Wireless Home Networking - Index of

Chapter 6: Installing Wireless Access Points in Windows
Preparing to install a wireless AP
The procedure for installing and configuring most wireless APs is similar
from one manufacturer to the next — but not exactly the same. You’re most
likely to be successful if you locate the documentation for the AP you have
chosen and follow its installation and configuration instructions carefully.
As we discuss in Chapter 5, when deciding which AP to purchase, consider
ease of setup. By far the easiest setup we have found is from Belkin. The Belkin
N1 Vision has a simple CD-based installation. After its basic settings are in
place, you can manage the router from the LCD screen on the front of it with
little effort. Apple’s AirPort Extreme wireless routers have a similarly simple
setup for Mac users (and include software for Windows only users as well).
Because having a network makes it easy to share an Internet connection, the
best time to set up the AP for that purpose is during initial setup. In terms of
setting up a shared Internet connection, you will already have a wired computer
on your broadband (cable or DSL) or dial-up Internet connection. This
is very helpful as a starting place for most AP installations because most of
the information you need to set up your AP is already available on your computer.
If you don’t have a wired computer on your Internet connection — that
is, if this is the first computer you’re connecting — first collect any information
(special login information, such as username or password) that your
Internet service provider (ISP) has given you regarding using its services.
Before you begin plugging things in, make sure that you’ve done your research:
� Ensure that your computer has a standard wired Ethernet connection.
Most AP configurations require wired access for their initial setup. An
Ethernet port is normally found on the back of your computer; this port
looks like a typical telephone jack, only a little bit wider. If you don’t
have an Ethernet adapter, you should buy one and install it in your computer.
Alternatively, if your computer has a Universal Serial Bus (USB)
port (preferably USB 2.0, also known as USB High Speed), you can purchase
an AP that connects to the USB port.
Very few APs have this USB interface, and almost all PCs now have an
Ethernet port — so using USB to connect to your AP is extremely rare
these days. We mention it just to cover all the bases.
� Collect your ISP’s network information. You need to know the following
information; if you don’t already know this stuff, ask the tech support
folks at your ISP or check the support pages of the ISP’s Web site:
• Your Internet protocol (IP) address: This is the equivalent of your
network’s phone number. Your IP address identifies your network
on the Internet and enables communications. It’s always four 1- to
3-digit numbers separated by periods (125.65.24.129, for example).
115