How to Setup a Laptop for Wireless Network

Level of difficulty: Intermediate

Wireless networks make use of a wireless connection that acts as a bridge to communicate and transmit data to other computers and printers. Wireless networks give the laptop more mobility. This allows the user to connect to a wireless network and share files and connect to the Internet.

Materials Needed:
- Laptop
- Wireless Network Card
- USB Wireless Card
Step 1
Make sure that the laptop is Wireless Fidelity or 'Wi-fi' ready. Check if the laptop has a built-in wireless network adapter. If the laptop has an integrated wireless network adapter, proceed to step 5, if not, proceed to step 2.
Step 2
If the laptop does not have a Wireless Network card or Universal Serial Bus 'USB' wireless adapter, obtain a wireless network card or USB Wireless Network adapter suitable to the laptop. Make sure that the wireless adapter is compatible with the router that is going to be used on the laptop. (These days, most wireless networks make use of 802.11g or 802.11b protocols.)
Step 3
Install the wireless network card or USB adapter on the laptop. If a driver is needed, install the driver on the laptop. This driver is normally bundled with the wireless network adapter that has been purchased for the laptop.
Step 4
After installing the Wireless Network card, reboot the laptop for the changes and the driver to take effect and start functioning.
Step 5
Click on the 'Wireless Network Connection' icon on the system tray. The system tray is located on the lower right side of the desktop screen.
Step 6
Right-click on the icon on the system tray icon and select the 'View Available Wireless Networks' option then left click.
Step 7
Click on the 'Refresh Network List' to view the wireless network within the range of your laptop. (Use this button if there is no wireless network list in your location.)
Step 8
Select the wireless network that appears within range of your laptop.
Step 9
Click on the available network connection that is within the laptop’s range and click connect. Remember the SSID and WEP key in the router when the broadcast is secured. If the broadcast is unsecured, it will automatically connect to the Wireless Network. There is no need to type the SSID and WEP key.
Step 10
Now, your laptop is ready to access Internet connection and can communicate to other peripherals connected to the Wireless Network.


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