Setting Up a Wireless Network

If you have a wireless router or access point, you can set up your own wireless network. A router directs communication traffic between two networks, such as a home or office network and the Internet. An access point provides wireless access to a wired Ethernet network. An access point plugs into a wired router and sends out a wireless signal, which other wireless computer and devices use to connect to a wired network. During the set up process, you need to specify a network name, choose file and printer sharing options, and a passphrase (a security key) to provide secure access. If you have a USB flash drive, you can save wireless network settings to the drive and use it to quickly add computers to your network.

Set Up a Wireless Network

Click the Start button, and then click Connect To.

Click Set up a connection or network.

In the left pane, click Set up a wireless router or access point, and then click Next to continue.

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Read the screen, and then click Next to continue.

Type the network name (SSID), and then click Next to continue.

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Type a passphrase or use the one generated, and then write it down so you can use it the first time that people connect to this network.

Click Next to continue.

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Select the file and printer sharing option you want, and then click Next to continue.

If necessary, plug the USB flash drive into the USB port, select the drive from the list, and then click Next to continue.

Read the screen, and then click Close.