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Staples Tech Wireless Network Setup Gallery
Taking your PCs into the wireless world has a number of advantages, both at home and in your small business. Portability, flexibility, comfort and convenience--these are all the traits of a wireless home office. To get you there we offer a wireless setup service. Our networking expert Ryan S. will take you through a one-device installation service…right now!
- These are all of the components Ryan will need to establish a wireless network. Key items are the wireless router, which offers up the signal your laptop will use to connect to the Internet; the cable modem, which connects you to your Internet Service Provider (ISP); and the Ethernet or Cat5 cables that connect the devices together.
- The first step involves Ryan connecting a coaxial cable to the cable modem. You might recognize this cable as the one that gives cable programming to your TV (they're one in the same). Cable modems vary by shape, size and speed, but they all share this kind of screw-in connection.
- Ryan continues to work with the rear of the cable modem. With the coaxial cable firmly screwed into place, he connects the power source, also known as the AC adapter.
- To transmit data from the cable modem to the wireless router, we employ a different kind of cable. This blue cable is called a Cat5, but you may have heard it referred to as an Ethernet cable.
- With a satisfying click, the cable is secured into the back of the cable modem. Even now we can still glimpse the colorful, delicate interior cables that are wrapped in the blue rubber cover.
- Flanked by the now cable-equipped modem, the wireless router makes another appearance. An antenna at the rear helps broadcast the wireless signal that our laptops, smartphones and tablets will use to access the Internet without the use of wires.
- Same cable, different end. To get the signal from your ISP to your wireless router we plug the Ethernet cable into the router with the same satisfying click as before.
- Ryan's hard work is nearly complete. Our family of devices and connecting cables pose here so we can see everything that's been completed so far. Cables, power and an Internet connection--all are in place and there's only a few more steps to go.
- To finish the penultimate step of a wireless installation, we actually have to connect the laptop to the router using a…wire! This is necessary evil, however, as it is a required step during the router's software installation process.
- There are a wide variety of routers, so don't be confused if yours doesn't say Netgear. We're using a Netgear router for demonstration purposes and your experience will vary depending on cost, speeds and personal preference. The final step in the process is to complete the on-screen instructions. They vary depending on the device.