Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
Set up a
wireless network
the practical guide to setting
up, configuring and securing
a wireless home network
✔ Step-by-step guides
✔ Essential tips & advice
✔ Set up a Wi-Fi router
✔ Connect to your network
✔ Secure your LAN
✔ Manage networks
✔ Boost signal strength
www.guidaroo.com
Editor
Ian Barker
Design
Advanced Design
Contributors
Gavin Burrell, Simon Clark, David Nield,
Iain Warde, Wayne Williams
Introduction
PO Box 498, Macclesfield
Cheshire, SK10 9BJ
United Kingdom
Contents
Networking essentials
4 Introduction to networks
Learn the benefits of a wireless network and cut through all the jargon.
Advanced networking
18 Tech talk: The Internet
Learn about the infrastructure of the Internet and how it all works.
Introduction
to networks
Ian Barker T he traditional way of creating a network was
to run cables between each of the machines.
need a wireless adaptor for each of your PCs.
Laptop machines usually have these built in, but
explains what In the early days this would often be co-ax (the
type of cable used for TV aerial leads) but is now
on any machine adding wireless is as simple as
plugging in a USB adaptor.
networking is more likely to be the slimmer and more flexible
twisted pair cable similar to telephone wires. At
Using wireless scores high marks for
convenience but there are security
all about and its simplest a network involves connecting two considerations – which we’ll look at in more
PCs together with a cable. If you have more detail later in this guide. Also it can be hard to
the key points you need machines then you’ll need a hub or router from maintain signal strength, particularly in large
to bear in mind when which all of the connections radiate.
Internet service providers often provide a
buildings or older properties with solid internal
walls. You can use repeaters or high-gain
setting up a home LAN wireless router as part of their connection
package. Most have wired connections too, so
antennas to boost the range of a wireless LAN.
Alternatively you can get around these issues
you can use a mix of devices. This has meant with the third alternative which is powerline or
that having a wireless network is now a popular Home Plug networking. This uses special
option. It gives you the flexibility to use a PC in adaptors to transmit the network signal via
any room of the house or even surf the Web your mains wiring, ensuring that you can
from your laptop in the garden. Even if you connect any device on the same mains
didn’t get wireless kit as part of your Internet circuit without needing to run extra
package you can pick up a router for around £30 cables. Again there are cross over
and it isn’t hard to set up. You will of course devices that allow you to mix
Welcome page:PCE65 pp 4/9/09 11:16 Page 5
WI-FI NETWORKING
Set up a home
wi-fi network
David Nield explains the hardware and software structure
you’ll need to have in place to create a home network
D-Link’s Wireless N Starter Kit is ideal for creating a home network or Open up the package and you’ll find a router and a wireless USB
1 upgrading the hardware supplied by your ISP. It retails for around
£60 and you can read more at www.d-link.co.uk (check for
2 adaptor included, together with an instruction manual that should be
kept close at hand. There will also be a software CD included that will
compatibility with your existing hardware before buying any new help you set up and configure the router and adaptor to work with
devices). your various computers.
50 ISSUE 66 PC Explorer
PCE66 Set up wireless network:PCE65 pp 7/10/08 09:15 Page 51
WI-FI NETWORKING
You’ll need to attach the three wireless antennas supplied to the Before you plug the USB adaptor into your PC or laptop, it’s
3 sockets round at the back of the router. The feed coming from your
ADSL or cable modem can be plugged into the Internet socket at the
4 important that you install the supplied software. By buying extra
adaptors, you can hook up more machines – for maximum
back of the router. You’ll also need to plug in the mains adaptor to compatibility, it’s recommended that you buy adaptors from the
power the unit. same manufacturer.
PC Explorer ISSUE 66 51
PCE66 Set up wireless network:PCE65 pp 7/10/08 09:16 Page 52
WI-FI NETWORKING
Powerline
networking kits
like these are
available from
suppliers such as
www.devolo.co.uk
Router settings can be accessed by typing the device’s IP address into If your router supports both WEP and WPA you should opt for the
1 your browser. You should find the address is on a label on the device
itself. You’ll need to sign in with an admin password, and your first job
2 latter to ensure maximum protection. You’ll also need to select a
pre-shared key to establish the connection between devices – try
should be to change this from the default one given in the to make this at least 16 characters long and use a mix of letters and
documentation. numbers.
