Windows Wireless configuration

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What is Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is the name of a particular standard for a type of wireless network developed for computer communications. It eliminates cables and solve problems of distance, obstacles. The connection uses radio waves. To connect to the network without son, computers, modems and peripherals must be equipped with receivers / transmitters Wi-Fi. They come in several forms like USB Wi-Fi adapter , Wi-Fi PCI card or PCMCIA Wi-Fi for laptops.

There are several WLAN standards:

• 802.11a: standard for local area networks using the 5 GHz frequency as for transfers up to 54 Mbps.
• 802.11b: another standard for local networks, using the 2.4 GHz with a maximum bandwidth of 11 Mbps.
• 802.11g: the most successful standard for large networks, uses the 2.4 GHz with the maximum bandwidth of 54 Mbps.

It might replace the two previous standards. Unlike a wired network, the bandwidth varies with distance. More perimeter is, the more the performance is optimal. For example, to take advantage of 11 Mbps, the maximum range is 25 to 50 meters indoors and 160 meters in open terrain. The nature of walls, ceilings, walls and plays heavily on the quality and network performance. Of Wi-Fi antennas optional, used to amplify the signal, can in some cases, be installed.

WI-FI technology, based on the 802.11 standard, allows you to create a local network without the need for wiring to connect computers together. To implement a wireless solution, it is imperative to bring to an access point Wi-Fi. In order to "talk" to the access point, each machine must be equipped with an Ethernet-WI FI or WI-FI USB Adapter.

WI-FI and ADSL

So that machines on a LAN can receive an ADSL connection, different manufacturers offer a wide range of products that will fit everyone's needs. To take advantage of a shared wireless connection you can choose between several types of equipment.

• ADSL Ethernet modem for connecting
• A router to share your connection on the different positions of the local network
• An access point Wi-Fi to do without any wiring.

To avoid buying these three different materials, manufacturers offer products all in one:

The Modem Router Wireless : Ideal if you have no modem or router. This type of product has everything you need since it modem + router + access point. It is cheaper to buy this all-in-one than buying three separate products.

The wireless router: We generally opt for this solution when one already has an Ethernet modem. The access point will be useful only if you have an Ethernet modem + router or if you have a modem router. So many possibilities to you according to the material that you already own. In all cases, the computers wishing to receive a wireless connection will have to be equipped with an internal wireless card or USB wireless adapter in order to communicate with the access point. These wireless devices will replace the conventional Ethernet cards. It is of course possible to connect some machines on the router if they are close to it, and use wireless technology for more remote computers.

Advance Wireless Technology

With this technology, finite network cables that run into the house to connect your various PCs, more than holes in walls or ceilings to access computers on the upper floors. The system easily installs in minutes and all your computers communicate with each other, then you can exchange files, play together and share internet and printer. For those who are equipped with a laptop, nothing more comfortable than the mobility in the home, while remaining both connected to the Internet and connected to other machines.

Wi-Fi Network Setup

There are two ways of installing Wi-Fi wireless network , Ad-hoc method that allows to install a wireless network between two PCs and the infrastructure mode, which gives the possibility of building a wireless network between multiple PCs.

Ad-Hoc method

The Ad-Hoc mode is a mode called point to point. This means that the mode Ad-Hoc "to connect two computers together, each having a wireless network card (pci Wi-Fi for a landline and Wi-Fi pcmcia card for a laptop) without a Wi-Fi access point. This system still limits as the number of users is limited to 11 maximum. For a WAN, it is better to choose infrastructure mode.

The method Infrastructure

For more than two computers networked wirelessly, it is necessary to acquire a wireless access point (AP) or wireless router. The Wi-Fi access point will allow you to shared data, peripherals and Wi-Fi router , more developed, may eventually connect a wired network and be used for other functions (firewall, integrated ADSL modem). In infrastructure mode, in contrast to Ad-Hoc, so customers spend one or several access points to communicate. These access points function as well as wired network hubs (hub / switch). When the wireless network uses several access points, for example a corporate network, it is necessary to refer to regularly access points acting as relay terminals in the area you want covered.

