Setting up a Wi-Fi connection

Most broadband modems include a wireless router these days. It's known around the world as wi-fi and is great for connecting a multitude of portable computing devices to the internet. Almost all modern cellphones include wireless connectivity, as do tablet computers such Apple's iPad or the cheaper Android equivalents. You will also find it included in netbooks and notebook personal computers. Some desktop computers even come with a wi-fi network card pre-installed, removing the need for a cable connecting the PC to the broadband modem. The ideal place to have a wi-fi router is the most central location in your home or office, provided you can still connect it to a telephone jack in the wall. Be sure to install an ASDL Line Filter on each telephone jack which has a device connected to it. Most internet service providers include such filters with their modems and routers. If not you'll find one in your local electronics retailer. When the router is plugged into the phone line and powered on, use your wireless device to check signal strength. Network Stumbler, available for free download at netstumbler.com, reports every detail about all wi-fi networks in range of your computer. It will include your router and any of your neighbour's routers which could be interfering and slowing down your wireless broadband connection. The Network Stumbler report includes details on the channel number the router is broadcasting on, the network or Service Set ID (SSID) name, signal strength and encryption method. If a router next door is broadcasting on the same channel as your router, expect interference, especially if your neighbour's router is broadcasting its signal louder than yours. The SSID (the name that appears on the wireless network) also needs to be different for each wireless network. Make sure to change yours, but don't include personal information. Consider something you will recognise, such as a pet's name or the name of your favourite sports team. The encryption method is also important. WPA2 will deliver the most secure browsing experience. Make sure to use a strong password or "encryption key", preferably at least 8 characters long with a mixture of letters and numbers. A long nonsense English phrase also works very well, such as "correcthorsebatterystaple". You control the wireless channel, SSID (network name), encryption level and password via the routers website or "web interface". Refer to your router's manual for instructions on how to access this website, where to go and what settings to tweak. You can find the manual on the manufacturer's website in the Support section if you don't have a copy. If the signal strength is low at the extremities of your building and you want a wi-fi connection there, you can boost the strength and distance with a larger aerial or by purchasing a wi-fi booster device from your local computer store.