Computer Forums - View Single Post - Do i need a wired computer to set up my network

Win2kpatcher · 01-30-2006, 10:14 PM

That is correct. I tend to like to leave the main desktop near the network equipment (DSL modem/WiFi Router) hard wired simply for speed reasons. I say leave it wired when wireless is not required that and its easier to troubleshoot when things go wrong.

A wireless router out of the box is pretty much plug n play. I would however setup security which would require to have at least one wired connection temporarily. These are the steps I would take.

1) Plug CAT5 cable from modem to the WAN port on your WiFi Router.
2) Plug a CAT5 cable from the router to your desktop.
3) Access the routers configuration page via a IE window. All routers are different so the IP addy may be differnt usually it will be 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
4) Go to the WiFi setup portion and enable security. I recently used WPA-PSK with a key and it worked out fine. I chose not to go with WEP since so many people are cracking those networks.
5) Select a custom SSID, channel and operating mode.
6) Enter the security info on both laptops and they should connect with no problems.

01-30-2006, 10:14 PM	#4 (permalink)
Win2kpatcher Master Techie Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 2,148	That is correct. I tend to like to leave the main desktop near the network equipment (DSL modem/WiFi Router) hard wired simply for speed reasons. I say leave it wired when wireless is not required that and its easier to troubleshoot when things go wrong. A wireless router out of the box is pretty much plug n play. I would however setup security which would require to have at least one wired connection temporarily. These are the steps I would take. 1) Plug CAT5 cable from modem to the WAN port on your WiFi Router. 2) Plug a CAT5 cable from the router to your desktop. 3) Access the routers configuration page via a IE window. All routers are different so the IP addy may be differnt usually it will be 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. 4) Go to the WiFi setup portion and enable security. I recently used WPA-PSK with a key and it worked out fine. I chose not to go with WEP since so many people are cracking those networks. 5) Select a custom SSID, channel and operating mode. 6) Enter the security info on both laptops and they should connect with no problems.