Getting set up for a guest to use wireless for a laptop

8 years ago

I don't really know where to begin.

I have a PC and my ISP is broadband that travels via towers and then there is equipment on a pole at my house and the service is wired from there to my PC.

I have a Dell Insperion 570 PC.

My guest who will be visiting has a laptop that she is uses at home via a wireless ISP.

If I would like to set it up so that she could use her laptop wirelessly here at my house, what would I need to get or do?

I don't want to switch the wired service from my PC to her laptop. Would I have to get something from my ISP or do I need to buy something elsewhere?

tia...oh, and please try to keep it very simple. I'm quite computer challenged yet.

Sue

I'm guessing that I will need to get something from my ISP.

Comments (5)

rgreen48
8 years ago
If you have a router, the first thing to do is find out if it's wireless capable. If it is, then you may have to enable the wireless feature. I would contact your isp. They should be very willing to walk you through the process over the phone.

If your router is not wireless capable, or you don't have a router, then you may have to get some equipment. If it has to be wifi, then you'll need that equipment, but what I once did, was to get a cheap 50' Ethernet cord.

In any case, contact your isp, you won't necessarily have to get anything from them, but you may have to buy a router from a store.
aputernut
8 years ago
You should have a modem a little box sitting somewhere perhaps on the floor? and your guest PC should search for a WiFi connection which will be yours, you will need to give them the secured code or it may just pop up then you may need to give the SSID number this number should be on your modem on the bottom most likely.
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User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Chemocurl,

Below is a picture of a Wireless Setup. The Cable or Phone Line will go from the wall to a Modem (provided by you ISP). An Ethernet Cable (RJ-45) will then run from the Modem to a Wireless Router (usually provided by user)(Ethernet Cable looks like a Phone line, only bigger). Another Ethernet Cable (RJ-45) will run from the Router to your PC.

Note: If you don't already have a Wireless Router you will need to Purchase a Wireless Router. The Setup is usually simple and instructions are included with the Router for the Setup! Each Wireless Router has it's own Setup Process (not all are the same). This usually involves accessing the Routers Website and setting a few things up like Date and Time Settings, Passwords, etc... (again explained in the Routers Instruction Booklet). After purchasing a Wireless Router, if you still do need help, we would need the Routers Brand Name and & Model Number. Before your Purchase, we could also give recommendations on a Wireless Router!
dadoes
8 years ago
Chemocurl,

How the ISP gets its signal into your house is not of consequence. What is relevant is how that signal is distributed within your house.

The modem/router that you already have from your ISP may already be generating a WiFi signal even if you aren't making use of it (your computer being connected via a wire/ethernet cable). If WiFi is already active then you need to find out what is your the name (SSID) of your in-house wireless network, and what is the security key. Your guest will need both pieces of info to enable access on her computer.

If your modem/router has WiFi capability but it's currently not enabled, then you (or your ISP tech) will need to access the management functions on it to enable WiFi.

It it doesn't have WiFi capability, then you'll need to get another router that does. This doesn't necessarily mean that you would replace the existing modem/router that was provided by your ISP. Typically the new WiFi router is connected to the ISP-provided modem/router and it then becomes the distribution router for your in-house network.
leila hamaya
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
yes, youve gotten some good advice here, but i will add my two cents as well.

you may have a modem, which does not give off a wifi signal, or you may already have a router, which gives off a wifi signal. if its a router and your isp gave it to you, then check out how to set it up to give a signal, or it may be already.

if you have a modem that doesnt give a signal, you will have to get a router and attach it to the modem. theres a plug in on modems, LAN ports, a sort of phone cord looking thing, only bigger and burlier. theres a special, but common, cord that will fit into that plug in on the modem. then you could try to pick up a cheap router....connect them with the "ethernet cord" and should be good to go, with hopefully not too much fuss to set the signal name and security you want.

heres some small simple ones that i have sort of had my eye on for a while --->>

mini router on amazon

another mini router --> http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E98O7GC

for a full blown real router, i would recommend this one, i have one and love it --->

asus rt - n12

these are all on the low end of prices for routers, most are more like 30-60...just make sure it has the "ethernet port", the phone like plug in spot for the cable. most of them do, but some of these mini ones are just "repeaters" or "access points" and so grab a wifi signal and repeat it, no ethernet cable. but all standard routers have the ethernet plug in. plus you will need the cable.

also the quickest, easiest way to go, especially if its not a long visit, is to just unplug the ethernet cable from your computer, and let her plug it into her laptop. unless she has like...a tablet or something, ethernet plug ins are part of standard laptops.

Getting set up for a guest to use wireless for a laptop

Comments (5)

rgreen48

aputernut

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