52 ISSUE 66 PC Explorer
PCE66 Set up wireless network:PCE65 pp 7/10/08 09:17 Page 53
WI-FI NETWORKING
hardware retailers, and companies such as need to enter the MAC address of each network
www.belkin.co.uk provide a full range of card. Whilst using MAC address filtering offers a
routers and wireless adaptors. very high level of security, it does make it more
Open up the Device Manager component difficult to attach new devices.
from within Control Panel and you’ll be able to
see the wired and wireless devices detected on WEP versus WPA
your PC. With the correct hardware installed, Enabling encryption is the most important part
both Windows XP and Windows Vista have the of securing your wireless network. Older routers
built-in ability to detect standard wi-fi networks can only use the WEP standard, which uses a
that are in range. To connect to a secured shared key to authenticate devices and needs to
wireless signal, you’ll need to supply a valid be entered each time you configure a new
network key (see the guide over the page for device on the network. Whilst it’s better than
more details). nothing, WEP can be cracked by a
knowledgeable hacker because the key it uses is
Keeping your network secure fixed and attached to each packet. If you have to
Whilst it’s undoubtedly convenient, wireless use WEP, you should change the key
networking poses a unique set of risks, occasionally to ensure you stay as secure as
particularly since many routers come supplied possible.
Belkin is one company that produces a full range of with their built-in security features turned off. Using WPA encryption is much more secure
wireless routers and adaptors for your home computers There are two parts to securing a wireless and should be your choice if your hardware
network – firstly, to ensure that the data supports it. This method also uses a pre-shared
wireless networks as they appear. If your laptop transmitted is encrypted so that it can’t be easily key (PSK) in order to connect, but thanks to its
doesn’t have wireless, then you can invest in a intercepted, and secondly to prevent use of Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) a
simple USB dongle that will provide the unauthorised access by your neighbours or different key is used on each packet that’s
functionality. These dongles will also work on passers by who might want to access the PCs on transmitted, making WPA much more difficult to
desktop PCs, as well as internal PCI cards that your network or simply steal some of your crack. Each time you attach a new PC or other
slot inside your case – while they are more broadband bandwidth. device to the network you’ll need to supply the
difficult to install, they generally provide a In terms of encryption, most home routers PSK, and your master key should be at least 16
stronger, more stable connection, and won’t now offer both the older Wired Equivalent characters long and a mix of letters and
take up one of the USB ports on your case Privacy (WEP) option and the newer WiFi numbers in order to offer the best protection. If
(which you may need for other peripherals). All Protected Access (WPA) – you should use the you’re running Windows XP you must have
of these devices are widely available from most latter wherever possible, as it offers a greater Service Pack 2 installed in order to enable the
level of security. With either system you need to WPA client.
provide a key when connecting in order to
authenticate the device.
As well as enabling the wireless security
settings you should take additional steps to
protect your router from unauthorised access. As
a first step you should change the Service Set
Identifier (SSID) – by default this is usually the
name of the router manufacturer, so if you
haven’t changed it hackers may be able to guess
the default password. It’s also a good idea to
change the router’s admin password to prevent
changes being made to its settings. It’s possible
You can view the wired and wireless network devices to restrict your router so that only specified Newer wireless routers support the superior WPA
installed on your PC via the Device Manager utility devices can attach, and for this to work you standard for improved home network security
By default, most routers broadcast their Service Set ID in order to Routers usually have additional security options, and most include a
3 allow devices to find them easily. This is usually the maker’s name, so
it’s a good idea to change it so as not to giveaway important
4 built-in firewall to protect against outside intrusion. It’s worth turning
this on, though you shouldn’t rely on it alone – you need to have a
information to potential hackers. For maximum protection you should software firewall installed on your PC as well to provide maximum
turn off SSID broadcasting. protection.
PC Explorer ISSUE 66 53
PCE66 Set up wireless network:PCE65 pp 7/10/08 09:17 Page 54
WI-FI NETWORKING
At the back of your router you should have a connection to the power The router settings can be accessed through the IP address that
1 supply, a cable leading to the modem or your phone line, and
Ethernet cables stretching to PCs nearby on the network. Additional
2 you’ll find in the supplied documentation. Simply type in this
address into your Web browser’s address bar, then enter the default
computers can be added wirelessly, which removes the need for password and user name (which should also be printed somewhere
physical cabling. in the user manual).