How to mount and install a Wi-Fi network ?

Each workstation should be equipped with a Wi-Fi adapter. If you have more than two computers then you also need a Wi-Fi access point or wireless router .

1) You want to install two wireless PC network

Just equip each of the two PCs with a wireless adapter, such as a PCI Wi-Fi card for landline and wireless PCMCIA card for your laptop. This will not only have your networked computers but also to share the Internet connection or a device connected to one of two PCs.

2) You want to install multiple wireless network PC

From 3 PCs, it requires a Wi-Fi access point or wireless router. The Wi-Fi access point will only allow you to share data between PCs and peripherals connected to PCs on. The wireless router offers you the possibility to connect a wired network, share an Internet connection, etc. Some Wi-Fi routers have additional features such as: integrated ADSL modem, firewall, print server, etc. The Wi-Fi router is often the best solution compared to single Wi-Fi access point . A Wi-Fi router simply allows direct connection of an Ethernet ADSL modem, Internet connection and will be constantly available even if the other PCs on the network are off.

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Steps for Windows Vista To Create Wi-Fi Network

• From the Start menu / Network (or Start / Control Panel / Network Connections), open the Network and Sharing Center
• In the left section of the screen, choose Manage wireless networks.
• In the new window, select Add a wireless network
• Choose Create a network profile manually.
• Enter the name of network and information security type and encryption. Check Start this connection automatically. Click next, but does not connect immediately. Finish the wizard.
• In the Manage wireless networks, click the right button on the wireless network connection. Choose Properties.
• In the Properties menu of the wireless network, select the tab Security menu and then close Microsoft PEAP (Protected EAP) select Settings.
• Make sure that Validate server certificate is checked and .net Secure Server Certification Authority is selected in the Certificate Authorities trusted root.
• In the bottom of the window, ensure that the authentication method is Secured password (EAP-MSCHAP version 2). Subsequently choose Configure.
• In this window, make sure Automatically use my name is not checked if the customer does not use login name session. Accept these changes. To connect, double-click the network name, then check the state of the connection in the bottom of the window to the left of the hour.

Steps for Windows XP To Create Wi-Fi Network

The first thing to check is that the switch that activates the wireless network, should dispose of it, is turned on and then verify that the wireless connection is enabled in the Network Connections window.

• From the Desk of Windows XP can start the Setup Wizard in several ways:
• From the icon My Network Places. Is available to all computers that have network adapters. There is a right-click and choose the Properties option. This window displays the available network connections on your computer.
• From the Icon of wireless network detection system tray. It is available for all computers with integrated or PCMCIA Wi-Fi card (if the card is enabled and enabled the sample in the system tray). There is a right-click and select Open Network Connections. This window displays the available network connections on your computer.
• From D-Link icon in the system tray. It is available for those teams that have the PCMCIA card D-Link DWL-G650. There is a right-click and select the wireless network.

From the Network Connections window is selected and the wireless adapter is chosen, again with the right button, the Properties option, which shows the window that allows you to configure the adapter.

• In the Properties window for wireless network connections must choose the Wireless Networks tab shown below, in which the following elements:
• Use Windows to my wireless network settings: This option is checked by default and is responsible for the operating system to manage the configuration. This option disables, if any, proprietary software configuration of the card. This option is recommended by the Computing Service to standardize the process of setting up the cards.
• Available Networks: Displays a list of wireless networks available to the team. To view just click the View Wireless Networks button that displays the Wireless Network Connection.
• Preferred networks : Displays a list of detected networks that can connect the computer.
• Advanced : Opens a configuration window to set a series of connection parameters. For connection to **** does not need to change.

Steps for Windows 7 To Create Wi-Fi Network

The first thing we do is get to the center of networks and shared resources to do this click the Start Menu and type network, leave the picture to see him more clearly:

To configure a wireless network in Windows 7, need to install device drivers and wireless access to the Windows Control Panel 7.

