Broadband Internet connection and modem . A broadband Internet connection is used to mean a high-speed Internet connection. Cable and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) are two of the most common broadband connections. To get a broadband connection, contact your internet service provider (ISP). Typically, Internet Service Providers that provide Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) are telephone companies and internet service providers that provide cable are cable TV companies. ISPs frequently offer broadband modems. Some Internet Service Providers equally offer combination modem/wireless routers. They can as well be found at electronic or computer stores, and online.
Wireless router .A router can be used to send info between the internet and your network. With a wireless router, your personal computers can be connected to your network by using radio signals rather than using wires. There are various types of wireless network technologies, which include 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11n, and 802.11ac.
Wireless network adapter . This device can connect your computer to a wireless network. To connect your portable computer (laptop) or desktop computer to your wireless network, your computer must have a wireless network adapter. Most portable laptops, tablets and some desktop computers actually come with a wireless network adapter installed already.
To verify whether your computer has a wireless network adapter:
Click on the Start button, enter device manager inside the search box, and then click on Device Manager .
Expand Network adapters .
Look for any network adapter that might have wireless inside its name.
Setting up the modem and Internet connection
Once all the equipment is ready, you can then set up your modem for internet connection. If the modem you have was not set up by your ISP, use the instruction that accompanied your modem to connect the modem to your PC and the internet. If you are using a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), connect the modem to a phone jack. If you are using cable, connect your modem to a cable jack.
Securing your wireless network
Security is very important when you are doing things online; in fact, security for your wireless network is even more important because the signal for your network could be broadcast outside of your home. In addition, if you do not secure your network, people can have access to your connection and start using it without your consent.
To enhance your network’s security, consider the following tips;
Change the default username and password. This will help to further enhance your router’s security. Most router manufacturers usually have a default username and password on the router and a default network name (also known as the SSID). Any other person could have access to this information without your knowledge. To avoid instances like that, the default username and pass-word should be changed for the router.
Set up a security key (password) for your network . If you don’t have a security key (password) for your network, your wireless network might be accessible to anyone, and this can lead to unauthorized access. It is advised that you use Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) security if your router supports it. Consult your router’s documentation for comprehensive information and to know the type of security it can support.
Some routers actually support Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). If your own router supports WPS and the router is connected to the network, use the steps below to set up your network security key;
- In Windows 10, click Start , then tap Settings > click on Network & Internet , tap Status and click on Network and Sharing Center .
- Choose Set up a new connection or network .
- Click on Set up a new network , and then tap Next .
The wizard will usually walk you through how you can create your network name and security key. In addition, if your router actually supports it, the wizard will default to Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA or WPA2) security. It is advisable to use WPA2, because it gives better security than the WPA or Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security. With the WPA2 or WPA, you can as well use a passphrase, so you won’t have to remember a cryptic sequence of numbers and letters.
Use a firewall . A firewall is a software or hardware that can help to protect your computer from malwares (malicious software) or unauthorized users. Having a firewall on each PC on your network will help to control attacks from malicious software on your network, and will also help to protect your personal computer when you are surfing the Internet. Windows 10 has a firewall included in it.
Connect a PC to your wireless network
Click on the Network or icon. You will find these icons in the notification area.
From your list of networks, select the network that you wish to connect to, and then click Connect .
Enter the security key (usually called the password).
If there are some additional instructions, kindly follow them.
How to find the password of your network
While it is possible that you forget the password for your Wi-Fi network, you will still be able to find the password if there is another Windows computer that is connected to your Wi-Fi network. Once you find the password, it can be used on another device or computer to connect to your Wi-Fi network again.
On a Windows computer that is connected to your Wi-Fi network, carry out any of the action below
▪ On your Windows 10 computer, click on the Start button, then tap Settings, select Network & Internet, click on Status and choose Network and Sharing Center.
In the Network and Sharing Center, beside Connections, choose the name of your Wi-Fi network.
In the Wi-Fi Status, click on Wireless Properties.
In the Wireless Network Properties, choose the Security tab, and then tap on the Show characters check box
The password for your Wi-Fi network will be shown in the security box of the network.
On another Windows computer or device, connect to you just as you used to do, and input the password when requested.
Finding your IP address
For Wi-Fi connection
On your taskbar, choose Wi-Fi network, select the Wi-Fi network that you are connected to and click Properties .
Under Properties, check for your
