Technology

Setting and Securing a Wireless Network

Wireless Network

Contents

You can achieve desired working flexibility within an area by setting up a wireless network to connect various devices like a laptop, a printer, and the Internet. Within a wireless environment, you can send a print command from your laptop kept in the bedroom to the printer kept in the study. You can also use the Internet in any part of the home.

You may be thinking of hiring a networking person to set up a wireless network in your home or office. It is not required because it is very easy to do. You simply follow the instructions given below to set up the network on your own.

Getting a Broadband Internet Connection and a Modem

There are a number of internet service providers (ISP) in every country. They provide various attractive payment plans for taking up an internet connection. You can take up a plan depending upon your intended usage and budget. Most of the ISPs provide and set up a modem along with the internet connection.

Positioning a Wireless Router

The next step is to position the router. As routers help in transmitting data between devices, it is important to position them at a point having the least amount of interference. Greater the interference, slower the transmission speed. For instance, you can place it away from the walls and metal objects. Now, a wireless network is in place and is ready for connecting devices.

Connecting Computer to the Network

A wireless network adapter is a device that helps in connecting your computer to the network. In most of the computers, the adapter is normally installed. Otherwise, you can purchase one from any computer-equipment and install it. The next step is to click the network icon in the notification area on your screen. Then, from the options in the opened window, select the option Connect to a Network that displays a list of networks to choose from. Now, select the network that you want to connect to and then click the Connect button. This displays a new window requesting you to enter a security key. Finally, click the OK button to complete the connection procedure.

Securing Your Network

It is important to secure your network and define latency to avoid unauthorized access to information stored on your machine. Some of the ways of dealing with common security threats are given below.

  • Install latest antivirus software: Computer virus is as infectious as a virus that causes human diseases. If one computer gets infected with a virus attack, the virus gets quickly transmitted to other machines on the network thereby leading to data corruption, crashing of operating systems, or a complete breakdown of the system. Therefore, install and regularly scan your computer to detect and erase virus-infected files and folders.
  • Install latest anti-spyware software: Spyware is a type of programming that enters a system during installation of a new program or as a virus to secretly track information about the user. A cookie stored by the websites is a form of spyware. The user information can be sold to others for a price and can be misused. Therefore, install an anti-spyware and scan your machine regularly to search for any spyware.
  • Connect using VPN: Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the best ways to secure your computer network. This helps to keep your sensitive data encrypted with highest level of security and provides maximum protection from malicious activities. One of the most popular VPN service providers is Turbo. ‘How do I download Turbo VPN to my PC’ and ‘Is Turbo VPN safe for PC’ are the two most common questions wavering in many minds because the security is the highest level of concern and when that is met it is important to know how the download can take place. However, the download process is easy, the software is easy to use, and of course the safety and security of computer network is kept at the highest possible reach.
  • Beware of suspicious e-mails: You may be tempted to open an email that appears to be from a legitimate source like a bank or insurance company. Never open such mails because you may be under a phishing attack. Phishing is a fraudulent practice of sending an e-mail that deceptively appears to be genuine and asks for your confidential information like bank account details, credit card information, and important login details. Therefore, be careful before opening any e-mail and make it a practice never to send confidential details through e-mails.
  • Configure a firewall on your machine: Firewall is like armor that protects the data on your computer from hackers and unauthorized access.
  • Maintain a back-up of data: You should regularly take a backup of your data on some other machine or storage device like CD, pen drive, etc. This helps in securing your data in the event of any damage to your machine.
  • Protecting your computer hardware: Under many situations, physical damage of your computer can take place due to fire, water, and voltage fluctuations. However, to ensure that the network works flawlessly, it is important that hardware also works well. Therefore, always install an UPS for uninterrupted power supply and set your machine at a safe place.

Computer networks have become a backbone of all activities around the world, be it in the area of business, government departments, banks education, or even for personal use. However, setting and securing a computer network has become a challenging task for many organizations. The main objective of any establishment and enhanced security measure is to protect the data and resources shared on a network from any unauthorized access and misuse.

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