Creating wifi

Otherwise, you probably don't need an access point. A wireless router is an access point with other useful functions. Like wired broadband routers, wireless routers support internet connection sharing and include firewall technology for improved network security. Wireless routers closely resemble access points. A key benefit of both wireless routers and access points is scalability.

A router's robust, built-in transceivers can spread a wireless signal throughout a home. A home WLAN with a router or access point can better reach corner rooms and backyards, for example, than one without.

Likewise, home wireless networks with a router or access point support more computers than those without one. If your wireless LAN design includes a router or access point, run all network adapters in infrastructure mode ; otherwise, adapters must run in ad-hoc mode. Wireless routers are a good choice when building your first home network. It's essential to choose the proper hardware when you're setting up. Wireless network adapters, access points, and routers use an antenna to receive signals on the WLAN.

Some wireless antennas, like those on adapters, are internal to the unit. Other antennas, like those on many access points, are externally visible. The normal antennas shipped with wireless products provide sufficient reception in most cases.

Still, you can install an optional, add-on antenna to improve reception. You generally won't know whether you'll need this piece of equipment until after you finish the basic network setup. Some manufacturers of wireless access points and routers sell signal boosters. A signal booster increases the strength of the base station transmitter. It's possible to use signal boosters and add-on antennas to improve wireless network transmission and reception simultaneously.

Both antennas and signal boosters can be a valuable addition to some home networks after the basics are in place. They can bring out-of-range computers into the WLAN range, and they also improve network performance in some cases. To maximize your network's functionality, have your answers ready for the following questions:. One wireless router supports one WLAN. Use a wireless router on your network if:. Install the wireless router in a central location within the home.

The way Wi-Fi networking works, computers closer to the router generally in the same room or in line of sight get better network speed than computers farther away. Connect the wireless router to a power outlet and optionally to a source of internet connectivity.

All modern wireless routers support broadband modems. Additionally, because wireless routers contain a built-in access point, you can also connect a wired router, switch , or hub. Choose your network name. Although routers ship with a default name, it's best to change it for security reasons. Consult product documentation to find the network name for your wireless router.

Follow the router documentation to enable WEP security, turn on firewall features, and set any other recommended parameters. One wireless access point supports one WLAN. Use a wireless access point on your home network if:.

Install your access point in a central location, if possible. Connect power and cable the access point to your LAN router, switch, or hub. You won't have a firewall to configure, but you still must set a network name and enable WEP on the access point at this stage.

Configure the adapters after setting up the wireless router or access point if you have one. Insert the adapters into your computers as explained in the product documentation. Manufacturers provide configuration utilities for their adapters. For example, on the Windows operating system, adapters generally have a graphic user interface GUI accessible from the Start Menu or taskbar after you install the hardware.

You can also set a few other parameters. Every Wi-Fi adapter requires you to choose between infrastructure mode called access point mode in some configuration tools and ad-hoc wireless peer-to-peer mode. Set every wireless adapter for infrastructure mode. In this mode, wireless adapters automatically detect and set their WLAN channel number to match the access point router.

Alternatively, set all wireless adapters to use ad hoc mode. When you enable this mode, you see a separate setting for channel number. Ad-hoc home WLAN configurations work fine in homes with only a few computers situated fairly close to each other. You can also use this configuration as a fallback option if your access point or router breaks.

You can share an internet connection across an ad hoc wireless network. If you are having trouble try to go through the steps again and figure out where you went wrong.

TIP : One common issue I found is that when connecting to the hotspot it shows that you are connected, but internet does not work. The solution is simple, you either skipped step 6, or did the step incorrectly. Try to go back and redo step 6. To take down the hotspot simply enter this command into the cmd prompt that we mentioned earlier:. Now that we are done, it is important to understand what we have created after following these steps.

We have used a series of commands to create a hotspot with your computer. These commands also allowed the hotspot access to your already existing internet connection. The result is a WiFi hotspot created from your computer, that you have control over. These set of instructions are useful as you do not need to download third party software to create this hotspot. Bookmark these set of instructions if you ever need to remember these commands, or instructions on how to use the commands.

Reply 1 year ago. Question 1 year ago on Step 4. In my laptop, it shows like this: The hosted network couldn't be started.

The group or resource is not in the correct state to perform the requested operation. Please help me. Question 1 year ago on Step 1. Question 2 years ago on Step 6. Question 3 years ago on Step 4. Purpose : To create a WiFi hotspot with your laptop. Most routers will have a Wireless Settings section towards the top of the router's menu. From this section you can enable or disable the wireless signal, change the network name, and set the encryption.

To set the name of the network, select the SSID field. This is the name that will be displayed on any device that detects your network. If you are living in an area with a lot of public traffic, avoid putting any identifiable information in the SSID, as anyone with a wireless device can see it. Make sure to set the encryption to the latest version allowed by your router. In most cases, this will be WPA2. WPA2 operates with a single password.

You can enter whatever you'd like, but a strong password is recommended. Stronger passwords contain upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Apply your settings. Make sure you click the Apply or Save Changes button in your router's configuration when you are done changing the settings. The router will process for a moment, and your new settings will take effect. Place your router. In order to get the best possible signal , try to place your router in a central location. Keep in mind that any obstacles such as walls and doors will degrade the signal.

If you have multiple floors, you may want to consider multiple routers to ensure that you have the coverage you need. Remember that it must be physically connected to your modem, so this may limit your options when placing the router. Part 3. Connect a device to the network. Once the router is broadcasting a wireless signal, you can test the connection by scanning for wireless networks using a Wi-Fi device such as another computer, a smartphone , a tablet , etc.

Scan for new networks. In Windows, click the network icon in the system tray in the lower-right corner of the desktop. On a Mac, click the AirPort icon in the menu bar, which looks like 3 curved lines. Select your SSID from the list of available networks. Enter the password. If you enabled WPA2 encryption, you will need to enter your password to connect to the network. If you are using a private computer, you can disable the hidden characters on some systems to let you see the password you are typing easier.

Test your connection. Once you are connected to the network, wait a moment for your IP address to be assigned. Open a web browser and try to connect to a website you don't normally visit this will ensure that you aren't loading the website from memory. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article?

Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow. Luigi Oppido. Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4. Yes, it will work.

You don't need a computer to put the WiFi on. All you need is a plug and it'll work. Not Helpful 15 Helpful Do you have any idea why? Did you set up the USB properly? Not Helpful 13 Helpful Many wireless companies offer mobile hotspots, which you can buy a data plan for and take with you on the go.

These are the only ways. You can't set up a WiFi network in one location and use it anywhere you go; these things have limited range. If you want to access the internet anywhere, you have to use a portable device with a data plan. Not Helpful 8 Helpful If the Settings section, there will be a WiFi area varies depending on your type of phone.

Tap yours and enter the password. It should shortly display a message telling you that you've connected. Not Helpful 10 Helpful Swipe down at the top of the screen to open the notification center. Just above the notification area, you will see a WiFi icon.