| Mr. Fixit's PC Upgrade and Repair |
| Create a wireless network |
Only have one Internet connection and several internet compatible devices? No problem. The easiest way to share a single internet
connection would be to create a wireless network. Wi-Fi has one unique advantage over Ethernet, it's 'wireless'.... To use Ethernet, you
would have to drill holes, run cables, hide unsightly wires, and it can be expensive. Wi-Fi, on the other hand, use no wires what so ever,
meaning your computer/device can roam anywhere in your home with out losing your Internet connection.
There are some disadvantages using Wi-Fi. For example, distance and interference plays a major role in the quality of the wireless signal.
Cordless phones that operate in the 2.4GHz band and microwaves ovens, which also operate in the same band, causes the most
problems with Wi-Fi. A Wi-Fi router does have the ability to change channels, or radio frequencies, to help minimize interference (I'll
explain how later). The further the distance and the higher the number of obstacles (i.e. walls), the weaker the signal strength and the
lower the transmission speed. For best results, place the router in the center of the house, away from the walls, cordless phones and the
microwave oven, as much as possible. The same rule applies to PC wireless adapters.
Wireless routers can broadcast up to 250 feet in some cases with data speeds up to 200,000,000 bits per second (200 Megabits per
second, 200Mbps) or 25,000,000 Bytes per second (25 Megabytes per second, 25MBps), even though Ethernet can reach as high as
1,000,000,000 bits per second 1Gbps or 125,000,000 Bytes per second (125MBps). Do not confuse the advertised router speed with
Internet speed. The router can only access the Internet as fast as your internet connection. The maximum speed usually reaches the limit
between computers within the network ONLY and maybe not even then. The Data Speed is also limited to the type of router. For example,
802.11b versions are limited to 11Mbps, 802.11g versions are limited to 54Gbps, and the new 802.11n versions are limited around 200+
Mbps. For best results, your device/PC should match your router type.
Creating a Wi-Fi network: (Watch Video)
Look in the package to be sure everything described in the user guide is in the box. Place the router in a location that would avoid
interference as mentioned above. To properly set up the router, at least 1 computer must be connected to the router via Ethernet cable
plugged in one of the ports labeled 1,2,3, and 4. The 'Internet' port connects to your DSL or cable modem using the supplied cable. Next,
plug in the power adapter. The front panel will light up and begin flashing while the router starts up. On the front panel, which varies by
model, you'll see a POWER, WLAN, ETHERNET ports 1-4, and INTERNET indicators. WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) indicates the
Wi-Fi status ( "ON' - Wireless Enabled, 'Flashing' - sending/receiving in progress), Ethernet ports ( 'ON' - computer connected, 'Flashing'-
sending/receiving in progress), Internet ( 'ON' - Internet present, 'Flashing'- sending/receiving via Internet). The network should be
operational at this point. In the event the router doesn't respond or the wireless freezes up, pressing the 'RESET' button on the back will
force the router to 'REBOOT', losing all settings, and return to factory default settings. Some models like Belkin only have one indicator
where GREEN indicates internet is present and RED indicates no internet is present. Belkins are one of the routers that are
pre-configured for Wi-Fi encryption. Their security key will be with the router's guide book. Each PC need to have either an Ethernet
connector (Wired) or a Wi-Fi adapter. Most smart devices (tablets, phones, Blu-Ray players, etc.) have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities.
Configuring your Network: (Watch Video)
Using the PC connected to the router by Ethernet cable, open your web browser. In the address bar, type in the router's IP address or web
address provided in the user guide. If prompted, enter the Username and Password from the user guide. You now have access to the
router's settings. The setup screen varies by manufacture, so I will only stick to the basics.
Internet Connection type: For most Internet Service providers (ISP) the router should be set to 'Automatic Configuration (DCHP)'. The
ISP server tells your router what it needs to know to access the internet. The information can be entered manually, if a static IP address is
required. Under DCHP protocol, any changes your ISP's server makes, will automatically update your router.
Router IP Address: This is the IP address used to access the router's configuration.
DHCP Server: When enabled, your router will automatically configure any client computer / device connecting to it.
Starting IP Address: This is the starting address for new client computers / devices connecting to your router.
Maximum DHCP Clients: This is the maximum number of clients that can connect to your router. The range can be from 1 to 253.
Time Zone: Choose your time zone and select automatically adjust Daylight Savings time.
Wireless Network Mode: Choose the type of network you will use (B, G, N, or MIXED). If not sure, use MIXED for compatibility.
SSID: This is the name of your network that will broadcast for other computers / devices to find. All clients connecting to the router must
use the same SSID.
SSID Broadcast: If enabled, the router will announce its SSID for computers / devices to detect.
Wireless Channel: Current channel being used for WLAN. Choose from channel 1 to 11 (U.S.) or 13 (Canada). All clients must use the
same channel. If using multiple routers, use a different channel on each router to prevent interference.
Everyone by now should know the importance for security of your network. The most important are anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewalls, etc.
