Listed below are the overview steps for setting up a home wireless network using an ADSL broadband modem with wireless capability using WPA-PSK encryption. We recommend WPA encryption over WEP encryption as it offers better security and is easier to use. However, some older wireless network devices do not support WPA. We have found that a driver update may enable WPA on some old wireless devices. If you believe your wireless network device has WPA enabled, click here for our setup guide.

This guide only provides a general overview for most common modems. If you are having difficulty setting up a home wireless network, please contact your modem manufacturer.

Please note you must:

• Connect the computer with an ethernet cable. Once the wireless setup process has been completed, you can remove the cable.
• You will need to use this guide in conjunction with your modem manual.
• Wired Equivalency Privacy (WEP) is not our recommended encryption type, but if you cannot use WPA-PSK encryption then WEP should be used.
  You will need a wireless network card with WEP support.
• If you don't have a wireless network card installed in the computer, you will need to buy one before you can connect to the Access Point.
• For the strongest signal it is best to place the modem in an open area away from cordless phones, radios, TV sets, power sources or other wireless devices in the home/office. The more obstacles the signal has to pass through the weaker it may become. Double brick walls may also reduce the signal strength considerably.

Configuring your modem

Log into the modem

1. Open the web browser
2. Log into your modem as directed by your modem manual.
   *NOTE:* If you have not setup your modem to connect to Internode, please consult your manual for information on setting up an new connection. You may always return to this guide for general wireless setup information.

Wireless Encryption

When building a wireless network, security is a major issue. Internode recommends all access points to use some form of encryption, allowing management of who has access to connect to the wireless network.

WEP - To enable this feature please follow the steps below:

1. In you modem configuration page, go to the Wireless Security page or tab
2. Use WEP as the security mode. The option should be readily visable or you are in the wrong section of the modem configuration.
3. Authentication Type to Open
4. Use 128 bits security
5. WEP Key or Passphrase Enter a password key of your choice. This usually comes with a generate button or in some cases
   Some modems do not offer a generate button. In this case it is best to consult the manual or call the modem manufacturer. If you feel confident enough to create a key of your own, here are some tips
   - This will need to entered 2 characters and a space, a total of 13 pairs with a space between each. Characters can only be 0-9 and A-F and must be in capitals. Example: CA D6 97 5F A5 2F F5 32 42 B0 AC CC D9
   -You may need to use hyphens (-) instead or spaces between each pair Exampled: CA-D6-97-5F-A5-2F-F5-32-42-B0-AC-CC-D9
6. Ensure you Apply and Save settings
7. Copy all text within the first Encryption Key
8. Open Notepad or an equivalent text editor
9. Paste the Encryption Key text into the text editor
10. Remove all hyphens (-) or spaces between every two letter or number as shown on the example below
11. Keep the text editor open. You will need this copied WEP key later in this process.
    

Configuring WEP on Windows XP wireless network cards

Getting to wireless network connections

1. Click on the Start menu
2. Go to Control Panel
3. Double click on Network Connections. (Ensure you are viewing the Control Panel in Classic View)
4. Single right click on the Wireless Network Connection and go to Properties

Adding wireless details

1. Select the Wireless Networks tab, and click on Add.
   
2. In Network Name (SSID): type homewireless
3. Change Network Authentication: to Open
4. Change Data Encryption: to WEP
5. Unckeck 'The key is provided for me automatically'
6. Go back to your text editor with the copied WEP Key
7. Highlight and copy the WEP Key
8. Place your curser in Network Key field and paste the previously copied WEP Key from Key 1
9. Repeat step 7 on Confirm Network Key
10. Click OK to save settings
    

The wireless connection should automatically connect in a few minutes. Simply unplug the cable and test the service by browsing the Internet using your default browser.

You may need to reboot your modem and your PC.

If you need help setting up your email account, please click here.

If you are having trouble setting up the wireless network or would like to clarify some of the steps, please contact the helpdesk.