How to connect the laptop to the router? The most common questions and answers to them

To create your own wireless Wi-Fi network, it is enough to connect a special device - a router - to an existing fixed or portable computer and make a number of settings. The prices for the simplest budget models start at an average of 1,000 rubles, and for a more technically advanced solution it will be necessary to give over 7,000. Owners of portable computers can be pleased: the laptop is routed through the router so simply that it can be done on its own - No special knowledge is required to set up a network. Perhaps the most difficult thing to be faced with is the trip to the store behind the device. Well and that even the most "green" beginners did not have any questions, we will consider two key points: how to connect the laptop to the router and configure it to distribute the Internet to all comers.

Do I need a laptop router?

A person who is little familiar with wireless networks, when viewing such articles, it may arise a natural question about how appropriate it is to purchase a router for a laptop computer, which is already perfectly connected to Wi-Fi. Indeed, only a limited number of users are interested in the answer to the question "how to install a router on a laptop?", The rest are satisfied with the capabilities of the built-in Wi-Fi module. The thing is that the wireless network adapter that is embedded in laptop computers has only basic capabilities, and can not remain switched on if the laptop is de-energized. Thus, it can not be considered as a reliable access point.

How to avoid unnecessary expenditure

Still it is necessary to recognize that for solving some problems a very specific router for a laptop can be used - the program. With its help, you can "force" the internal adapter to work for distribution. There are quite a few similar applications. Some are delivered completely free of charge, for other developers want a certain reward. Consider a very good solution - MyPublicWiFi. Run the utility with administrator rights (right mouse button - start "from admin"). The main window is represented by the settings. Here you need to write SSID (the same name that will be broadcast), come up with a password for access and choose an existing Internet connection for distribution. In the Management section there is an item that allows the program to start automatically when the operating system starts. Of course, before using such solutions for the Wi-Fi module in the laptop, drivers should be installed and some kind of third-party Internet (for example, via a modem) should be installed.

How to Enable a Hardware Router

When you purchase a separate device, the question is "how to connect the laptop to the router?". There are two ways to do this: via cable or, again, over Wi-Fi. In the first case, the user receives a full access speed, not limited to the capabilities of the wireless modules, but loses mobility, since the computer is physically attached to the router. On the back of any router there are several slots for connecting Ethernet wires. One of them is highlighted in color and designated WAN. Here you need to connect a plug of the cable coming from the Internet provider or the intermediate converting device. In any other, connect the Ethernet cable, the other end of which must be inserted into the corresponding connector of the computer. After that, it remains to start the laptop, connect the power supply to the router and press the power button. Usually this is enough to make the Internet start to be heard, although, of course, there are exceptions.

How to configure a laptop router

After this, it is recommended to configure the device in order to secure the network. To do this, you must start any browser (ideal - Internet Explorer, as the most compatible) and dial in it the address 192.168.0.1. Depending on the model and manufacturer, the value may vary, so it should be specified in the manual. When asked about the password and login, you need to type the word "admin". In the window that opens, you can use the "Quick setup" function, which is recommended for beginners, or go to "Wireless mode" and manually specify the desired parameters. In particular, the user is required to come up with an SSID, and in the "Protection" section, specify the encoding method and the key-code.

Symbiosis of programs and devices

All of the above provides an answer to the question "how to connect the laptop to the router physically?". But what if the task is the reverse and you want to connect the laptop to a Wi-Fi network, which is distributed by a third-party router? In this case, the procedure is different. All connection recommendations will be ineffective if the appropriate drivers are not installed in the operating system. The laptop consists of many components, each of which implements some function. In order for the operating system to communicate with the hardware, it is necessary to install control programs - drivers. For the main components they are included in the system kit, but for the Wi-Fi module, in particular, they must be installed separately. The driver is on the drive that is always shipped with the laptop. Also this program can be downloaded from the site of the computer manufacturer. This step is mandatory and you can not configure the network without it. Actually, even a laptop router - the program - will not work without doing this. Suppose that the driver for the Wi-Fi module is installed.

Built-in tools

The easiest way to connect a laptop to a router? The answer is obvious: using the capabilities offered by the operating system itself. The latest versions of Windows in this respect are distinguished by a special "friendliness" to the user. The router can broadcast the network in two modes: with free and password-protected access. In the first case, the owner of the laptop is required to click on the image of the signal strength indicator with the sun, located in the corner of the desktop next to the clock. A list of detected networks appears. Those that require a password will be indicated by a shield symbol. Clicking on the open, you need to give the command "Connection" and everything - you can work with the Internet. However, now most Wi-Fi networks are encrypted. To connect to such you need to enter the code (security key) in the displayed window. If you do not know it, you can not join with regular means. Actually, if the laptop does not connect to the router, the first thing to do is to check the correctness of the password. Often the cause of the error can be the switch switch layout Punto Switcher, triggered at the most inopportune moment.

Signal Strength

One of the features of Wi-Fi networks is that even if the laptop module "saw" the SSID of the access point, it does not mean that it can work with it. The intensity of the signal is important. The parameters of the receiving and transmitting units in the devices are different, so it may be that the Wi-Fi receiver installed in the portable computer "sees" the network, but its transmitter capacity is insufficient to send a confirmation request to the router without errors. So, before you panic and look for a reason why the laptop does not see the router, it's worth trying to reduce the distance between the devices. In standard Windows tools, signal strength can be estimated by the number of green bars on the corresponding Wi-Fi network indicator.

Router errors

Quite often, users have a question "why the laptop does not see the router, although yesterday it still worked?". Surprisingly, the "cure" for this problem is a banal reboot of the router. It must be de-energized for a couple of minutes and switched on again. There will be a re-initialization of its programs and modules, which in 90% of cases results in restoration of working capacity. The disadvantage of this method is obvious - the router must be within reach.

Configuring the Router

Sometimes there is a situation in which phones, netbooks and other devices "see" the network and join it, but the SSID laptop does not register. In this case, the working channel in the router helps. In the wireless settings, you need to select a different Chanel number, rejecting the "Auto" mode.

Universal connection method

In rare cases, it is possible to solve problems with connection to Wi-Fi on the client side (laptop). There must be physical access to the router. We recommend using the QSS function (if it is supported) to organize the initial connection. It is enough to press the corresponding button on the laptop, and then within 1-2 minutes - the same on the router.