These programs will help protect your computer(s)/device(s) from viruses, spyware programs, hackers, etc. Limiting access to your
network from outsiders is another importance. Wi-Fi signals broadcasts several thousand square feet which means anyone within range
can access your network. Securing your network will help protect it from freeloaders, eavesdropping, and hackers.
Change the router's SSID and disable SSID Broadcast: This is how outsiders can tell what kind of router you have! ALL routers use a
default SSID! First, change the SSID to a unique complex name. Remember, all client computers must use the same SSID. Second,
disable the SSID broadcast to prevent the router from announcing its name to any computer in range. In order for a computer to connect to
the network, it must know the SSID.
Change the router's default password: ALL routers use a default password based on the manufacture. Anyone who knows your
Router's brand (often listed as the SSID) knows the default password and can easily access the router to create havoc. Use a unique
complex password, the more complex the better. Keep the password in a safe place.
Change the router's default IP Address: ALL routers use a default IP Address based on the manufacture. Anyone who knows the
Router's brand knows the default IP Address and can access the router to create havoc. Change the default IP address to one of the
following: 10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255 (use subnet mask 255.0.0.0), 172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255 (use subnet mask 255.255.0.0), or
192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255 (use subnet mask 255.255.255.0). These are known as Private IP addresses which can not be used on
the Internet. Keep the new IP Address in a safe place since the new IP address will be used to access the router.
Use MAC Address Filtering: Each computer using a network adapter, has a unique Media Access Control (MAC) address. This
address can be found on the adapter card itself or the adapter settings. The router can also display MAC addresses for every
computer/device connected and the "computer name" that corresponds to the address. Enter all MAC addresses that you want to permit
connection and select 'Permit Only'. This will permit computers/devices access to your network if the computer's/device's MAC address is
in the 'permit list'.
Encrypt your network: Encrypting your network will increase security from outsiders. You have 2 choices, you can use Wired
Equivalency Privacy (WEP) or Wireless Protected Access (WPA/WPA2). WPA2 is the strongest encryption method. ALL
computers/devices in the network must support WPA encryption otherwise you can use WEP. If using WEP, choose either 64-bit or
128-bit encryption. Enter a passphrase and click 'Generate'. Four separate keys are generated (64-bit 10 hex digits or 128-bit 26 hex
digits). Choose a default key to use. All PCs/devices must use the same key. On client computers, change authentication from 'OPEN' to
'SHARED'. Finally, enter the key and press OK. If using WPA Personal or WPA2 Personal, choose AES, TKIP, or AES+TKIP Algorithm
and enter a key from 8-63 characters (you can use the WEP dialog to generate a key). Use the same key and Algorithm for all
computers/devices on the network. Not all devices support WPA or WPA2.
connection would be to create a wireless network. Wi-Fi has one unique advantage over Ethernet, it's 'wireless'.... To use Ethernet, you
would have to drill holes, run cables, hide unsightly wires, and it can be expensive. Wi-Fi, on the other hand, use no wires what so ever,
meaning your computer/device can roam anywhere in your home with out losing your Internet connection.
There are some disadvantages using Wi-Fi. For example, distance and interference plays a major role in the quality of the wireless signal.
Cordless phones that operate in the 2.4GHz band and microwaves ovens, which also operate in the same band, causes the most
problems with Wi-Fi. A Wi-Fi router does have the ability to change channels, or radio frequencies, to help minimize interference (I'll
explain how later). The further the distance and the higher the number of obstacles (i.e. walls), the weaker the signal strength and the
lower the transmission speed. For best results, place the router in the center of the house, away from the walls, cordless phones and the
microwave oven, as much as possible. The same rule applies to PC wireless adapters.
Wireless routers can broadcast up to 250 feet in some cases with data speeds up to 200,000,000 bits per second (200 Megabits per
second, 200Mbps) or 25,000,000 Bytes per second (25 Megabytes per second, 25MBps), even though Ethernet can reach as high as
1,000,000,000 bits per second 1Gbps or 125,000,000 Bytes per second (125MBps). Do not confuse the advertised router speed with
Internet speed. The router can only access the Internet as fast as your internet connection. The maximum speed usually reaches the limit
between computers within the network ONLY and maybe not even then. The Data Speed is also limited to the type of router. For example,
802.11b versions are limited to 11Mbps, 802.11g versions are limited to 54Gbps, and the new 802.11n versions are limited around 200+
Mbps. For best results, your device/PC should match your router type.
