How To Setup a Wireless Security Network

Introduction

Setting up a wireless network to access the Internet and establishing security protocols are two separate beasts on their own. Getting set up with a secured wireless network can be a complicated task that often fails many users. The average wireless user would expect a laptop to automatically connect to a router just like a cell phone connects to nearby towers when someone goes to dial a telephone number. In fact, another type of wireless Internet connection, is called mobile broadband, using a cell phone to get a direct connect to the Web. Direct connections to the Internet on one computer, without the use of a router is often called a wide area connection. Connections via a wireless router is a WLAN or wireless local area network.

The problem with security often stems around the freedom and choice that consumers have for setting up a wireless network. Look at the term "PC" or "personal computer." By its very nature, you can do whatever you want with the inside and outside of your computer, within technical limitations. Unfortunately, changes to hardware and software on a PC can make it difficult to maintain compatibility with a with a wireless network, as well as uphold basic security standards. Follow a few generalized steps to help you get up and running with wireless security.

 

Step 1

Obtain a wireless router if you don't already own this type of device. In general, even the oldest wireless routers have basic security standards in place, such as WEP. However, the newest security encryption protocols include WPA. You might want to replace your obsolete wireless router with a newer router.

Step 2

Use the wireless adapter in your computer if you have a laptop that came with this capability. If your laptop did not come with an adapter, or the machine is several years old, you may want to upgrade to a newer external USB wireless adapter.

Step 3

Decide what level of security you want to establish for the wireless network. You can make sure that users have to use a password in order to gain access to your network. You can also have the router restrict unknown devices from connecting to the web.

Step 4

Figure out where most users in the household or business location will be accessing the wireless network. Position the router in a central location. If the router has a low signal strength, then security will be pointless, because the user will still have difficulty connecting to the Internet.

Step 5

Follow the instructions that came with the router for setting up wireless security on the network. Alternatively, you can use features in the Windows 7 operating system.

Tips

Hire a computer expert to help you set up wireless network security.

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