If you want to build a new computer network, then you need to plan it as good as well. Because it will affect to the quality of the network performance. The following information may help you to to build a Secure Wireless Network.
1. Hardware vendor. You need to decide what kind of hardware vendor you want to use as a Router. There are many choices you can found out there, but i have a suggestion about Linksys or TrendNet as i have both of them for couple years ago. It’s still in good performance ’till now, also they are flexible to use and combine to other router.
2. Signal quality survey. It’s good step before setting up your wireless network, you have to survey the airwaves quality in your area, so that you can place the router in the right place to get the best setting performance for your network. There are many wireless devices installed out there, like access point, phone, etc can reduce your network performance when they be crowded at a certain time. To track the signal quality, there are many tools available to use as like Wi-Spy, NetStumbler, etc. This step will help you to decide what kind of channel you want to use for your Network, as we won’t to use the channel which was used by other user out there.
3. Keep update. The important thing you won’t to miss it is to keep your Router updated for firmware, this will keep your Network safe and secure from any unwanted problem from the device, especially for the compatibility of the devices.
4. Estimate the network space. If you skip this step, it’s mean you give another anonymous user to connect to your Network, that is not what you want right?, then you should define your network space. Just turn-off the DHCP mode in your Wireless Router, as you will set it as a Private Network, it’s mean when somebody need to connect to your Network, they must know the IP address of your network, and you are the only one who know the IP address. That is the best step to prevent annonymous user.
5. Install the hardware. Take the Router and place it to the place where you have planned before in step 2, hook up the WAN ethernet using Category 5/6 ethernet cable (provide usually by the hardware manufacturer) to your Laptop or Desktop Computer, then apply power to the Wireless Router.
6. Check internet connection. There are many ways to check the internet connection. I prefer to use Command Prompt from my Computer. Click Start->Programs->Accessories->Command Prompt, then type “ping yahoo.com” (without quote) if the result is “Reply from [IP address]” that’s mean you have a live internet connection. However, you can use a web browser to simply check the internet connection.
7. Router configuration. Generally, most of the router has a default IP address like “192.168.0.1″. Which is mean, to connect to your Wireless Router you should know what is its IP address. Open your web browser and type the Router’s IP address to the URL bar of the browser and Enter. You will get into the login page of the Wireless Router, then type the username and password default. The default username and password usually is “admin” and “password” depend to each vendor of the Router. After logged in you have to change your password first before go to any setting. Set the channel of the router to predetermined channel (channel 11 usually).
8. Security settings. You have 3 options to setup the wireless security. There are WEP, WPA and WPA2, the use of those setting will depend on your Operating System. I will not suggest to WEP, as it is not the secure one as many free software can hack these setting. The WPA2 is the good i have been used it as security setting preference for my home Router. When you are selecing the WPA2 you will be asked about the passphrase key to protect the Network. That’s mean when you want to connect to the Network you have to fill in a security key match with the passphrase key you have setup in your router. I suggest to safe those passphrase key for the future use.
9. Connect it. I have assumed that you have done the above step and everything goes well. Then you will see the pop-up stating that a new wireless network has been found. Then you can connect to your network via Wireless, you will be asked about passphrase key, fill it as match as the key you have set to router before.
Other things you must pay attention :
The placement of the router can affect to the signal quality and network performance, keep it away from microwaves to avoid any unexpected problem of your Router. If you think you need more strenght signal, you can add a repeater or WDS (Wireless Distribution System) to your network.
Refreshing page. My colleagues and I were just talking about this the other night. Also your page looks excellent on my old laptop. Now thats uncommon. Nice work.