Creating a Wi-Fi network: (Watch Video)
Look in the package to be sure everything described in the user guide is in the box. Place the router in a location that would avoid
interference as mentioned above. To properly set up the router, at least 1 computer must be connected to the router via Ethernet cable
plugged in one of the ports labeled 1,2,3, and 4. The 'Internet' port connects to your DSL or cable modem using the supplied cable. Next,
plug in the power adapter. The front panel will light up and begin flashing while the router starts up. On the front panel, which varies by
model, you'll see a POWER, WLAN, ETHERNET ports 1-4, and INTERNET indicators. WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) indicates the
Wi-Fi status ( "ON' - Wireless Enabled, 'Flashing' - sending/receiving in progress), Ethernet ports ( 'ON' - computer connected, 'Flashing'-
sending/receiving in progress), Internet ( 'ON' - Internet present, 'Flashing'- sending/receiving via Internet). The network should be
operational at this point. In the event the router doesn't respond or the wireless freezes up, pressing the 'RESET' button on the back will
force the router to 'REBOOT', losing all settings, and return to factory default settings. Some models like Belkin only have one indicator
where GREEN indicates internet is present and RED indicates no internet is present. Belkins are one of the routers that are
pre-configured for Wi-Fi encryption. Their security key will be with the router's guide book. Each PC need to have either an Ethernet
connector (Wired) or a Wi-Fi adapter. Most smart devices (tablets, phones, Blu-Ray players, etc.) have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities.
Configuring your Network: (Watch Video)
Using the PC connected to the router by Ethernet cable, open your web browser. In the address bar, type in the router's IP address or web
address provided in the user guide. If prompted, enter the Username and Password from the user guide. You now have access to the
router's settings. The setup screen varies by manufacture, so I will only stick to the basics.
Internet Connection type: For most Internet Service providers (ISP) the router should be set to 'Automatic Configuration (DCHP)'. The
ISP server tells your router what it needs to know to access the internet. The information can be entered manually, if a static IP address is
required. Under DCHP protocol, any changes your ISP's server makes, will automatically update your router.
Router IP Address: This is the IP address used to access the router's configuration.
DHCP Server: When enabled, your router will automatically configure any client computer / device connecting to it.
Starting IP Address: This is the starting address for new client computers / devices connecting to your router.
Maximum DHCP Clients: This is the maximum number of clients that can connect to your router. The range can be from 1 to 253.
Time Zone: Choose your time zone and select automatically adjust Daylight Savings time.
Wireless Network Mode: Choose the type of network you will use (B, G, N, or MIXED). If not sure, use MIXED for compatibility.
SSID: This is the name of your network that will broadcast for other computers / devices to find. All clients connecting to the router must
use the same SSID.
SSID Broadcast: If enabled, the router will announce its SSID for computers / devices to detect.
Wireless Channel: Current channel being used for WLAN. Choose from channel 1 to 11 (U.S.) or 13 (Canada). All clients must use the
same channel. If using multiple routers, use a different channel on each router to prevent interference.
Everyone by now should know the importance for security of your network. The most important are anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewalls, etc.
These programs will help protect your computer(s)/device(s) from viruses, spyware programs, hackers, etc. Limiting access to your
network from outsiders is another importance. Wi-Fi signals broadcasts several thousand square feet which means anyone within range
can access your network. Securing your network will help protect it from freeloaders, eavesdropping, and hackers.
Change the router's SSID and disable SSID Broadcast: This is how outsiders can tell what kind of router you have! ALL routers use a
default SSID! First, change the SSID to a unique complex name. Remember, all client computers must use the same SSID. Second,
disable the SSID broadcast to prevent the router from announcing its name to any computer in range. In order for a computer to connect to
the network, it must know the SSID.
Change the router's default password: ALL routers use a default password based on the manufacture. Anyone who knows your
Router's brand (often listed as the SSID) knows the default password and can easily access the router to create havoc. Use a unique
complex password, the more complex the better. Keep the password in a safe place.
Change the router's default IP Address: ALL routers use a default IP Address based on the manufacture. Anyone who knows the
Router's brand knows the default IP Address and can access the router to create havoc. Change the default IP address to one of the
following: 10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255 (use subnet mask 255.0.0.0), 172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255 (use subnet mask 255.255.0.0), or
192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255 (use subnet mask 255.255.255.0). These are known as Private IP addresses which can not be used on
the Internet. Keep the new IP Address in a safe place since the new IP address will be used to access the router.
Use MAC Address Filtering: Each computer using a network adapter, has a unique Media Access Control (MAC) address. This
address can be found on the adapter card itself or the adapter settings. The router can also display MAC addresses for every
computer/device connected and the "computer name" that corresponds to the address. Enter all MAC addresses that you want to permit
connection and select 'Permit Only'. This will permit computers/devices access to your network if the computer's/device's MAC address is
in the 'permit list'.
Encrypt your network: Encrypting your network will increase security from outsiders. You have 2 choices, you can use Wired
Equivalency Privacy (WEP) or Wireless Protected Access (WPA/WPA2). WPA2 is the strongest encryption method. ALL
computers/devices in the network must support WPA encryption otherwise you can use WEP. If using WEP, choose either 64-bit or
128-bit encryption. Enter a passphrase and click 'Generate'. Four separate keys are generated (64-bit 10 hex digits or 128-bit 26 hex
digits). Choose a default key to use. All PCs/devices must use the same key. On client computers, change authentication from 'OPEN' to
'SHARED'. Finally, enter the key and press OK. If using WPA Personal or WPA2 Personal, choose AES, TKIP, or AES+TKIP Algorithm
and enter a key from 8-63 characters (you can use the WEP dialog to generate a key). Use the same key and Algorithm for all
computers/devices on the network. Not all devices support WPA or WPA2.
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