Part 2 - Connecting the Network Now that you have all the necessary components you can begin to set up your wireless network. Modem & Router The first step is to set up your modem and wireless router. Whether you have ADSL or cable internet service, setting up your modem and router is relatively easy. Follow instructions included with your modem to get connectivity to the internet. Connect your modem to your wireless router by plugging the Ethernet cable from your modem into the appropriate port on your wireless router. Check the manual for your router to find out which is the correct port. Once you've connected the modem to the router, plug the router into the electrical outlet. Software Setting up your wireless router is usually very simple. Many manufacturers include software to make this process easy for you. Some router manufacturers may require you to plug your Ethernet cable in to one of your computers to set up your router. Most routers have various security options which can be enabled through a control panel. Securing your wireless network is important to keep your network safe from unwanted users. Adding Computers Now that you have set up your wireless network, you can now to add computers. Depending on your security settings, you may have generated a code to allow access to your network. If you generated a security code for accessing your network, be sure to have it handy when adding new computers to your network. If you need to add a wireless network adapter to a computer to access your network, follow the instructions given in the manual of your product. Connecting to the Network The information that follows describes how to connect to a wireless network using software on Windows XP computers. Your computer may have different software. Consult the manual for instructions on connecting to wireless networks.

1. You should see an antenna in the lower-right corner of your screen. Right click and select "View Available Wireless Networks"
2. You should see the name of the wireless network you set up. Left click on the name of your network and click on "Connect"
3. If you set up security that requires an encryption key to connect, a box will pop-up asking for it. Enter the key exactly as you copied it. Now hit "Connect" These keys are often case-sensitive.
4. You should now be connected to your wireless network!

If you did not see your wireless network listed you may be out-of-range of your network or your wireless adapter may not be working.