Every router will have a different set of screens to work through, but Windows Vista features a new look Network and Sharing Centre that
3 you shouldn’t find it too difficult to navigate between the various
sections. Under the Wireless Settings you can configure the SSID
4 you can access via the Control Panel. Here you can view and edit all
of the settings relating to your computer’s network connection –
broadcast by your router, which is the name given to the network click on the View full map link to see all of the PCs connected to
that will appear in Windows. your router.
54 ISSUE 66 PC Explorer
PCE66 Set up wireless network:PCE65 pp 7/10/08 09:18 Page 55
WI-FI NETWORKING
In Windows Vista you can view a series of wireless networks that If WEP or WPA protection has been enabled on the router, then you’ll
5 are in range before deciding which one to connect up to. You’ll be
able to see the signal strength of each network, and Windows will
6 need to provide a password. This may be printed on a sticker on the
router, and can also be accessed through the router screens we
also tell you whether or not there is some form of security looked at earlier. Enter the password carefully, then click Connect to
protection in place. access the Web.
When you’re correctly connected to a local network and/or the On the Network Connections screen you can manage the wired and
7 Internet, a small icon will appear in the lower right hand corner
indicating all is well. In the case of a wireless connection, you can
8 wireless connections set up on your computer, disabling and
enabling them as required. To make more detailed changes to a
hover over this icon to check up on the signal strength, and to see the particular connection, right-click on it and choose Properties from the
SSID we mentioned earlier. menu that appears.
The Properties screen will reveal a range of different settings that On the Network and Sharing Centre screen you can follow the View
9 should all be correctly configured by Windows. Open up the TCP/IP
Properties screen (by selecting the entry and clicking Properties) and
10 computers and devices link on the left hand side to see a list of all the
other computers visible on your local network. If you’re working in
you should find your PC is assigned an IP address automatically by the home you might only see one or two, but office networks will
the router. feature more.
PC Explorer ISSUE 66 55
PCE58 Connect to a network 16/7/07 10:40 Page 88
Connect to
a network
Microsoft’s new operating system makes it easier than ever to hook
up to other computers over a network, as David Nield demonstrates
ith more accessible, more powerful and less different options that you can get at and tweak from
W expensive hardware arriving all the time, home
networking is enjoying a rapid growth in popularity.
this one screen – from connecting to a wireless
network to viewing a map of linked PCs, you’ll find it
It’s not just computers on our home networks either all here (open up Control Panel from the Start menu
– printers, hard drives and media centres can all be and select Network and Internet/ Network and
easily connected up, enabling users to share Sharing Centre to get to it). When you plug a
resources and digital content in just a few clicks of network cable into your PC, or install a wireless card,
the mouse. Windows Vista includes redesigned Vista should have no problems in connecting up
networking technology, improving support for both your computer.
wired and wireless connections and ensuring that PC If necessary, click the Connect to a network link on
HOW TO GUIDE users at every level can get connected to a network
quickly. We’ll give you a brief guide to some of the
the left of the Network and Sharing Centre and follow
the instructions that appear on screen. As well as
SOFTWARE: features and screens that you’ll come across in the making it easier to get online, the Vista Network and
Windows Vista guide that follows. Sharing Centre also makes it more straightforward to
LEVEL: share files and folders with other PCs connected to
Intermediate The Network and Sharing Centre your own. If you’re just setting up an Internet
The new-look Network and Sharing Centre, connection for the first time, make sure you have the
ON THE WEB: accessible from the Start menu or Control Panel, is instructions and registration details supplied by your
www.microsoft.com/vista where you can access all of your connection Internet Service Provider (ISP), as well as any necessary
information and settings. There are a whole host of software discs.
Setting up a router
Routers certainly make life a lot easier for the humble home
user. They can plug directly into your Internet connection and
then share it out equally to all of the PCs in your home,
making sure no wires are crossed and all resources are divided
properly. If you can’t get on the Web, then the router options
screen is a good area to check for problems. From here you
can also beef up the security provided by the router, and
check which computers are hooked up.
The standard way of accessing your router is by typing its IP
address into the address bar of your Web browser (check the
documentation that came with the device if you don’t know
what it is). Via the router settings screen you can keep an eye
on the status of your connection, troubleshoot problems, and
hide the network name from being broadcast.
