Because of its many uses, most people have their own internet connection at home. However, when members of the family have their personal computers or laptops, the internet connection must be shared in order for them to use the internet simultaneously.
Previously, internet connections are shared at offices and homes through wires attached to the computers.
These pass through a hub, which distributes the bandwidth of the internet. but as technology advances and the wireless connection was introduced, the clutter of having so many wires connecting computers to a network are eliminated and instead uses wireless signal to access the internet, provided the laptop or PC is equipped also with a Wi-Fi receiver.
With a simple device called a wireless router, a single ISP can be shared at home through wireless connection, more commonly known as Wi-Fi.
Here are the general steps to establish a Wi-Fi connection at home:
1. First, you will need a wireless router. There are many wireless routers available in the market and it is up to you to choose a brand according to your preference, but they are the same. Try to position your router to a place free from hindrances that will affect the distribution of its signal.
2. Plug your internet cable behind the router, which is usually labeled as "WAN" (Wide Area Network).
3. Plug the LAN cable with RJ45 socket behind the router, usually these are numbered (e.g. 1-4)
4. Plug the other end of the LAN cable to your LAN card installed in your computer.
5. Plug the adapter behind the router and plug the adapter to a valid electric socket.
6. Turn on the router. Usually, if you installed the router correctly, the led lights of the WAN, WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), and the number where you plug your LAN cable will blink.
7. Turn on your laptop and try to search for your established wireless connection, and if detected by your computer, you are connected to the internet.
8. If you can get a wireless signal, so are others outside your house provided they are within the range of the router, therefore they can also use your internet without your permission. To avoid this, you have to establish a secured connection within your home.
9. To do this, access your router's internal settings. Usually it is accessed by turning off your internet, typing the address of your router in your internet browser (e.g. 172.16.22.15) and the settings menu will be displayed.
10. Go to security settings and select WEP, and you will be given an option to provide a password aka WEP key to protect your connection. Type your desired password and apply settings.
11. Turn on your internet. Type your WEP key, when it asks for it. Type the password; you are now connected to the internet. Now others cannot connect through your Wi-Fi connection unless they know your WEP key.
Now you can set up your own WiFi Internet connection.
