In the last few decades, Wi-Fi networks have gained lots of popularity, thanks to their level of convenience, ease of integration with other network components and cost-effectiveness. A significant number of computers and mobile gadgets sold to consumers today come equipped with top-end wireless LAN technology. With the emergence of Wi-Fi, both small and big businesses can seamlessly offer their clients a wireless internet connection at little or no cost.
As the name suggests, Wi-Fi networks do not feature a physical wired connection. Instead, devices typically use the so-called Radio Frequency Technology. This wireless connection often starts with a dedicated Wi-Fi router, which functions as the access point of the network. If you didn’t know, it is the router that broadcasts a wireless signal which devices detect to tune into. Wi-Fi may be described as an open landscape. This implies that different people can connect their devices and enjoy the services. To prevent unauthorized users, you must offer sufficient security to the network. In fact, there are risks associated with using public unsecured Wi-Fi.
Many routers usually come with encryption disabled by default, implying that encryption should be activated during the network setup. The encryption process is a complex and a potentially difficult task, especially if you are not a computer guy! Sadly, without encryption, all sorts of information you share via the router are vulnerable to malicious attacks. As previously mentioned, the prospect of creating your own Wi-Fi hotspot is always an intimidating process. So today in this post, we want to discuss in excruciating details how to go about this whole process. Read on and enhance your knowledge.
First and foremost, you’ll need a decent router. To enhance optimal performance go for a router which supports all the current top-notch networking standards including the 802.11a, 802.11b as well as the 802.11g. Now it’s time to conduct the physical connection and connect your router to the PC. This should be a reasonably easy procedure.
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Typically, the first step will involve unplugging your computer’s networking cable from the broadband modem and insert all the wires into the router. It is critical to mention that there will be a specific port for your broadband modem. It could either be marked as broadband or Internet. If you have a broadband connection via a telephone line, an ADSL access point will appear on your broadband modem as provided by your service provider. Next, create a connection between your router and the modem via the LAN cable. Put the LAN wire point on your router as input. After ensuring everything is powered-up and connected as intended, proceed to the next step.
After this, the next step will focus on connecting your PC to the router. You’ll have to link a different LAN wire to your router as the output and at the other end of the computer. Switch on the two devices, (router and broadband modem) and allow the connection to become stable. Next, create a connection by typing in your password and username in the router settings. To accomplish this task, type 192.168.1.1 on your PC’s browser tab. A new window appears asking for both the password and the username of your router. Provide the password as well as the ID that came with your router. These credentials can be found from the router user manual.
After this, you now need to complete the configuration of your Wi-Fi’s overall setup. You’ll have to choose a special name for your network. For instance, you could use the name ROCKDALE’. Equally, you must provide a new strong password that protects you against any misuse. This will make your network secured, implying that no unauthorized individual will access your network. The next procedure will involve setting the encryption your wireless network will use. The most common choices include WEP, WPA2, and WPA2-PSK (AES), which is arguably the highest standard of wireless security available. Of course, there are some routers that still support the WEP setup. It is highly advisable that you don’t use it since research has shown that it is extremely vulnerable to the so-called brute-force attacks.
After setting up the encryption type to WPA2, you’ll need to assign a Passphrase, also known as key or passcode. This Passphrase must be between eight to sixty-three characters long and should equally comprise of both lowercase and uppercase letters, special characters as well as numbers. You should note that when the passcode is relatively longer, your security is greatly enhanced. At this level, you only have to save your configuration changes, test your connection and save changes. Your Wi-Fi should now be visible online.
One of the most critical aspects of a home wireless network is the ability to share your network resources with others. You have a variety of ways to accomplish this. Arguably, a server is the best possible solution but is usually expensive. Network Attached Storage devices are fairly more cost-effective and easy to use as well. Windows PCs also lets you share your data with other users. You can achieve this through a number of ways, but the best and simplest way is to use a HOMEGROUP.
We have provided you with the easiest and the most straightforward way to configure and secure your Wi-Fi hotspot. Just ensure you follow the procedures correctly as explained.