The model shown here is a BT Voyager router, which
provides all of the basic options needed on a home network
and then some. Note that a username and password will be
required to log on (a default log on will be listed in the
manual, which you should change as soon as possible). By accessing your router through a Web browser, you can access a range of useful network settings
Click on Start Menu/ Network and you’ll be able to see the devices and The network page should include an entry for your router, if there is one on
1 computers that your PC is hooked up to. On larger networks, it may take some
time before every device appears. Using the toolbar options at the top you can
2 your network. Right-click on it and choose Properties to see more information
about the router, including the model, manufacturer and a link to the device’s
add a new wireless device or a printer. webpage (which opens in your browser).
Click on the Network and Sharing Centre link to visit the main network Select View full map to see a more detailed diagram of your network
3 interface within Vista. All kinds of information is displayed here, including how
your PC is connecting to the Web, and how it interacts with the other
4 connections, or Connect to a network to join a different one (such as a wireless
signal set up in your home). Click on the Set up a connection or network
machines currently installed on the network. option on the left to create a new broadband or dial-up connection.
By clicking on Manage network connections you can view details of the The Local Area Network Properties screen will look familiar to XP users, but
5 networks that your PC is currently connected to (just one in this case). Right-
click on the network icon and choose Properties for more details (you’ll need
6 there are a number of extras here, such as the support for IPv6. Click Configure
to change the settings of your network card or device, or use the Properties
to be running an Administrator account for this). option to set up the network connection itself.
Network your
home PCs
Share a broadband connection,
files and hardware devices with a
home computer network
A
lthough actual statistics are thin on the ground, an increasing
number of households possess more than one PC these days.
There’s a good chance that you yourself own at least two, and
the most common reason for this is systems becoming old and outdated
– many people prefer to buy a brand new ready-to-use computer, rather
than going to the hassle of upgrading the old one, and the still-functioning
original then gets passed on to the kids for them play on. Fights over the
family’s lone PC are commonplace so this hand-me-down approach
makes a lot of sense. Laptops have also become popular with home users
over the past few years, so even if you only have the one desktop system
you might still have two computers in the house, or possibly more.
Networking these computers together is an obvious path to take. Not
only because it makes sharing files and folders between the systems
much easier – simply drag and drop – but because you can share
hardware between them too. The main resource to share is your
internet connection, but you can just as easily use a single printer or
webcam across multiple PCs, saving you an awful lot of time,
awkwardness and money. Setting up a home network is easy, as
Windows does most of the hard work for you, but there are several
things to consider, not least the type of network you want – wired,
wireless or a combination of the two.
Wayne Williams
Each PC on your network will need some way of Let Windows assign IP addresses and it will control You can decide which folders on your hard
connecting – a PCI card is one option communication between your PCs drive other network users can access
1 If you’re setting up a LAN then you’ll need to add a network card to each of
the computers on your network (assuming they don’t already come with
2 Next, we’ll install a wireless router for our connection to the internet. Plug
the cable from your ADSL connection into the back of the router. Next,
one pre-installed). Open up your case and install the card, and when Windows plug one end of an RJ-45 network cable into the socket marked LAN on the wireless
boots up the new hardware will be ready to use. router (this will plug into the back of the network router later).
3 The wireless modem will need setting up to work with your ADSL
connection. Most devices are controlled through a web user interface and
4 You will need to secure your wireless network (using either WEP or WPA
encryption) to stop snoopers accessing your connection. Encryption is set
this one is no different. Enter the supplied IP address into the browser and follow through the web interface, using a passphrase – when connecting to an encrypted
the instructions as per your manual. Each device will work slightly differently. network you’ll enter the same passphrase.
7 Now we’ll connect up a DSL router. Plug one end of a RJ-45 network cable
into the first PC on your network and then plug the other end into one of
8 Go to Start/ My Network Places and choose to Setup a Home or Small
Office Network. Step through the Wizard and reboot at the end. Run the
the free ports on your router. Repeat the process with different cables for each of wizard on the other machines, remembering to make the domain name the same
the PCs you wish to add. Finally, connect your wireless modem to the router. on all of them. Your network should now be fully installed.
