How do I set up my belkin wireless router as an access point to the internet?

I just bought a Belkin wireless G router and I am trying to connect the router as an access point to my laptop. How can I do this?



Welcome to the world of Wireless Networks or WLAN's


I highly recommend you read the instructions that came with the router as they should have detailed steps on how to set-up a a wireless network and connect devices to it.





That said you probably want the answer in a simple point form steps.





1) Get your the main data source and plug it into the correct slot of the Wireless router





2) Connect your Wi-fi capable laptop to the router via (if you are using Windows XP) 'Connect to' -> 'Wireless Network Connection' program





If everything goes smoothly, your new wireless router should be detected by your Laptop and if you are lucky you can select the network and will then have internet access on the laptop, wirelessly!





3) If it is not detected, gain access into the router via typing its IP address into a web browser. If this works you should be able to modify your routers settings. (Good luck with understanding all the various settings - I advise google searching if you get stuck)





If you cannot access the router wirelessly, get an ethernet cable and connect your laptop to the router via the ethernet cable and then try entering in the routers IP address into your browser. After which, you will be experimenting/tweaking your routers settings until your laptop detects the network and you get online.





Does this sound complex?


That is why its best to read the original, manufacturers instructions AND take a little initiative by researching WLAN's.


There are many resources out there via GOOGLE.





That said, new routers are usually very user friendly and there should be an 'easy mode' that you can follow to get online effortlessly.





Best of luck with your wireless network!


Do not forget to add security to your network (network keys, WEP or better encryption, MAC address only filters) to prevent people from easily accessing your wireless network.





If you have time, reply and tell us how it went!