Easy steps to a state-of-the-art wireless network

Installing a wireless network is neither complicated nor time-consuming. For most people, it will involve little more than connecting a wireless router to their broadband modem and the installation of wireless adapter cards in their laptops and PCs - that is if they aren`t already wireless-ready.

The trick is to take your time and make use of the extensive materials provided by manufacturers to guide you through the process. Many products will have Windows-based installation wizards which are really easy to follow. Bear in mind that it doesn`t matter if you get something wrong. You can retrace your steps and alter any of your settings any time.

For most first-time wireless networkers, a combination of wireless router and wireless adapters makes the most sense.

Firstly, any device you want to connect to your wireless network must have a wireless network adapter known as a wireless NIC (network interface card). There are different types of wireless NICs: you`ll need PCI (peripheral component interconnect) cards or a USB adapter for your desktop PC and PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International) cards for your laptop.

Secondly, if you`re building a new wireless network from scratch and you don`t have an existing wired network, a wireless router is essential - it acts as the `gateway` between your WLAN and your ISP`s network and allows all the devices on your wireless network to share the single, official IP address.

Don`t confuse a wireless router with the broadband modem, as the latter will only allow you a single IP address to connect to the Internet. A wireless router allocates every device on your wireless network an individual IP address that it translates so they can share the single external IP address that is available through the modem. This is called Network Address Translation (NAT).

Indeed, the latest wireless routers are highly sophisticated, offering a range of valuable features such as a firewall for enhanced security; data switching across your network and an access point.

Next is an access point, which converts the "wired" Ethernet signals to radio waves that it transmits to devices on the network. An access point is used when you already have a wired network and want to add the flexibility of wireless access.

Lastly, but very importantly, only buy WiFi Certified component - you can combine components from any manufacturer on your network if they`re all certified as WiFi compliant. It`s easy to check, just look out for the authorised WiFi logo.

Trek to the summit

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You will be asked to input information at various stages during the installation process so it makes sense to be prepared. Before you start, gather the following information - and make a note of any relevant reference numbers, etc:

ISP set-up information:

* IP addresses for all the computers you`ll be using to access the Internet. If in doubt, contact your ISP.

*Original computer set-up information and installation CDs.

*Documentation and installation CDs for all the components you`re planning to install.

Also remember to make a note of settings like the SSIDs (network names), WPA passkey and MAC addresses.

If your house has concrete walls, try to position the router next to the main desktop computer - if you have one - on the network. Concrete absorbs wireless waves and may slow the wireless connection.

Start by connecting the wireless router to a power outlet. Attach the Ethernet cable supplied with the router to your broadband modem. Configuring the wireless router is not complicated as most routers have a Web-based configuration wizard that guides you through the install process. All you do is follow this closely and input information - that you cleverly have to hand - when prompted.

You will be asked to choose your network name, which in wireless networks is called the SSID (Service Set Identifier). Your router and all the computers on your WLAN must have the same SSID. For security reasons, it makes sense to change the default SSID.

Most wireless routers will not come with the key security features enabled. Therefore, leaving the device in this state, all data will be sent unencrypted. It`s, therefore, essential that you activate the two main security features - WPA (WiFi Protected Access) and MAC address filtering.

Installing wireless adapters couldn`t be easier. All you do is insert the cards - or connect the USB adapter into the USB bus - into your computers and work through the configuration utilities supplied on-screen.

You`ll be asked to set the SSID and a number of other parameters. Be careful to ensure all your wireless adapters have the same parameter settings otherwise some devices will not work.

Make life easy by selecting a `plug and play` access point that does not require manual configuration. Be aware that you still have to set a network name and enable WPA.

Positioning the access point is critical in ensuring quality reception. If possible, it should be located as high as possible and at the centre of your network, which is between all of the PCs with wireless network cards.

If you are running the wireless network alongside an existing wired infrastructure, the access point should be connected within reach of a wired network entry point such as a switch port.

All wireless devices are prone to signal interference from home and other appliances but there are steps you can take to minimise interference: you should not install an access point within three metres of a microwave oven and, if possible, stay clear of cordless phones, baby monitors and remote controls.

And that`s about it. You`re now ready to connect to the Internet and enjoy the flexibility and productivity of wireless networking.