9 You may need to configure your DSL router to use the wireless modem,
and again this is likely to be controlled through a web interface. Follow the
10 With a network in place, adding new computers is very simple. A Windows
XP system with a wireless adapter attached should automatically detect
supplied instructions and you should be able to get it working without too many the network, while attaching a PC directly to the router is even easier. IP addresses
problems. You now have a wired and wireless network. will be automatically assigned by the router.
11 You should be able to see the other computers and laptops in your home
via My Network Places once all of the wired and wireless connections are in
12 To set up a printer across the network, go to Start/ Control Panel/ Printers
and Other Hardware. Click on Add A Printer, then click Next, select A
place. If you decide to share files and folders between them, you can browse other Network Printer, then Browse for Printer. Double-click the computer the printer is
PCs remotely from this screen. attached to, select the printer you want and click Next to finish.
▲
TECH TALK EXPERT
Tech talk:
The Internet
Millions of computers connected like one giant network – Simon Clark
looks the infrastructure of the Internet in a bit more detail
t’s often said that no single entity may be wondering why you need an ISP additional equipment that’s required. Your
63
▲
▲
EXPERT TECH TALK
64
▲
▲
TECH TALK EXPERT
65
▲
▲
TECH TALK EXPERT
Tech talk:
Internet firewalls
In this month’s Tech Talk Wayne Williams tells you everything you need to know
about protecting your network with a firewall, and looks at the available options
hese days you really need three blocking an unsolicited connection can
Packet filtering checks the IP addresses and TCP/UDP ports of every data packet policies or rulesets, as they attempt to
63
▲
issue 99 www.pc-utilities.co.uk
PCU99 Xpert-Tech Talk Firewalls 18/3/08 17:18 Page 64
▲
EXPERT TECH TALK
▲
Most routers offer some
header for its source and destination IP form of firewall
addresses, and TCP/UDP ports. If a protection. This wireless
packet passes inspection it will be one from D-Link offers
allowed through. If it fails the filtering both NAT and SPI
process it will be discarded. It’s a fast (stateful packet
inspection)
OSI model
The Open Systems Interconnection Basic Reference Model
was developed in 1984 as part of the Open Systems
Interconnection (OSI) initiative and is a seven-layered
standard used to describe the flow of data in a network.
The seven layers are:
64
▲
www.pc-utilities.co.uk issue 99
PCU99 Xpert-Tech Talk Firewalls 18/3/08 17:18 Page 65
▲
TECH TALK EXPERT
Windows Firewall
The XP firewall is a basic stateful inspection service. It blocks any incoming traffic
that hasn’t been requested, and so provides a reasonable level of protection from
outside attacks. Unfortunately, it lacks any way of filtering application content and
doesn’t monitor outgoing traffic, so there’s nothing to stop malware on your
system from “phoning home”. It’s certainly better than having no firewall at all, but
you shouldn’t rely solely on it to protect your network.
The Vista firewall is much better and adds outgoing protection and user
filtering. This, somewhat clumsily, has to be configured using a snap-in in the
management console. You can run it by clicking Start/ Control Panel/
Administrative Tools/ Windows Firewall With Advanced Security, or by clicking
Start and entering wf.msc into the search box.
65
▲
issue 99 www.pc-utilities.co.uk
PCU111 Xpert-20 tips WiFi:PCU 19/2/09 09:09 Page 66
▲
EXPERT WIRELESS NETWORKING
Manage your
Wi-Fi network
In this month’s tips section we’ll show you how to secure, manage
and get the most out of your wireless home network
f you don’t already have a wireless network, setting Buffalo etc). These offer the same speed
66
▲
▲
WIRELESS NETWORKING EXPERT
▲ connection
To prevent anyone leaching off your Wi-Fi
it’s vital you encrypt it. Open up a ▲ offer
Find the Security Options. Your router should
a choice of encryption methods. WEP ▲ and
Enter a security key. This should be between 8
63 characters in length. The longer you
the case of 802.11n draft hardware. If Broadband customers can join the
you have an 802.11n router, but your community immediately, but if you use
wireless adaptors all use 802.11g, you’ll another ISP you’ll need to purchase a
be able to connect without problems but FON Wi-Fi router first, which costs £30.
you won’t enjoy the speed benefits of Alternatively you can access the
the new standard. network without sharing your
connection by buying a voucher.
