How do you setup a wireless router in your home for laptop use?

Question

I am going to purchase both laptop and router from Dell and have never owned either one. I am a user but by no means a programmer. Since Dell charges quite a bit to set up this system, I assume that it is beyond my capabilities.

Answer 1

The process is very simple. You hook up your router to you main computer, via Ethernet cable or wireleess (need antena). And your laptop and any other computer will need to have an antena to receive the signal from your main router. Most laptops already have an intergrated wireless device to receive signal from a router, so you might not need to buy additional hardware if you're just buying a laptop and it already comes with a wireless device. Check with dell or under "Specifications'' to see if it already includes a wireless syetm intergrated to the laptop.

Answer 2

First, I agree with can't say about suggesting that it might be cheaper to purchase your router separately rather than thru dell especially since they are not really selling their own product on their site but rather well know and widely available brands(i.e. Belkin, Netgear, Linksys, etc). Many computer stores routinely offer sales on those. As far as installing the router itself most come with a installation disk that walks you thru the steps with verbal instructions as well as pictures. I recently installed a Belkin wireless router and the directions were very direct and simple. My suggestion is as long as you have your modem already set up you should have no problem installing the router. If you live in a apartment or know that your neighbors have wireless also I would suggest not using the default channel that the signal is transmitted on. At the end of the directions or in the User's Manual it should give you an IP address to type in your web browser to configure your wireless beyond the defaults.

You're welcome to IM me with this id if you need more help.

Answer 3

It all depends on the router and the wireless adaptor and the internet service provider !!!

Firstly would need to know what ISP (internet service provider you have) (Honestly there is a reason for this)

What is the make of the router?

Do you already connect to the inernet through your own computer? Y/N

These are realevant questions BUT !!!

If you plug in the telephone/cable into the router >

Then Start up the Laptop > then enable the wireless adaptor/card (OR WINDOWS MAY AUTOMATICALLY FIND IT)

THEN windows should automically search for wireless connections > when you get the pop up > right click on the ICON and the display the NETOWORKS - click on it and then connect > you should be able to get on to your net work.

I don't want to patronise you - but it should be that simple! And it is majority of times.

BUT this advice is only Generic

If you do go for it and you still have problems with setting it up the wireless network - IM me or Email me and if available and have time I'll give adivice

Hope this helps

Answer 4

first don't buy a dell. second you have to have a wireless provider. I use verizon. no matter who you buy from you have to have a wireless provider. aol can be a wirless provider. either of these providers will give you or sell you the equipment you need for less,and tell you how to do it for free. is very easy. even I could do it. I highly recomend circit city for laptop purchases. there service after the sale has been great. I purchased my router at staples when it was on rebate and got it for free.......
with just a little bit of work you can do all this and have quality for less. Delle's record speaks for itself. don't go by what you see on tv talk to people who have owned one. my husband works at the dump and the most computer brought in for trash are dell

Answer 5

It is very easy to setup.

Modem connects to router by ethernet cable, then another ethernet cable back to main pc to restore the internet connection. It is basically a matter of plugging in the router to your pc and getting a couple of settings i.e. SSID and security password and then run wireless network setup wizard on the laptop in your my network places.

Answer 6

Programmers write code, not install/configure routers..
Plug modem to WAN port in router, access router private ip by first directly plugging via ethernet from one of the router. Set up DHCP and DNS as auto, Set a key for your network so your connection is not stolen, restart computer, unplug cable, scan for wireless networks on laptops and your done..

Answer 7

Plug the internet cable into the router and plug the power in.
When your computer is on you might have to go into the control panel and make a new wireless connection if your laptop doesn't connect automatically. It might be cheaper to get a wireless router from your local computer store, Walmart, Future Shop, etc.

Answer 8

Is your router encrypted? If so you need to match the type of encryption on your new new laptop. Or you may need to set your IP settings to obtain IP address automatically. Do this: start>control panel>double click network connections>right click on the wireless connection>properties>in the box in the middle click internet protocal (TCP/IP)>right below that click properties>obtain an IP address automatically and choose obtain DNS server address automatically. Hope this helps.

Answer 9

i have the exact same problem as you do. haha. i have a dell laptop and trying to get a wireless router installed and have no clue as to how to set it up. i've given up and getting my bf to help me. i suggest you find a friend that is knowledgable to help you. then it'll be free. worse comes to worst, call the Geek Squad. they can help you with anything.

http://www.geeksquad.com/

Answer 10

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/network/R48972/en/qstart/index.htm