Activate the WiFI on your router or Internet box

Connect to the WiFi router via a cable
So that you can activate your routers WiFi function, you will need to be able to access the configuration interface. You simply need to connect your machine (PC, MAC or laptop) via an Ethernet cable to your router. This network cable should be provided with your hardware.

Establish a connection with the router or Internet box
Launch your Web browser. In the address bar type the default address, generally “192.168.0.1” or “192.168.1.1”, without the quotation marks. No matter the brand of your router, you should no be able to see your administration interface. You will need to find the section “Wireless settings” or something equivalent. You should check the option which corresponds to the activation of the WiFi network (eg: Activate the wireless access point).

The SSID or network name
The configuration is extremely simple. You will need to attribute a name to your network, which is the SSID (Service Set Identifier). Generally up to 32 alphanumeric characters are allowed. A good number of routers allow you to even hide this network. You can activate this function if you don’t want your network to be visible to your neighbours, providing you with additional security. But, this isn’t an obligation as the main encryption key will protect your wireless network.

The choice of signal channel between 1 and 13
While legislation in France used to dictate that the channel had to be higher then 9, this is no longer the case. This means that you can choose the channel of your choice between 1 and 13? For your information, the channels oscillate between 2,412 and 2,471 GHz. If you are in a building you should preferably choose a channel that is not already widely in use. If you encounter interference from other electrical devices then you should change your channel.

Encryption protocol and password
IYou will need to protect your WiFi network with an encryption protocol and password. You have the choice between WEP 64 or 128 bits, and WPA (WPA-PSK, WPA2, WPA2-PSK).  You should avoid WEP as numerous weaknesses have been identified by security experts. You should therefore opt for WPA2 and its 256 bit encryption key, as this is more secure and offers support for all standards up to the IEEE 802.11i.

The choice of password is large as well. You should avoid passwords that are too short, and you should ensure that it is made up of letters and numbers. With WPA, you can input a key of between 8 and 63 characters. The ideal is to enter a pass phrase that swaps letters for numbers, or use a phrase as spaces are also accepted as characters… Save all changes and then reboot your router (unplug it and plug it in again).

Disconnect the Ethernet cable, and your WiFi network is ready!
You no longer need the cable connection. Your WiFi network is ready to go. You now just need to configure your machines on your network by entering their SSID and the linked password.

The interface of a Netgear modem router	The interface of an Asus WL-500g router