8 profiles
Set up
Netprofiles enables you to create
individual profiles for any wireless
networks that you visit on a regular basis
– work, home, your local coffee shop and
so on. You can store a range of different
settings for each connection including IP
address, primary and secondary DNS
▲ Repairing a dropped wireless ▲ Upgrading your
support section on your manufacturer’s router’s firmware can servers, proxy settings and more. You
connection is easy enough website. To upgrade the firmware, save can also set a default printer and change
sometime improve its
the file to your hard drive, log into your your browser homepage and Windows
5 connection
performance
Repair your router and look for a router upgrade wallpaper. If you’re using XP the
option (possibly under Maintenance). software will automatically switch to the
If your wireless connection suddenly relevant profile as soon as a recognised
slows or drops, you can attempt to repair
it. In Vista, right-click the network icon in 7 with
Free Wi-Fi access
BT FON
network is detected.
▲
WirelessKeyView
your system tray and select Diagnose BT FON (www.btfon.com) is an should be able to
And Repair. (If the icon is missing just interesting Wi-Fi initiative that aims to recover any lost
click the Start button and select give all of its members access to free network keys
Network/ Network And Sharing Center. wireless broadband wherever they are in
Diagnose And Repair is listed in the the world. You securely share a small
sidebar.) The troubleshooter will look for portion of your broadband connection
problems and, if it finds something, with other FON users (a maximum of
suggest a solution or let you repair the 512Kb/s), and in return get free access
connection. The process is similar in XP. to any of the 250,000+ global hotspots
Right-click the Network icon in the created by other members. BT Total
system tray and select Repair.
6 Update your
firmware/drivers
9 network
Recover your
key
To be properly secure, wireless network
Hardware manufacturers often release keys need to be very long and made up of
firmware updates for their products, and a mixture of letters and numbers. Unless
router manufacturers are no different. you come up with a catchy passphrase
▲
BT FON hotspots
It’s worth checking periodically to see if aren’t the fastest such as “18sheepwear72socks”, they
new software has been released for your but they should generally aren’t easily remembered. If
device, as this may improve its stability suffice for most you forget the key for a wireless network,
and increase performance. Check the casual surfers’ needs you can easily retrieve it using
67
▲
▲
EXPERT WIRELESS NETWORKING
10 with
Locate hotspots
MyHotspotter
Trustive (www.trustive.com) has a
network of over 65,000 hotspots installed
in airports, hotels, bars and restaurants
across Europe, including just under 6,000
in the UK. If you use one or more of these ▲ You can connect a Nintendo DS to your
on a regular basis you should consider wireless network, but only using WEP
installing the free Trustive MyHotspotter
tool. This includes a visual hotspot finder
so you can quickly locate the nearest
access point on a map and it will also
15 onManage Wi-Fi
your laptop
Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector is a powerful
alert you as soon as one comes in range. application that can find and connect to
▲ You can configure your
The program remembers all your details, router to send you an advanced configuration options. hotspots and help you manage and
so you can log in immediately just by email alert should it Depending on the manufacturer you troubleshoot a wireless network. It
clicking the pop-up box. detect a significant may be able to adjust the router’s provides details on your current
security event firewall settings, turn on remote
11 settings
Default
If you’ve lost the login details for your
management, block certain sites,
configure port forwarding, turn off
unnecessary lights, and even request
router don’t despair. Provided you that the router send you an email if
haven’t changed the default settings someone tries to hack into your system.
you can use the following usernames
and passwords:
Router
3Com
Address
http://192.168.1.1
Username
admin
Password
admin
14 aSecurely connect
games console
The newest games consoles have Wi-Fi
D-Link http://192.168.0.1 admin built into them. The only exception is the
Linksys http://192.168.1.1 admin admin slightly older Xbox 360, which doesn’t ▲ Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector tells you everything
Netgear http://192.168.0.1 admin password come with a wireless adaptor as standard you need to know about your wireless network
USRobotics http://192.168.2.1 admin admin but you can buy one for it. Connecting
them to your network is no different, or connection (including SSID, Channel and
If you have changed the settings you’ll harder, than connecting any other Mac and IP Addresses) and a real-time
need to reset your router to the factory wireless device. However, they don’t all graph shows the signal strength/history.
defaults first. Look for a reset button on support multiple encryption methods. The program also offers a dynamic radar,
the back of the device and hold it down The Nintendo DS in particular only works which displays all other connections in
for 10 seconds or so. If it has a reset hole, with WEP. Here’s a handy guide: range, including their names and
stick a straightened paperclip into it. Device WEP WPA-PSK WPA2-PSK relative distance. The stronger a signal,
the closer to the centre it will appear.
