Wifi is a technology that uses radio waves to connect our devices to the Internet wirelessly.
Read on to learn:
- about the key benefits of Wi-Fi and the basics of how it works
- the general steps needed to connect to any Wi-Fi network
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how to set up and connect to a Wi-Fi network at home , using Windows 7 computer as an example
Wifi: the key benefits and the basics of how it works
The benefit Wi-Fi is obvious: a wireless Internet connection means that our devices are not tied to a fixed location within a property. You see, Wi-Fi transmits a property’s Internet connection via special radio signals, allowing us to move from room to room, without interruption to our Internet connection.
This is obviously very useful. for users of laptops, tablets and mobile devices. Once we’re connected to Wi-Fi, Internet access is suddenly much more convenient and flexible.
Sunny day outside? Why not catch up on your emails over coffee in the garden? With Wi-Fi, you can!
Summary of Wi-Fi basics:
- Wifi is wireless technology used by all Wi-Fi enabled devices for the Internet to connect, without messing with cables.
- Wi-Fi Internet connection in the home is possible through a wireless router, which is basically a box that transmits and receives wireless signals between an Internet connection and Internet-enabled devices.
- To communicate with a router and connect to Wi-Fi, a device must have a wireless adapter. Most Internet-enabled devices today come with a built-in wireless adapter, but older computers may require a plug-in adapter to connect wirelessly
General steps to connect to a Wi-Fi network near you
The following steps outline the general steps anyone should take to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
Step 1: Locate a property or public space that has a wireless router. That is to say. Somewhere where a Wi-Fi signal is transmitted.
Step 2: Make sure the device you are going to use is a.) Capable of connecting to the Internet and b. ) Able to connect to Wi-Fi.
Step 3: Find out the name of the Wi-Fi network that the router is broadcasting at your location. That’s right, each Wi-Fi network has its own unique name. Sometimes this can be a sequence of random numbers and letters if it was set by default on the router, but people often customize the name of a Wi-Fi network to help users identify its owners. E.g. “The Smith Family Wi-Fi” or “Fred’s Cafe”.
Step 4: Once you know the name of the Wi-Fi network, use your chosen device to find it. This will vary between devices (depending on whether you’re using a Windows or Mac computer, or a mobile device). However, the process for connecting to Wi-Fi is pretty similar, going something like: Navigate to Wi-Fi settings > turn Wi-Fi on > click your Wi-Fi network name > click ” connect”.
Step 5: Many Wi-Fi networks are made private, with access restricted by a password. If your chosen Wi-Fi network is password protected, it will ask you to enter that password at this point. Make sure you have the password handy and enter it.
You should now be connected to Wi-Fi!
An example of how to set up and connect to Wi-Fi at home (using a computer Windows 10)
What you’ll need:
- a wireless router
- a computer running Windows 10 with a built-in wireless adapter or a separate adapter.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to connect to Wi-Fi
Step 1: Set up your wireless router, example on the right, (see Connecting to the Internet for instructions). Most Internet providers now supply wireless routers as standard. When setting one up, it’s important to provide adequate security so that no one but you can get into your computer. Instructions for this should be provided with the router, but if in doubt, consult an expert.
Step 2: Verify that your computer has a built-in wireless adapter. Upgraded laptops usually have one, but most desktops don’t.
To check if there is a built-in adapter, you can search for ‘Device Manager’ on your computer. Then search for ‘Display adapters’.
If there is a Wi-Fi adapter, a Wi-Fi icon should also appear in the system tray in the lower right corner of the screen. On Windows 10,
Yes no If you don’t have a wireless adapter, you will need to purchase one to connect to one of your computer’s USB ports.The adapter should be supplied complete with instructions on how to use it to connect to a wireless network.
For laptops, select the Network icon in the system tray. The icon that appears depends on your current connection status. If you don’t see one of the network icons below or one similar, select the up arrow icon to see if it appears there.
Step 3: Pa To connect to a wireless network, click the Wi-Fi icon. You should now see a list of available networks rks
Step 4: To connect to a network, simply click on its name. If it’s a secure network and it’s your first time using it, you’ll need a password. If it’s your home network, your Internet provider will have given you a password; sometimes it’s printed on a label attached to the router.
If you’ll be using the same connection regularly, you can check the box to connect automatically.
Step 5: Once establish a connection, your Windows 10 PC will ask if you want to set your location to private or public. Choosing Yes will “allow your PC to be discoverable by other PCs and devices on this network” and is what you should do if you connect to your home or work wireless network. If you’re connecting to a public wireless network, choose No. If you choose nothing and just close this dialog, you should know that Windows 10 will set this new network to public by default.
Once you’ve done this, your device will finally be connected to the Internet.
Warning: Be very careful when connecting to unsecured wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi ‘hotspots’ in public places. While you’re on them, it’s important not to use websites that require you to enter personal or financial details, as these details could be accessed by other network users.
We recommend checking out our other internet guides at Next Steps links below.
Fiona Syrett is a tutor at Digital Unite.
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