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How to Setup Free Wireless Internet

by Ed Oswald

Overview

Setting up free wireless internet hotspots can be a benefit to both the locations that set them up and the customers that use them. Business owners will benefit from increased traffic from those with wireless-enabled devices, and customers of these businesses would be likely more apt to patronize a business with free Wi-Fi over one that is not. Setting up a hotspot is fairly easy, given the person understands their router set-up process.
Setting Up the Connection

Step 1

Place the equipment you are about to set up in a centralized location if at all possible. This will ensure the best possible coverage of the wireless network when it is up and running.
Step 2

Unpackage the router and set it up per the included instructions. Typically, this will require the user plug the router in, connect an ethernet cable from one of the numbered ports on the router to the setup computer, and then a cable from the broadband modem to the "Internet" port on the router.
Step 3

Setup the router. Router manufacturers will sometimes include a disc to do this which will walk the user through the entire process. If there is not a disc, see the instructions for a website that can be accessed through the Internet browser on the setup computer.
Step 4

Choose whether you would like to keep your hotspot open or protected. If you keep it open, wireless devices will be able to connect and use the network without a password. Protecting the network will require the user to enter a password before gaining access, which may be useful in situations where you would like to limit the connections.
Step 5

Test the network once setup has been completed with a wireless device. The device should be able to find a connection. If it does not automatically connect, try going into the wireless settings of the device and look for the name of the Wi-Fi connection you just made. If the connection works, you have completed setup and the hotspot is ready to use, otherwise proceed to Step 6.
Step 6

Use the included troubleshooting documentation to diagnose any connection problems. Conversely, check to see if the wireless device could be the source of issues as well. Attempt a reboot of both. Some router manufacturers include troubleshooting applications on the included setup CD.

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Broadband connection Wireless router (802.11b/g) Computer
Broadband connection
Wireless router (802.11b/g)
Computer
Always use the setup CD if one is available. Doing so will allow for a much more trouble free installation: manual setups can be quite difficult for novices to wireless networking.
Always use the setup CD if one is available. Doing so will allow for a much more trouble free installation: manual setups can be quite difficult for novices to wireless networking.
Wireless networking is susceptible to obstructions. When choosing a spot to set the network up, take into account objects such as walls, floors, and furniture.
Wireless networking is susceptible to obstructions. When choosing a spot to set the network up, take into account objects such as walls, floors, and furniture.