Setting up a wireless network

This guide will show you how to set up a wireless network in your home to prepare your computer for internet access.

What is needed to set up a Wired Network

In order to connect to the Internet wirelessly certain hardware and services are needed which are listed below. Without any one of these items connection to the internet is not possible. The range from the router typically will be limited (less than 200 feet or 60 meters).

• Wireless Network Adapter - This is a device that can be installed inside the computer (Figure 1) or into a USB port (Figure 2). If you do not know if you have a wireless card installed contact CyberPowerPC of the computer to find out.

Figure 1: Wireless Antenna Connectors

Figure 2: Wireless Antenna Connectors

• Wireless Broadband Router - The router is used to connect all of your computers to a network, and to the Internet.
• Broadband Internet Service Provider (ISP) - Telephone (DSL) and Cable TV companies usually offer Internet service.

Setting up a Wired Network

1. Your Broadband Internet Service Provider (ISP) will either come to your residence or business and set up the Broadband Modem or send you a do-it-yourself kit.
   Note: When using the do-it-yourself kit, follow the instructions provided for setting up the Broadband Modem or contact your ISP. Most likely you will need to contact your ISP anyway to set up a username and password (when using DSL) or register your Broadband Modem (when using cable).

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2. Once the Broadband Modem is set up and working remove the network or USB cable that is connecting the computer to the Modem.
   

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3. Turn off the Broadband Modem for at least three or more minutes (this is necessary to make the Broadband Modem find the wireless router later).
   

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4. After the three or more minutes is up, attach the wireless router with the supplied network cable and turn the Broadband Modem back on.
   

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5. Refer to the documentation that comes with your wireless router for installation instructions.
   • Note: For more information on setting up your broadband router refer to the manufacturer's website by choosing from the appropriate manufacturer from the list below.
     • Linksys
     • D-Link
     • Netgear
     • 2Wire
     • Belkin
     • Apple
     • SMC
     • TRENDnet
     • TP-Link
     • Cisco
     • Ubiquiti
     • ASRock
     • ASUS
       
6. During the initial set up of the wireless router, the network name (SSID) and Wi-Fi Security (network) key should be changed for security reasons, for additional information refers to the Securing Your Wireless Network section.

Connect Your Computer To Your Wireless Network

1. Plug or screw on the included the wireless antenna to your computer at the appropriate connectors (Figure 1), or plug your USB wireless adapter (Figure 2) into any available USB port.
2. Notes:

   • Moving the computer closer to the router will help eliminate sources of interference which may cause slow and intermittent connections, and to make sure the wireless hardware is working correctly.
   • When your computer only connects correctly to the internet while the computer is close to the router, it means you are probably experiencing interference issues. For more information on what causes interference, refer to the CyberPowerPC Knowledge Base article How to Identify and Reduce Wireless Signal Interference. Move the computer to within 3-9 feet (1-3 meters) of the router (if possible).
     
     
3. Touch or click the network icon (), either in the taskbar or in the hidden icons area (Figure 1).
   Notes:

   • Both are located in the lower right-hand corner of the screen.
   • Make sure the wireless antenna is on. For more information refer to CyberPowerPC Knowledge Base article How to Turn the Wireless on a CyberPowerPC Laptop On and Off (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth).
   • Make sure to unplug any network (Ethernet) cable or undock before performing the steps, otherwise, the wireless icon may not appear correctly.
   • When you cannot find the wireless icon, reboot the computer. When it still does not show, download and install the latest drivers. For more information, refer to How to Download and Install the Latest CyberPowerPC Wireless Network Adapter Driver section.
     
     
     

   

   Figure 1 (Hidden Icon Location)

4. Look for a listing that has the most white bars next to it (it may be necessary to scroll up or down to find it).
   
   
5. Touch or click the network with the most white bars (), and then touch or click Connect.
   Note: When there is more than one listing with the same number of white bars or the listing reads as "Hidden network or Other Network", refer to the Getting the Wireless Network Name Directly from the Wireless Router tab, within the Securing Your Wireless Network section, for instructions to get the wireless network name from the wireless router directly.
   
   
6. Enter the network security key if prompted, and then click Next.
   Notes:

   • During this process, you may need to know your wireless network name or network security key. For more information, refer to the How Do I Find my Wireless Network Name or How Do I Find my Wireless Network Key tabs within the Securing Your Wireless Network section.
   • Refer to the I am having issues getting or staying on the Internet section, for help when you still cannot get or stay on the internet.

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