Set up wireless broadband connection
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If you plan to work from home, you’re likely to find that internet access is essential for research and communication. Unless you want to be trapped in one location all day, setting up a wireless broadband connection will be crucial. This will allow you to access your emails, update your blog or website and carry out online research on your laptop from anywhere within your home, garden or nearby.
Choose a service provider…
The easiest option for getting wireless broadband is to choose one of the many service providers who offer it as a complete package.
These will invariably include a pre-configured wireless router (the device that provides the wireless functionality), so getting yourself up and running should be a very simple process (usually just plugging the router in and setting a password).
…or purchase an ADSL broadband router
Otherwise, if you already have a standard broadband connection (using your telephone line and not a cable service) and want to add wireless functionality you will need to purchase an ADSL broadband router.
It’s very important that you make sure the router you buy has an ADSL modem built in. The majority of wireless routers don’t have a modem built in and this is essential for connecting to the internet. Below you will find a list of suitable products.
This router will plug into your telephone line through a small box called an ADSL filter. This filter is needed so that you can use your telephone line for both the internet and phone calls at the same time and you will need a filter connected to each telephone you have in your house.
Configure your router
When your router is plugged in and turned on, you should be able to connect to it from your computer. At this point you will need to configure the router and tell it the settings that enable it to connect to your broadband provider and provide you with the internet. You will need to contact your broadband provider for your specific settings.
Protect yourself
You will also need to set up a password to protect your wireless router. Without a password anyone in close vicinity to your router can effectively steal your internet and potentially gain access to your computer depending on the security settings on your computer.
To keep yourself protected you need to set up a ‘WPA’ password when you configure your router. This means that anyone wanting to connect to your router will need to enter this password first.
Take the easy option
Setting up a wireless router is getting easier, but things can still go wrong, often causing a lot of frustration. If you feel uneasy with technical troubleshooting, buy a broadband service that offers good support and that comes with a wireless router.
For more information about going wireless, visit www.homeandlearn.co.uk/BC/bcs6p3.html
For independent reviews of broadband providers, visit www.thinkbroadband.com/isps.html
ADSL Broadband Routers
Belkin ADSL Modem with Built-in 125g Wireless Router
Netgear DG834G 54Mbps Wireless ADSL2+ Modem Firewall Router with 4-port 10/100 switch
ADSL Microfilters
ADSL Splitter Filter - Genuine BT Product
Information supplied by Oliver Gosling, Web Director of Socket Creative
For more information, contact Oliver on Tel: +44 (0)7751 236578
Email: oli@socketcreative.com
Or visit www.socketcreative.com
DISCLAIMER
Neither the author nor EssentialWriters.com are responsible for any loss of business or profits arising from action followed due to this advice. This article is intended for general guidance only and professional assistance should be sought based on your particular circumstances.
