Wireless Networking

How do you use a laptop anywhere in the house, without plugging it in the phone or broadband socket and still have access to the internet?  That's the realm of wireless networking!  At my home we have a desktop computer sitting in the office (well, OK, a bedroom with a desk) that is plugged in, or wired, to the internet through a Linksys broadband router, which also supports wireless networking.  Downstairs we have a laptop and a Windows Media Centre that both reach the internet using a wireless network... and on the whole its works really well.  I could have connected my computer in the office to the internet using wireless networking too, but as it sits right next to the broadband socket and wireless router it really isn't necessary.

If you would like to create a wireless network in your home, then this is the page for you.  I'll start with the Care Of Windows XP Wireless Networking A, B, C on how to set-up your own wireless network follow that with an important section on setting-up your wireless security and finally cover some common issues that occur with wireless networks.

• Set-up Your Wireless Network
• Set-up Security Using Wireless Network Setup Wizard (requires Windows XP Service Pack 2)
  • Or if you don't have Service Pack 2 you can set-up security manually
• Common Issues with Wireless Networks