Build a Wi-Fi Home Network

Setting up your home network is easier if you plan ahead. Here are five things to consider as you plan out and build your wireless nest:

1. Find a location near your Internet source, whether broadband or dial-up. This should also be about the center of the area where you want to use your service. If it's near a window, you may be able to get plenty of range outside as long as you can see that window from where you plan to use your computer.
2. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for configuring the gateway. Usually, you plug it in to your computer and DSL or cable modem via Ethernet, then fire up a Web browser and set up the gateway; sometimes, there's a setup Wizard or special configuration software, such as with Linksys and Apple access points.
3. When configuring your gateway, be sure to turn on its security features. Create a WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) key or newer WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) password. Make sure to write down exactly what you've entered, as you need this to configure each computer to connect to your network. Also disable broadcasting of your network name, or SSID, and change it from the default name to something non-obvious. This creates what is called a "closed" network. Only users who know the network name and password will be able to connect to it.
4. Next, consider using MAC (Media Access Control) restrictions if the gateway supports it. With a MAC access list, you can limit access to your network to specific unique Wi-Fi adapter addresses. This can be cumbersome when friends visit, because you'll have to add their addresses to your list or turn off MAC restrictions so they can access your wireless network. But if you live in an area with a lot of foot traffic, like above a Starbucks in Manhattan, this is an excellent extra security step.
5. Finally, configure each of your computers by installing the wireless adapter software drivers (if needed) and the hardware. If you've opted for no security on your network, your computer might automatically connect and be up and running. If you've turned on password protection or encryption, you have to enter the password for each machine that wants to join a network. If you have a closed network, you'll need to enter your SSID and password.

With your network up and running, you might find that there are areas a Wi-Fi signal can't reach. You can easily extend your network without a lot of additional expense or fuss. We'll show you how on the next page in this guide.