Once inside, click on Center Network and Sharing

And seeing that accessed the center of networks and shared resources which I will highlight 4 options we will see below, which I will explain, these points are:

• Configure network adapters
• Public Records
• Connect to wireless networks
• Access router

Start with the options of Change Adapter Configuration. Clicking on this option will see a window like this, to avoid confusion during the wireless network settings will disable local area connections, so that you can simply click and select the first menu item is Disable but if we do not need other off all but the Wireless Network Connection.

To differentiate between active and inactive connections simply look at the icons for network connections, which are in color are active and which are black and white are disabled. Once we know how to enable and disable the network connections necessary we will see how we can clean up the wireless network profiles, but first explain this profile is.

Network profiles (in this case wireless) are the configurations of the networks that we have connected, so when Windows detects new network that can connect automatically set the necessary parameters have to do as the password , although this may be problematic because if we change the configuration can lose connectivity to the wireless network that will need to remove the network profiles that we have before setting up wireless access our network in order to avoid problems and errors connections resulting from the existing settings. To do this we will click on "Network Profiles" in the "Center Network and Sharing" as we see in the image number 3 of this article and to which we can access all windows closed and following the figures 1 and 2 this paper (framed with orange).

To authenticate our password, Windows 7 automatically connects your computer to the network, and therefore, it is at this point we can start surfing the Internet.

Wi-Fi Card configuration.

From the Properties window for wireless network connections, we have chosen the Wireless Networks tab. Add button is pressed and displays a window that allows you to register a new network.

In the Properties window wireless network within the Association tab, enter or select the values for the items listed:

• Network Name (SSID): *******
• Network Authentication: OPEN.
• Data encryption: DISABLED.

In the Connection tab, you have to disable the Connect when this network is in range, to prevent the computer is continuously trying to connect to ******, a well, disabling the option only when the user tries to connect request.

Upon completion of this process, click on the OK button in all windows to make the changes for good, until you reach the window P properties of wireless network connections where you select the General tab.
Be checked to activate the options:

• Show icon in notification area when connected.
• Notify me when this connection has limited or no connectivity.

Then you pick the item Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) and click on the Properties button to verify that the computer's IP address and DNS server is obtained automatically (default setting).

Check these settings, press the OK button to return to the window and wireless network connections from here, or from the icons of the wireless adapters, you can access the list of available networks.

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Wireless Access Point

There are five modes of operation of a wireless access point:

Access Point Mode (standard): This mode is a standard feature of a Wi-Fi access point. Operating as a network hub (hub or switch), it allows the terminals equipped with wireless adapters to communicate between themselves but also to add a wired LAN via RJ45 port on this access point.

Client Access Point mode: This mode requires two access points, the first set and the second AP in AP Client. It allows to connect a remote wired LAN to a Wireless Network or vice versa. An access point configured as AP Client cannot be contacted by a wireless terminal client. The access point configured as AP Client communicate exclusively with the access point to which it has been linked (via the Mac address of AP). It will act as a client access point, so the wireless stations cannot communicate with directly, but against the machines can communicate with the wired network connected to the AP client.

Bridge mode Point to Point: This mode requires two access points Wi-Fi, both configured mode Bridge Point to Point (ad hoc). It allows an association, acting as a bridge between two wired remote (e.g. between two buildings). Both access points communicate with each other so exclusively. They are attached via mac address or in a self (strongest signal).

Fashion Bridge Point to Multipoint :This method generally requires more than two Wi-Fi access points. It achieves the same objectives as a facility in Bridge Point to Point "but with more than two remote networks (three buildings for example). To perform this installation, you must configure the main access point to point to multipoint Bridge and other so-called client access points in "Bridge point to point." They will report to the main access point via MAC address. It is recommended not to exceed three clients to maintain a proper bandwidth.

Repeater Mode : This mode requires two access points Wi-Fi at least one configured in PA and one in "Repeater". It can extend a wireless network to extend the signal, for example, moving from a coverage area of 50 meters to 80 meters. The AP is configured in repeater attached to the main PA via the MAC address. This mode is advantageous because we can share the bandwidth.

Antennas

The vast majority of wireless network cards on the market are equipped with a removable antenna with RP-SMA connector, SMA or N according to the manufacturer. The female connector (RP-SMA Female) is on the bracket slot and the male connector (RP-SMA Male) on the antenna. It is possible to classify the wireless antennas into two categories.

