Setting up a wireless network at home

Connect Mac and PC machines to a wireless access point.

Background:

I got a new mac last week and ended up with 3 laptop computers with just one internet connection (cable modem). I could share the connection using what is called a hub device but the excessive cabling does not look good at all. Morever, there is a good chance my son will trip over one of them, or pull a laptop with him! So I decided to hook up all my computers wirelessly. Here is what I did..

Essentials:

1. Linksys WRT54G Wiresless Router (or any other brand with wireless capabilities)

2. Mac and PC machines!

3. Two standard ethernet cables at a minimum

4. Modem (I have a cable modem, a DSL modem is OK as well)

RelaxItsAlright!

1. Unpack the wireless router and power it on.

2. Connect the modem with the router using one ethernet cable. Plug the cable into the 'Internet' slot of the router (right next to the reset button on the WRT54G model)

3. Connect a PC using another ethernet cable into the slot labelled '1' on the router.

4. From your browser, type in http://192.168.1.1 and hit enter.

5. Enter 'admin' as the password and leave username blank.

6. Navigate to the 'Wireless' link on the menu and under 'Basic Wireless Settings', change the 'Wireless network mode' to 'B-only' from 'Mixed. DO NOT change it if you know for sure, you have a device that works only in G-mode.

7. Change the SSID (your wireless network name) to something you can remember easily.

8. Disable the 'Wireless SSID Broadcast'. This prevents your neighbors (who could be hackers!) from easily locating the presence of your network.

9. Click on 'Wireless Security' (which is the tab next to the 'Basic Wireless Settings') and use the default Security Mode 'WPA Personal'. Type in a strong password in the textbox for 'WPA Shared Key'.

10. Save Settings.

On your Macbook Pro or Macbook with Leopard:

1. Turn Airport On! (Macbook Pro Leopard users just click on the Airport icon on the top right of your screen)

2. Click to join your wireless network.

3. You will be prompted for a 'Network Key', which is your password from above.

4. You will be connected and begin surfing to verify connectivity.

On your Windows PC:

1. Turn Wireless Networks On! (you might have to do this in the Control Panel under Network Connections)

2. Click to join your wireless network.

3. You will be prompted for a 'Network Key', which is your password from above.

4. You will be connected and begin surfing to verify connectivity.