text: How to Install a Wireless Network by CNET\n\nStep 1:\nGetting started\nA broadband connection brings the Internet into your home at blazing speeds. And with a wireless, or Wi-Fi, network, you can get that access on multiple computers throughout your home--and even outside it--without cords. What's more, today's wireless-networking products make broadband Internet sharing easy, inexpensive, and secure. In this Weekend Project, we'll show you how to distribute broadband Internet access among multiple notebook or desktop systems, and we'll walk you through the necessary steps to keep your network protected.\n\nThe core of a Wi-Fi network is a wireless router or gateway. We used the D-Link DI-624 AirPlus Xtreme G 802.11g router, which sells for $99 before a $20 rebate. You'll also need a wireless adapter for each system that connects to the network. We installed two D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G 802.11g wireless adapters: a DWL-G650 PC Card adapter for a Windows 2000 notebook PC ($65 before a $10 rebate) and a DWL-G520 PCI adapter for a secondary desktop running Windows XP Home Edition ($69 before a $10 rebate). The primary PC, connected to the router via an Ethernet cable, was running Windows XP Professional.\n\nStep 2:\nWhat you'll need\nBefore you get started with this project, we recommend that you have the following:\n\n* A wireless router\n* Wireless adapters and/or a wireless-enabled system or laptop\n* A broadband connection to the Internet (typically via cable or DSL modem)\n* An Ethernet cable\n* Pen and paper to write down current network settings, such as IP and MAC addresses\n\n* The IP address assigned to your system by your ISP if you use a static IP address\n* If you use DSL, the username and password assigned to you by your ISP\n* The MAC address for all wireless network adapters\n\nStep 3:\nPrepare for installation\nYou may need a few bits of information to set up your router correctly. Double-click the Network Connections icon within Control Panel and right-click the icon for your PC's Ethernet adapter. Then choose Properties > Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) > Properties. If "Use the following IP address" is highlighted, your Internet access uses a static IP address. Jot down the IP address, the subnet mask, and the default gateway. Then click "Obtain an IP address automatically." Click OK to apply your changes and OK again to close the dialog.\n\nYou'll find your Ethernet adapter's IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway within its Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties.\nYou'll find your Ethernet adapter's IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway within its Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties.\nYou'll find your Ethernet adapter's IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway within its Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties.\n\nIf you have a DSL connection, you'll probably need the username and the password your system requires to connect to your ISP. If you don't know the values, try looking within the software your ISP provided. You may need to uninstall the PPPoE connection software that your ISP provided. To find out, check your router's documentation.\n\nNow is also a good time to collect the MAC addresses of any wireless-network adapters you'll be installing. The MAC address should be printed on the Wi-Fi PC Card or the PCI adapter.\n\nStep 4:\nInstall the router\n\nConnect your modem to the WAN port on the router and your PC to an open Ethernet port on the router.\nConnect your modem to the WAN port on the router and your PC to an open Ethernet port on the router.\n\nMost DSL users will probably need to choose a PPPoE connection type.\nMost DSL users will probably need to choose a PPPoE connection type.\nBefore you install the router, power down your PC and modem, then disconnect the Ethernet cable from your PC and connect it to your router's WAN port so that the Ethernet cable connects the modem to the route