Wireless Networking - installation (additional Windows 2000)

Once your primary computer is set up, you can follow the steps below to connect additional wireless devices to your home network using Windows 2000.

Before you begin

Please ensure you have a wireless ethernet adapter installed and functioning properly on the computer you're about to set up.

Step 1: Placement of your wireless device

Ranging up to 100 metres indoors and up to 300 metres outdoors, a wireless connection allows you to access your network from virtually anywhere. However, the number of walls, ceilings, or other objects that the wireless signal must pass through can limit signal range.

A Home Network with one Wireless Computer

During set-up, position the device you want to connect within 100 metres of the wireless router with as few obstacles as possible. Ideally, you should be able to see the LED indicators on the front for potential troubleshooting.

Use these basic guidelines:

  1. Keep the number of obstacles to a minimum. Each wall or ceiling can reduce the range of a wireless device from 1 to 30M. Even small angles can make a difference. Position your wireless devices so that the number of walls or ceilings obstructing the signal path is minimized.
  2. Building materials make a difference. Metal framing or doors can reduce effective range of the device. If possible, position wireless devices so their signal can pass through drywall or open doorways. Avoid positioning them so that their signal must pass through metallic materials. Poured concrete walls are reinforced with steel while cinderblock walls generally have little or no structural steel.
  3. Position the antennae for best reception. Play around with the antenna position to see if signal strength improves. Some wireless devices allow the user to judge the strength of the signal.
  4. Keep your wireless devices away from electrical devices. Position wireless devices at least one or two metres away from electrical devices that generate RF noise, such as microwave ovens, monitors, electric motors, etc.

Step 2: Run the Install Wizard CD

Insert the Install Wizard CD that came with your TELUS High Speed Internet Kit into the computer you wish to add to your network and follow the prompts. If you do not have the Install Wizard CD, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: Configure your wireless computer

  1. Click Start.
  2. Choose Settings and Control Panel.
  3. Double-click Network and Dial-Up Connections.
  4. Use your right mouse button to click Local Area Connection and choose Properties.
  5. Within the Components checked are used by this connection the following should all be checked:
    • Client For Microsoft Networks
    • File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
    • Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

    NOTE: If some or all of these items are not present, please contact your computer vendor to have them installed.

  6. Click OK.

    Local Area Network Properties

Step 4: Complete configuration

  1. From the Control Panel, double-click System.
  2. Click the Network Identification tab.
  3. Enter a unique name for your new computer in the Computer Name field. This is how your computer will be identified on the network. For example, if your computer is located in another room such as a den you can call it "Den".
      NOTES:
    • This name can not be assigned to any of your other computers.
    • Ensure the Computer Name is eight characters or less with no spaces.
  4. Click the Properties button and ensure that Workgroup is selected (not Domain).
  5. This is the name of your home network that you previously specified in the Workgroup field on your primary computer.
    • NOTE: This workgroup setting must be the same for all computers on your home network. If you change it on one computer you must change it on all computers.
  6. Click OK twice.

Step 5: Configure your wireless settings

To configure the wireless ethernet adapter on your computer, you will need to run the connection manager for that specific device. For instructions on how to do so, please refer to the manufacturer's user manual.

To locate the settings for your wireless network:

  1. From the desktop on the primary computer, open the My Documents folder.
  2. Open the file My_Network_Settings.html. You will need the SSID and WEP Key information contained in this folder to configure your wireless ethernet adapter.

Step 6: Verify your connection works

The easiest way to confirm your computer is successfully connected to your home network is to try and browse the Internet. Open a Web browser, such as Internet Explorer, and try connecting to a Web page. If you are unable to surf the Web, click here to troubleshoot your connection.

Try using PC HealthCheck to automatically repair your high speed and home networking problems.

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