12 settings
iPhone/iPod touch Yes Yes Yes
Advanced
16 iPhone/iPod
Nintendo DS Yes No No
Nintendo Wii Yes Yes Yes Sniff Wi-Fi using an
When you log into your router to set it PlayStation 3 Yes Yes Yes touch
up, make changes or add encryption, PlayStation Portable Yes Yes No There are several great applications you
take a look at the other settings on Xbox 360 with adaptor Yes Yes No can use to turn Apple’s iPhone/iPod
offer. There will probably be some useful touch into a pocket hotspot locator. The
▲ can
There are lots of free Web-based services you
use to find hotspots in any area. JiWire ▲ (www.free-hotspot.com).
Another good service to try is Free Hotspot
As its name ▲ laptop
NetStumbler is a handy tool to have on your
when you’re on the move with no idea
68
▲
▲
WIRELESS NETWORKING EXPERT
▲ wireless
You can share music, pictures and video over a
network using Windows Media Player ▲ media
Make sure the device you want to share your
with is turned on and connected to the ▲ and
Open up Media Player on the other computer
click the down arrow under Library. Select
20 Make
calls
VoIP
You can buy Wi-Fi handsets with Skype
pre-loaded on them
▲
3’s Skypephone is
which will let you
a regular mobile
that also lets you make calls from
make Skype calls anywhere within
range of a wireless
network. Probably the
coolest of the various
models is the 3
most popular is JiWire’s free Wi-Fi Finder, Skypephone
which lists over 200,000 locations in 135 (http://3skype
countries. You can use the location phone.com/). This is a
feature to find hotspots that are near to regular mobile phone
you, or search by town (but not currently with Skype baked-in.
by postcode). You will need to be online You can use it to
to be able to use it with the iPod touch. make free unlimited calls to other Skype
Other non-free apps to consider include users worldwide, or standard mobile-
WifiTrak (59p), WiFiFoFum (£1.79) or Total rate calls over the 3 network. You can
Hotspots (£2.99). All are available to also instant message your friends using
download from the Apple App store ▲ WeFi makes it easy to find and connect to Skype chat. The phone costs from £12 a
(www.apple.com/uk/iphone/appstore/). safe and secure hotspots around the globe month on a mix and match plan.
18 find
Use WeFi to
hotspots
WeFi is a useful community-driven tool
connect to one if you prefer. If you
connect to an unrecognised hotspot
you’ll be able to map it for the benefit of
PROGRAMS
Program Price Website
for finding and verifying hotspots. When other members. WeFi Free www.wefi.com
you run the software it will search for See also:
19 work
Choose the right net-
any wireless connections in range and MyHotspotter Free www.trustive.com
provide you with the necessary details. location in Vista Netprofiles Free http://netprofiles.danielmilner.com
If you’re not currently online it will When you connect to a new wireless NetStumbler Free www.netstumbler.com
automatically connect you to the network for the first time using Vista, WirelessKeyView Free http://tinyurl.com/am3nh9
strongest and safest choice – you can the Network Discovery feature will ask Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector Free www.xirrus.com/library/
turn this feature off and just manually you whether it’s a Home, Work or Public wifitools.php
69
▲
Upgrade your
Wi-Fi network
David Nield explains how you can get extra performance from
your home network with some additional hardware
Network hardware
At the centre of your network setup will be a router/modem
device that receives the broadband signal coming into your
home and splits it to your various PCs as well as producing a
wireless signal. Routers are now typically provided by your ISP,
but upgrading one is not difficult if you’re looking for extra
speed or features.
Routers built for the consumer market make use of the IEEE
802.11 Wi-Fi standard, defined by the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers. Most routers make use of 802.11g
technology, which has a maximum data rate of 54Mbit/s and an
indoor range of 40 feet. The 802.11n standard, which is still
being drafted, will increase this range to 220 feet, at a data rate
of 248Mbit/s. The 802.11n standard is expected to be
introduced fully in December 2009, though some draft models
are available now.
