How Do You Set up a Wireless Network?

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To set up a wireless network in Windows 7, connect your DSL or cable modem to the Wide Area Network port on your wireless router via an Ethernet cable, and create a new network through the Control Panel. After that, add other computers and devices to the newly created network.

Before setting up the wireless network, make sure that your wireless network adapter is enabled. To do this, access the Control Panel, click on System Security, and click on the Device Manager link in the System section. Double-click on the Network Adapters category, right-click on the wireless adapter, and select the Enable option. If you can’t find the wireless adapter in the list, connect it to your computer via a USB port, and repeat the process.

Once you connect the wireless router to the modem, create a new wireless network by accessing the Control Panel, typing “network” in the search field and selecting the Network and Sharing Center result. Click on the Set Up a New Connection or Network link, select the Set Up a New Network option from the dialog box, and click Next. Type in the designation for the network and the security key, and choose a desired security option and encryption type. After creating the new network, connect to it by clicking on the Network icon in the taskbar, selecting the wireless network and clicking on Connect.