modem router you received or purchased from your ISP already has wireless capability built in, you do not need to purchase a separate wireless router. Just follow the instructions provided by your ISP for activating your wireless connection.

If you have a newer computer, you may already have built-in wireless capabilities. If this is the case, you don’t need a wireless network adapter. Here’s how to check whether your computer has wireless support installed:

• Windows 7 and Windows Vista : Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Network and Internet. If you see any of these words listed, “Wireless,” “WLAN,” “Wi-Fi,” “802.11a,” “802.11b,” “802.11g,” or “802.11n,” your computer has wireless capability installed. 

• Windows XP

1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties
2. In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
3. Near the top of this window, click the Device Manager button.
4. In the Device Manager window, there is a list of hardware components which are installed on the computer. Press the Plus sign (+) to the left of the icon to open the Network adapters item in the list. The Network adapters section of the window expands to reveal a list of all network adapters installed on the computer.
5. If you see any of these words in the list of installed network adapters, “Wireless,” “WLAN,” “Wi-Fi,” “802.11a,” “802.11b,” “802.11g,” or “802.11n,” your computer has wireless network support installed.

Before you begin setting up your wireless network, it’s a good idea to make sure that you have the copy of the setup instructions provided by the router manufacturer or your ISP. If you do not have a copy, visit the manufacturer’s website for get instructions on how to set up your router. All routers vary, and you may need to consult the instructions to set up your wireless network using your specific router.