In addition to the router, you’ll need a wireless adapter on
every PC or laptop you want to connect via Wi-Fi. You can also
invest in devices to boost the Wi-Fi signal as it travels through
your home, while the recent introduction of powerline technology
means that you can also buy adapters for your electrical sockets. Upgrading your router isn’t difficult if you’re after faster speeds
Your router and everything you need to create a home network You should be able to swap out the connections in your existing
1 should’ve been provided by your ISP together with installation
instructions. If you want to introduce new features, faster speeds or a
2 router and replace it with a more powerful device without any
adverse affects. The Netgear Wireless-N Modem Router shown here
greater range to your home network, upgrading the necessary offers up to 15 times the transfer speed and 5 times the wireless
hardware isn’t a difficult process. range of a standard 802.11g router.
Whenever you’re replacing hardware, it’s important to check with Round the back of your new router you should find all of the ports
3 your ISP first. Community forums on the Web are a great place to get
started – on the Sky Broadband forums, for example, you can read
4 you need. This DGN2000 model offers the standard four Ethernet
ports as well as two wireless antennas to improve the Wi-Fi range. The
threads posted by other users about different routers and devices pale blue port on the left hand side is the one to connect up to your
that have been tested. telephone socket.
One of the most popular ways of upgrading your network is to turn it If you already have a router and network in place, adding PowerLine
5 all or part of it into a PowerLine network. PowerLine adapters, like the
Netgear model shown here, can stream Internet feeds around the
6 adapters to the mix is truly plug-and-play – there’s no software to
install or setup configurations to go through. The adapters simply act
home through your existing plug sockets without affecting any of as an extension for your Ethernet cables, and plug into available
your existing devices. sockets as shown.
Run an Ethernet cable from a spare port on your router to the newly At the other end of the connection you’ll need another Ethernet cable
7 fitted PowerLine adapter and the Internet connection will be sent
round to the other power sockets in your home. You can then plug in
8 – you can then connect up a networked device or attach a laptop or
another PC to communicate with the router. More and more devices
another adapter in another room to take advantage of your newly are now being built with a network socket built in, such as the Canon
extended network. MFD shown here.
The Linksys adapter shown in this picture takes a slightly different The process is the same at the other end, though on your second
9 approach. Unlike the small adapters we looked at earlier, these
devices act as mini routers, though the principles are just the same. To
10 adapter the Ethernet cable runs to your laptop or network device
rather than your router. The Linksys hardware takes care of all the
get started, attach your first adapter to your router, and then plug it bandwidth sharing, and you can connect up to four devices in every
into a spare mains socket. room where an adapter is installed.
Modern motherboards now come with a suitable network socket Wi-Fi standards are improving all the time, and today’s laptops,
11 built in, and wired connections are the fastest and most stable way of
connecting up the devices on your network. They also communicate
12 netbooks and even mobile phones come with Wi-Fi connectivity. You
can buy external adapters if you wish to, such as this Netgear USB
directly with your router, so you won’t usually have to enter a security device, which usually offer a better way of connecting to weak signals
password. and faster transfer speeds.
You shouldn’t have any difficulty configuring Windows to work with The Manage Wireless Networks section of Control Panel is the place to
13 your network, as Microsoft has slowly and surely improved home
network support in its operating system. Your router should appear in
14 turn to if your Wi-Fi network isn’t being detected automatically. Click
Adapter properties to see information about the installed Wi-Fi
the Network section of the Computer screen, and you can right-click adapters, or the Add button on the left to look for and connect to
to access further options. available wireless networks.
If you live close to your neighbours, you’ll probably be able to pick You’ll be prompted for the security key or passphrase that you used
15 up several wireless networks – you can see the name of the network
as transmitted by the router together with the strength of the
16 when the network was set up – if you need to check or modify it, you
can do this from any PC or laptop that has a wired connection to the
signal. To join your home network, select the relevant entry and router. Enter the key carefully and then click Connect to start surfing
click Connect. the Web.
The Network and Sharing Centre in Control Panel is the place to go to You can access your router directly through any Web browser by
17 if you need to customise any aspect of your network’s configuration
or if you’re having trouble getting connected. Click View computers
18 entering the appropriate IP address – you should be able to find this
in the router’s Properties screen or in the user manual that came with
and devices to see a screen showing all of the devices that are visible the hardware. From here you can change the security setup and other
on the network. router settings.