Ready to set up your wireless network? Remember, there isn’t one right way to do it, and you should build the network that best meets your specific needs. That said, when you’re tackling a project like home networking, it’s nice to have some guidance.
Check out these basic instructions and diagram of typical wired network.
Ready to Shop?
Step-by-Step Setup
1.
Decide what type of wireless router you need. The router will connect directly to your Internet connection via Ethernet cable. Selecting the router is one of the most important steps in creating your network.
2.
Plan where your wireless router will live. As the central connection point for all of your wireless devices, it needs to be centrally located, as close to the devices as is practical. Because it’s the base station that communicates with the devices via radio signal, it’s also helpful to place it as high as possible for the best coverage.
3.
Install your wireless router. During the installation, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions. Most systems have you turn on the router and THEN connect it to your modem with an Ethernet cable. If your Internet connection is currently connected to your computer, disconnect that cable and attach it to your router.
4.
Get your computers and peripherals set up. Add wireless adapters to each device you wish to connect to the network (if they are not already built into the notebook, desktop or other device). It may sound basic, but read the instructions. Some devices require you to install the software and drivers first, and others have you install the device first. Some come with all the required software and drivers in place so that everything loads automatically.
5.
Configure your router. Most routers are functional as soon as you turn them on. In most cases you will get basic wired Internet access as soon as you connect the router to your modem and the computer. This will enable you to access the web-based setup that allows you to configure your wireless router.
There are two major steps to set up a wireless router:
You need to name your wireless network with an SSID, or Service Set Identifier. You can pick any name, but it should be something that you can remember. You will use the SSID to identify your network when you set up your other devices.
Turn on your wireless security. This is very important. If your router and devices support WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) then you should use it. You’ll just need a password that serves as a “shared secret” among the devices in your home. If any of your devices do not support WPA, then you’ll need to use WEP security. This also provides a secure connection but it can be more difficult to use because you have to type in a lengthy hexadecimal key into every device.
6.
Set up the networking functions on your computers. Once your network is configured and your individual computers are configured to connect to the router, you can use their networking functions to share folders, files and printer connections. Setting up the networking function is a little different depending on which hardware and operating system you have, so again, read the instructions. There might be a wizard that walks you through the process, or you might need to change settings in your computers’ control panels.
7.
Connect your printers and other peripheral devices. In order to connect any wireless peripheral device to your network, the first thing you need to do is set it up to access the network using the parameters that you established when you configured the router. This includes the name of the network (SSID) and the wireless security passphrase or key (WPA or WEP).
Printers can be connected in two different ways: If you have a Wi-Fi equipped printer you can configure its wireless parameters to access the home network directly. Or, you can simply connect a printer to a computer on the network and allow the computer to do the sharing for you. Keep in mind that a shared printer connected to a computer must have the computer turned on to access that printer via the wireless connection.
Extend Your Network with Powerline Adapters
Add a Powerline Bridge
Powerline adapters can extend your home network to places where you don’t have Ethernet cables and/or don’t want them, places where wireless doesn’t reach, or for uses where you need speed. Because they utilize your existing electrical wiring via simple adapters, they can be easy to set up.
Check out these basic instructions and our diagram of typical powerline bridge.
Ready to Shop?
Step-by-Step Setup
1.
Plug the bridge into an electrical outlet. You want one near the router, but don’t use a power strip — it will degrade the signal.
2.
Connect the bridge to the Ethernet port on the router. You’ll need an Ethernet cable for this.
3.
Plug the second bridge into an electrical outlet. Choose one near the remote device or computer.
4.
Connect the bridge to the device with an Ethernet cable.
5.
Configure the remote device or computer. You’ll use the same protocols as you would for any wired network connection.
6.
Some bridges recommend configuring optional security parameters. Read the instructions that come with your bridge and decide if you need to do so.
*Finance from Dell Financial Services (CIT Group (UK) Limited). UK consumers aged 18 years & over, subject to status. Example based on cash price of £569. Deposit of £56.90. Nothing to pay for 12 months ("Holiday Period"), then 36 payments of £26.38. Total amount repayable £1006.55. Administration fee payable in the event of settlement of loan at the end of the Holiday Period. Prices shown may vary without notice. Terms and conditions and written quotations available upon request. Credit scoring used.
Dell Products, c/o P.O. Box 69, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1RD, United Kingdom. Subject to availability. Prices and specifications may change without notice. Terms and Conditions of Sales, Service and Finance apply and are available from www.dell.co.uk Dell Services do not affect customer's statutory rights. They are subject to Terms and Conditions which can be found at www.dell.co.uk/consumerservices/termsandconditions
Promotional offers limited to maximum 5 systems per customer. All of the products forming part of any system or bundle offer are available to be purchased separately. 'Saving' is the difference between the featured package versus the current online price if the promotional components were upgraded individually. For further details and prices of components if purchases separately, please see www.dell.co.uk/totalsavings
Experience the Freedom of Wireless 
