How to Connect Wifi

Level of difficulty: Intermediate

Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) is a type of networking technology which has become very popular during the past few years mainly because of the lower cost of hardware needed in deploying this type of network infrastructure as well as the advantage of expanding network coverage without requiring cabling. This type of high speed Internet access network connection normally allows any user with a Wi-Fi capable device to connect to the access point as long as he is in the vicinity of approximately 2,000 feet of the source. Mobile users stand to benefit most from the proliferation of this technology because it allows them to connect to the Internet as long as they gain access to the signal of any unsecured Wi-Fi hotspot. Advances in the technology also saw the development of Wi-Fi cards with automatic connect feature once they detect an active access point as well as the deployment of signal boosters to increase the scope of network coverage of the Wi-Fi signal.

Materials Needed:
- Computer with Wi-Fi card
- Wireless access point
Step 1
In order to connect to a Wi-Fi, the strength of the signal must be strong enough. The signal strength can usually be measured once the Wi-Fi card senses an active access point. To do this, just activate the Wi-Fi card in your device.
Step 2
Observe the strength of the signal based on the indicator usually located at the right hand corner of the task bar. If the signal is too weak. You may need to switch position.
Step 3
If the signal still does not improve, try to turn it off for about two minutes and then turn it on again.
Step 4
It will then attempt to acquire the signal of all active access points in the area. If there are several access points in the area, select the one with the strongest signal and unsecured. Remember that secured access points require connecting devices to have the network key to use the shared resources.
Step 5
For older mobile devices, you may need to click on the Start menu and go into the Control Panel. Under the Network category select the Internet Connections option.
Step 6
Click on the Wireless option and not the Local Area Connection option. This will activate the Wi-Fi card and its driver to allow it to locate all active access points relative to your location.
Step 7
Clicking on the connection will automatically allow you access to the network. Launch the Web browser to verify that you can surf the Internet.
Step 8
When connecting to secure Wi-Fi networks that you are authorized to access, use the wireless wizard tool. Launch the wizard tool.
Step 9
Enter the SSID of the network that you will join. Follow the onscreen prompts until you are requested to enter your Username and your corresponding password. You have the option to save these values to avoid having to enter them every time you want to connect.
Step 10
Click on the OK button to log onto the Wi-Fi network. You should now be connected to the secure network and be able to browse the Internet.