Wireless networks are hot. Indeed, as notebooks and netbooks desktop computer ever know to crowd the need for a "wireless" infrastructure bigger and bigger. In hotels, airports and other public buildings if they expect users to wireless internet. So why not in your office?
A wireless network not only provides more flexibility for your employees, it is also cheaper, because no wires need to be constructed. This article shows you how to design a wireless network and how to organize for Windows Vista wireless to work. Because Windows Vista supports Wi-Fi technology standard, you will notice how easy and one other in his works.
Step 1 - Broadband Supply
This article starts from a small office consisting of a number of PCs and notebooks equipped with the Business or Ultimate Edition of Windows Vista.
First, there are a broadband internet connection. In the Netherlands we have the choice of providers, all via either ADSL or cable internet in your entry. The Internet also provides a corresponding modem.
Broadband Supply
The network (now blue) comes from the modem and connects to the Ethernet jack of the computer.
On the one hand is connected to the ADSL or cable, often found in the meter cupboard. On the other side of the modem is an ethernet connection, in a traditional (wired) network environment is connected to a computer or a router. The router acts as a distribution unit, so more than one computer to the modem can be connected.
The ethernet cable has an ethernet plug on both sides.
The cable network is always one, sometimes referred to as CAT5 or CAT6. Such a cable on either side has an Ethernet connector, see picture. Note: You may have a modem via a USB cable to your computer is connected. These USB modems are not suitable for wireless networks, modems with only one Ethernet connection are eligible.
Step 2 - Access point
The situation described so far is typical for a wired network. A wireless network is also known as a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) or WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) network. In such a wireless network is all about the so-called access point. This device converts the signals into network radio signals. The access point has one or two antennas and is (just like the wired computers) connected to the router via a network. The image below shows the new configuration shown. There are now three computers that communicate wirelessly.
Expansion of access point
Some access points also have a wired Ethernet connections for connecting to a PC or notebook and a built-in modem. Such a device is indicated as "wireless broadband router.
With a wireless broadband router is the network simpler, see below. Based on the picture you can see how an existing wired network, a wireless network. If desired, the wired computers also communicate wirelessly, so the structure is simpler. Note that in that case you can save considerably on the construction and installation of wired network connections. The condition is that the computers equipped with WLAN-dedicated hardware.
Step 3 - WLAN hardware in PCs and notebooks
Modern notebook computers and even smaller netbooks are equipped with WLAN hardware, which at least meets the IEEE 802.11b or 802.11g or 802.11n standard. Will you still use an older notebook without these facilities, then you can use a PC Card or PCMCIA Card purchase. This card is the expansion slot of the notebook aside, but remains part of the computer stabbing, which was part of the antenna.
With a PC Card allows you to fit an old model notebook WLAN
A desktop PC, you can use a wireless LAN card to connect wirelessly with the access point. After installing a card puts it at the back a computer from the antenna.
Step 4 - Activating WLAN
After the above steps are completed it is time to activate the wireless network. There is a substantial difference between the activation of a network with an access point and a wireless broadband router. In the first case, all components of the network simply turn on, but the network is built around a wireless broadband router, then this router may only be enabled once the software is first installed. This software on any PC installed. This PC will thus play a central role within the network:
* Users of the network can store their files on this PC
* On the PC directly to a printer connected, where everyone can use.
The installation of the software shall be as follows:
1. Insert the CD or DVD that came with the router into the PC.
2. Follow the installation process, Windows Vista supports you with this. Thus, a large number of standard Windows Vista-certified drivers on board. If the supplied software driver a special offer, or receive this preference, if it is Vista-certified. If not, select the driver provided by Windows.
3. Turn after the installation process the wireless broadband router.
4. Make sure the correct lights are lit on the wireless broadband router. Usually there are four. The figure refers to the three lights left and one right (the lights in the center include four wired connections to PC's). The meaning of the indicators is as follows:
* Power - the unit is switched
* Ok ADSL - there is signal from the ISP
* Online - it is connected to the Internet, this LED is off if you manually configure the router. Refer to the supplied manual.
* Wi-Fi - LAN enabled.
Step 5 - Users create wireless connection
First, ensure Internet Explorer on the PC or notebook using a dialup connection. If so, then that should be eliminated:
1. Start Internet Explorer
2. > Internetopties" onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#ebeff9'" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#fff'">Choose Tools> Internet Options
3. Click the Connections tab (Connections)
4. Enable the option Never dial a connection (Never dial a connection)
5. Close the window with OK and restart Internet Explorer.
It is now possible to connect to a wireless access point or the wireless broadband router. Many laptops have a button on the front, which presses the WLAN hardware switch. Note: If you are not using the WLAN, then turn the knob again to save battery energy.
1. Click the Windows Start
2. Select Connect
3. Choose Wireless Rear View
4. Windows Vista searches for wireless networks in your area
5. Select the appropriate network and click Connect
6. When prompted for a password, enter the encryption key of the router (see Article Wireless - In five steps protected).
Through the wireless network to access files, you need the PC (s) as server (s) acting in your "shared folders" enabled. Here's how:
1. Start the 'server' Windows Explorer
2. Open the folder you want to share or create a new folder
3. Right-click the folder and select Sharing
4. Select the people you want to share the folder and give it permission level
5. Click the Sharing option.
Windows creates the folder now capable of using a network. Instead of using a PC as a server, you can also buy a special network drive, and it directly (via an ethernet cable) to connect the access point or router.
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