Setting Up a Wireless Network

Now that you know the building blocks of a wireless network, how do you put them together into something that will let you get some work done while you're sitting in your favorite chair? Glad you asked! The approach you take depends on where you're starting from, so we'll take a look at the common situations.

Case 1

Case 1) Adding wireless to an existing Ethernet network - Internet sharing via Hardware Router.

If you already have your network set up, a lot of the hard work is behind you, so congratulations! If you have installed a hardware router to handle your Internet sharing chores, you'll just need to add an Access Point (AP) to your network to support your wireless clients.

Figure 1 - Network with Router and Access Point

Figure 1 shows how you'd set up a network if you're doing your Internet sharing with a hardware router. All you need to do is connect the Access Point of your choice to one of your router's LAN ports, configure the Access Point, and you should be in business.

Tip: Depending on how your Access Point's Ethernet port is configured, you may need to use a Crossover cable to connect the AP, or use a normal UTP cable and the router's Uplink port. Just let the lights on the router port and AP be your guide. When you've got things connected correctly, both lights should be lit.

Tags: Tutorial, WiFi,

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