190
Networking Fundamentals
should be assigned the exact same channel. When wireless devices automatically
confi gure themselves, they assign a specifi c channel to themselves. You can
manually assign the wireless channel if need be. For example, a specifi c channel
may be experiencing radio interference resulting in very low data speeds or
not connecting at all. You can sometimes overcome the effects of the radio
interference by changing the assigned channel.
The wireless router confi guration can be changed remotely from a wireless
laptop or wireless workstation. The router or WAP is typically accessed by using
a browser and entering the assigned IP address of the wireless router into the
browser’s address bar. Typical default assigned IP addresses are 192.168.0.1 and
192.168.1.1. Check the wireless router documentation for the assigned default IP
address. During the connection process, you will be prompted for a user name
and password. Again, the default user name and password assigned by the
manufacturer should be changed to make the wireless network more secure.
Equipment and Materials
■ 802.11(g or n) USB wireless network adapter with installation CD/DVD and
manual.
■ 802.11(g or n) Wireless Access Point or wireless router with installation CD/
DVD and manual.
■ Patch cable (Cat 5, Cat 5e, or Cat 6).
■ Paper clip. (Used to press the reset button if needed.)
■ Computer (desktop or laptop) running Windows Vista.
■ On a separate sheet of paper, record the following information provided by
your instructor:
User name: ________________________________________________________________
Password: _________________________________________________________________
IP address: ________________________________________________________________
Subnet mask: ______________________________________________________________
Default gateway: __________________________________________________________
Wireless channel: _________________________________________________________
Wireless router: ___________________________________________________________
IP address: ________________________________________________________________
Subnet mask: ______________________________________________________________
Default gateway: __________________________________________________________
User name: ________________________________________________________________
User password: ____________________________________________________________
Wireless channel: _________________________________________________________
SSID: _____________________________________________________________________
Note
Both wireless devices should be the same IEEE standard, either 802.11g or 802.11n, and
should (but not required) be the same brand to allow for easier set up and confi guration.