Set up a wireless LAN - do it

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Set up a wireless LAN

Do it
Once you have a business plan in place that defines how you want to add wireless networking capabilities to your office, you can begin setting up your wireless network. It's easier than you might think.
Tip: Wireless networks require some sort of wired connection to the internet. Before you put your wireless network in place, be sure you have a T-1, DSL (digital subscriber line) cable or broadband connection in place in your office.

Step 1: Equip yourself
A wireless LAN essentially consists of two main components: wireless-enabled devices (integrated or add-in cards for desktop and notebook PCs and handheld devices) and wireless access points (or routers). Before you can set up your wireless network, you should acquire at least one wireless access point.
Note: Most wireless access points can pick up signals within 150 feet or more, although many factors, such as dense walls and furniture, can reduce the actual range. You might need two or more access points if your office space is very large.
Then, be sure that every user who will connect to the network has a wireless-enabled device. In addition, you must also take proper security precautions against open access and unauthorized usage (as discussed in the Use it section).

Step 2: Configure your wireless LAN

Install the access point.
Connect the access point to your wired LAN with an Ethernet cable. Use the software that ships with the access point to assign an appropriate network name and an encryption key.
More information on where to put the wireless access point. Clicking this icon will open a new window. More information
Connect the access point to your wired network
Make sure you turn on and properly configure your access point security settings so your internal network and the data that flows across it are inaccessible by the rest of the world. The Use it section provides more detail on how to use different wireless security tools to secure your network.

Activate the connections.
Next, turn on the access point, activate the wireless connections for your devices and verify that they're all transmitting a wireless signal.
Make a wireless connection
Review your user manual to find out how to be certain your wireless connections are on and transmitting.
• On HP notebooks, a small blue light next to the wireless icon at the top of the keyboard is on when the notebook's wireless connection is operating.
• If you have problems making your wireless connection, review the tips in your computer or handheld device's wireless connection troubleshooting guide.

Connect a Windows notebook or desktop PC to the network.
To make a wireless connection from a desktop or notebook PC running Windows Vista, select Start > Connect To. The Connect to a network dialog box appears. Click the Set up a connection or network link and follow the prompts.
To make a wireless connection from a desktop or notebook PC running Windows XP, select Start > Control Panel > Network Connections, and then click the Wireless Network Connection icon to open the Wireless Network Connection dialog box. Follow the prompts to connect to the wireless network.

Connect other devices to the network.
Other devices, such as printers and PDAs, use different methods to make a wireless connection. Review your manual for specific instructions on how to connect each one.
If you don't have a wireless printer, most ordinary printers manufactured within the last year work well with wireless print servers. Just connect the printer to the wireless print server with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or Ethernet cable, configure the print server as a node on your WLAN, set up the printer's port on the print server and then load the appropriate printer driver on the PCs and other devices that need access to the printer.

Secure your connections.
After you install a wireless access point, you need to perform the initial setup on the device by:
• Entering an IP (Internet Protocol) address with a port number (usually port 80) into a web browser to access a web page.
• Issuing commands at a command prompt
The devices are usually shipped from the manufacturer with default settings that are generally known or easily learned by the public, so you should change these immediately:
• Default user name and password: Every boxed unit has some or no factory-specified administrative login and password. Change these to meet your company's administrative policy. That way, no casual or criminal discovery of your devices will provide an easy means for intrusion.
• Default SSID (service set identifier): An SSID is the name you give each router or access point in your organization. The default name is usually specific to the manufacturer, which you should change to be site-specific but not easily discerned by the public. This includes eliminating any generic identifiers that can be spoofed or imitated by attacker-controlled wireless devices.
• Default broadcast beacons: Many wireless devices announce their presence to the world, which can have a significant security impact on your business. Unless you offer an on-demand open-access wireless network, you should turn off beacon broadcasting, at least to the outside world, even though there are ways to still determine the SSID.
• Automatic setup or zero-configuration: Some devices provide automatic connectivity or zero-configuration options for users to instantly bind to those networks it detects in its service area. Turn off this feature if your company doesn't need it for specific reasons.
• Integrated firewall: In lieu of a proper organization-wide firewall, use any onboard functionality related to perimeter defense. Wireless access points and routers generally provide this level of capability, and you should particularly be concerned where wireless contact meets the wire.
• Product placement: Perhaps the most crucial aspect to functionality – and to some extent, security – of a wireless access point or router is in its placement. Keep devices well out of reach from anyone who could change its settings or inputs, preferably secured within an enclosure. Also keep the devices far from outside walls and windows, whenever possible, to prevent accidental extension of your network beyond your building perimeters.
• Access cut-off times: You can regulate if and when wireless access is provided to clients. If your business has no need for Wi-Fi after closing hours, schedule periods of inactivity so the device isn't available during those times.

Step 3: Test your setup
Once you set up your network and devices, you should test your new wireless setup. A good test is not unlike a rehearsal for a play – you want to make sure everything's working before you go live. With several users and devices, work up a realistic scenario for an exchange of data, such as email and large files over the wireless LAN. Using link test software provided by such vendors as Agilent Technologies, you should test for the percent of data sent correctly, the time it takes to receive a response from the destination device and the strength of the transmitted signal.
•  Next: Use it

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Set up a wireless LAN

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