How to set up a wireless networking environment?

Setting up a wireless networking environment.

Below are the basic requirements to set up a wireless networking environment.

1. One Network Interface Card (for the host computer)
2. Wireless Network Interface Adapter (one for each connection computer)
3. Some CAT-5 Ethernet cables, not twisted-pair (one to be used for connecting the host computer to the Wireless Access Point; others can be used to connect the Wireless Access Point to the internet modem or other networking devices for example Network Printer.)
4. A Wireless Network Access Point/Router.

Note:
Currently there are three basic forms of the 802.11 standard by IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) for Wireless Networking. These are being categorized in standard of IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b and IEEE802.11g. As each standard has its own advantages, please ensure that the standards and compatibility with the Wireless Network Interface Adapter are understood before deciding which standard to use.

Setting-up the Connections
Before proceeding with the connections, please read and follow the instructions that came with the Wireless Access Point.
Below are the summarized steps for the setup:

1. Install the Ethernet cable between the host computer and the Wireless Access Point.
2. Power up the Access Point and turn on the host computer.
3. Run the Network Configuration Utility Setup program on the host computer to configure the Access Point. Refer to the instruction manual supplied with the Access Point.
4. On the second computer, install the Wireless Network Interface Adapter and/or follow the instructions supplied with the adapter or the computer to setup the wireless communication between the computer and the Access Point.
5. Repeat Step 4 for each additional computer to be connected to this network.
6. After having established all the computers with the Access Point with good signal, connection with other networking devices for example ADSL/Cable Modem or Printers to the Access Point can be done.
Note: A connected device on one of the computers can also be shared with other computer users within the same network.

Some Good Practices on Security in Wireless Networking
The drawback of wireless networking is security. This is because of the signal transmitted can be easily hacked and misused if the network is not being protected. However this can be taken care off easily, as most of the Wireless Access Point includes some security features in preventing others from tapping and utilities your network resources and file accessing.

By implementing some of the below good practices, one can prevent security breaches from these unauthorized intrusions.
1. Always change the default password of the Wireless Access Point.
2. If there are no additional computers to be joined to the wireless network, limit the access by fixing all the currently accessed IP Address or MAC Address of the connected computers in the Access Point.
3. Enable the Web Encrypted Password or Security Key in the Access Point. Note down the string of keys and use it to establish connection between the Access Point and only required computers.