Wi-Fi omnidirectional antennas: An omnidirectional antenna Wi-Fi as its name suggests has a capacity of radiation of 360 ° with a gain of between 1 and 15 dBi. Wi-Fi antennas are often used as wireless base stations

Wi-Fi directional antennas: A directional antenna Wi-Fi as its name suggests also uses a directional radiation and its gain is 5 to 24 dBi. Being possible to direct the radiation, they allow the point to point, select the areas to be covered by Wi-Fi.

The Wi-Fi signal

The signal frequency is 2.4 GHz wireless or 12,248 cm. Its quality depends on the distance between receiver and source. The further away, the better the Wi-Fi signal decreases but it also depends on the environment. For example, with a wooden wall there's no problem against a concrete wall with the wireless signal will not have the same power.

How to increase the power of your Wi-Fi signal ?

To increase the Wi-Fi signal, you might replace the detachable antenna for your wireless networking equipment wireless amplified by an antenna or you can use an amplifier for wireless coverage area. Another solution is to repeat the signal Wi-Fi. To do this, configure your access point mode "repeater" or a USE THE USB Wi-Fi equipped with a USB extension cable. In this case you will be limited to 3 meters or signs at 3 meters USB hub that will act as a repeater signal. But beware, the Communications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has approved the Wi-Fi connections on a frequency of 2.4 GHz with a maximum transmission power of 100mW. To stay within the law you are limited to a maximum range of 8 km.

Wi-Fi and Security

The weakness often cited for the Wi-Fi network is security. Indeed, where a wired network is hardly hackable, a wireless network can (in theory) be "heard" because the waves do not stop at the limit of your home. However, to be hacked, there should be a malicious person to come with a laptop in your home ready to try for example to use your connection. More Wi-Fi standards are becoming more secure, 802.11b and g are more secure than the first 802.11a. Several settings allow you to strengthen your network security: do not put you in DHCP, enable WEP (key is a password on your network) or set by MAC address filtering, machinery and devices that have the right to access the network. Specifically, a properly configured wireless network is rather more secure than a traditional network (wired) poorly secured!

Like any local network, the wireless network is secure to protect your data.
Here are the different security options:

Encryptions WEP and WPA: WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) ensure the confidentiality of data transmitted over the network and protect the entrance to the access point by a key encrypted using an algorithm of 64, 128 or 256 bits. To connect to the AP, the client must have the same key entered in the configuration WI-FI . WEP is easily crackable WPA. In all cases, it is recommended to change the encryption codes periodically (e.g. once per month). To help protect your wireless network, you can add a secure VPN (Virtual Private Network).
Hide SSID or SSID broadcast (Y / N): This feature, found on the PA, can fit the SSID invisible to customers looking for wireless networks. Customers are forced to know to connect to network or use a search like SSID "ANY" (explained below).

Block Responds to unspecified-SSID: Restricts clients that scan wireless networks like Wi-Fi with SSID ANY. Putting on the client SSID name "ANY" can connect to any What wireless network without knowing the SSID. It takes the strongest signal and connect.
Filtering by MAC address or IP: This feature allows you to allow or deny access to the access point (so the Wi-Fi wireless network ) via a filtering by MAC address or IP address.

Anti-forwarding (Wireless client isolation): This feature allows that when a client sending data there is not broadcast on other customers (the difference between a hub and a switch). 802.1X: Authentication on a dedicated server security.

Advantages and disadvantages of Wi-Fi

Whether you have a desktop or laptop PC, the wireless has many benefits. Indeed, if you have a landline, it is possible to exchange data, share peripherals without the hassle of cables. If you use a laptop, the comfort of Wi-Fi is able to benefit because you can move into your home or business while staying connected to Wi-Fi network .

In consideration for the comfort of the Wi-Fi, there are some minor inconveniences are easily verifiable. Indeed, according to the structure of the building where you are, depending on the environment, the quality of Wi-Fi signal can vary. In addition, security (discussed a little later) is not yet optimal. That said, this is less true, so there is no worry to have.