Home > Articles > Eight Tips for Setting Up a Wi-Fi Network

Eight Tips for Setting Up a Wi-Fi Network

  • Article is provided courtesy of Cisco Press.
  • Date: Sep 9, 2009.

Contents

  1. #1 Compare and Buy Online

Article Description

Are you installing a wireless router in your home or small office? If so, review these tips to save yourself some money and time (and maybe headaches, too!). The freedom of Wi-Fi connectivity doesn't always come easy, but these tips from Eric Geier, author of Wi-Fi Hotspots: Setting Up Public Wireless Internet Access, will help make the experience as pain-free as possible.

Are you installing a wireless router in your home or small office? If so, review these tips to save yourself some money and time—and possibly headaches.

The freedom of Wi-Fi connectivity doesn't always come easy, but these tips will help make the experience as enjoyable as possible.

#1 Compare and Buy Online

As with other computer parts and gadgets, buying online is usually cheaper than walking into the store.

My two favorite online stores are Buy.com and Amazon. And I always check Google Product Search before making a purchase to see whether there's a place that's cheaper.

Just remember to add the shipping costs when comparing prices.

#2 Check for Existing Adapters

Before hitting the stores, make sure that you take an inventory of the networking gear you already have. Check each computer to see if they have a wireless and/or wired adapter.

You can find wired (Ethernet) adapters by looking for what looks like a wide telephone jack, either in a PCI (or PCI-Express) slot or integrated into the PC.

Wireless cards are usually in a PCI slot and have an antenna protruding out of the back. Each computer you want on the network/Internet must have one of these network adapters.

#3 Consider Wiring Some Computers

Remember, even though you are setting up a Wi-Fi network, some computers can be wired to the network. Wireless routers usually have a four-port switch, in which you can plug in computers and other network devices.

Because most computers always have an Ethernet adapter, you might be able to save some money by going the wired route for select computers instead of purchasing Wi-Fi cards.

Just remember to pick up an Ethernet cable, which is usually cheaper at Mom-and-Pop electronic stores than at the big retailers.

Going wired also has speed advantages. The data can travel much faster via cable than the air waves.

For example, Ethernet runs at 100Mbps on lower-cost routers and 1,000Mbps (Gigabit) on the more expensive models Compared this with the average 25Mbps for wireless G or around 100Mbps for Draft N.

Therefore, if you plan to often transfer large files between computers, stream HD media, or play multilayer games, you should consider wiring those computers.

#4 Use WPA2 Encryption

The number one thing to remember is this: You should always use encryption, preferably WPA2. It scrambles the data that travels through the air, to and from your computers and the wireless router.

That way, people can't snoop to discover what sites you're visiting and view the login details and content from unsecured services, such as POP3 email and FTP connections.

Plus it also locks down your network; only people who know the key can connect. Therefore, people can't connect and access the files you share—or use your Internet connection for illegal purposes.

#5 Save the Encryption Key/Passphrase

You must know the key in order to connect wirelessly to the network if it's encrypted. Windows saves the key for you so you don't have to enter it each time to connect to the network.

However, you'll need the key when setting up a new PC or when you want to get a visiting friend or family member on the network with their laptop.

You might want to write down the key on a small piece of paper and tape it under the router so you'll always know where it is written down.

You might want to save the key in a text file in the My Documents folder of each computer. So if it's a long key, you only have to copy and paste it when you need it on the computers again. Windows, for example, sometimes will reprompt you for the key. (You can put it on a flash drive to load onto other computers.)

#6 Use a Non-identifying Network Name (SSID)

It's best to use a network name that doesn't identify you, such as your address or name. That way if a Wi-Fi hacker does drive by, or is next door, it’s a bit harder to find exactly where the signal is coming from.

Although your network will show up on their list of networks quickly, they have to be much closer to the wireless router to get a connection.

#7 Place the Router in a Central Spot

You should think about where you place the wireless router. It should be as close as possible to the center of the house, or centered in the middle of the desired coverage area.

The Internet modem needs to be next to the router. You can usually just plug into a different cable or telephone jack to move the modem.

#8 Check for Nearby Networks

If neighboring wireless networks are using the same or an interfering channel as your network, you might experience lower performance or connectivity issues. Therefore, it's best to double-check the channels by scanning the air waves.

Windows doesn't tell you channel details, but if your wireless adapter came with a configuration utility, it might. Otherwise, you'll have to download NetStumbler, which works with most wireless cards and is simple to install and use.

Each Wi-Fi network or access point that overlaps in coverage should be set to a different channel.

Although there are 11 channels in all, you should use only three of them because of overlapping of frequency ranges. The three you should use are 1, 6, and 11.

Conclusion

Remember, buy only what you really need, don't forget your WPA/WPA2 passphrase, don't broadcast your location, centralize the router, and scan for other networks. Good luck!

Cisco Press Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from Cisco Press and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview

Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about Cisco Press products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information

To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites; develop new products and services; conduct educational research; and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@ciscopress.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information

Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security

Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children

This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing

Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information

If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out

Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by Cisco Press. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.ciscopress.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information

Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents

California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure

Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links

This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact

Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice

We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020