How to Install Wireless PC Network Hardware

All manufacturers of wireless adapter cards (for desktop computers) and wireless computer cards (for laptops) include their own installation and setup programs – which also establish the necessary wireless connection automatically. But here are some suggestions that can help with the installation, no matter what type of card you’re using:

• Choose between Custom Mode and Infrastructure (as shown in this figure). In most cases, you’ll want to choose Infrastructure mode (where laptop and PC workstations communicate using a wireless base station or access point) rather than dedicated (where devices talk directly to each other on a specific channel number that you specify).

 

• Check your WEP encryption. When prompted for WEP information (as in this figure), use the highest level the card supports. WEP is designed to automatically fall back to the level of encryption used by your base station or WAP.

 

• Set your own passwords! Base stations, wireless routers, and WAP use your administrator name and password to identify you, and this information often allows remote control. Therefore, you should always set your own administrator name and password while configuring your wireless network!

 

• Check your SSID. You need an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​that matches the SSID used by your base station or WAP.

For the best security, do not use the default SSID!

• Make sure your drivers are up to date. Check for the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website each time you install a new device.