How to create bsnl broadband internet connection in laptops or desktops using WiFi router and modem?

If your kids have now grown up and computer savy, you may have embarrassment when they occupy your desktop connected with broadband internet (usb/lan). It is difficult to connect more than one computer in a home using LAN, or more appropriately we can say 'inconvenient' considering bulk of wires already spaced near your desktop. Now, you have only option left with you to replace your broadband modem by purchasing a new modem-cum-router to provide WiFi connection in your home. However, it will cost you more and you may not like to purchase a modem-router combine since you are already having a modem. Other option to purchase a WiFi router alone will save you money and you will be satisfied using your old modem.

Few things are not always simple to do. Lot of frustration is encountered by customers when they don't have know-how and technical support from service providers. It will be wrong to blame all but problem is more acute in small cities. People faced lot of difficulties in configuring dial up connection few years back when it was uncommon to use internet browsers to surf. Internet connections were made available to Govt. organizations and higher ups only by the NIC. Other problems at that point of time were low speed connectivity. Later on it became convenient to use internet with the dial up connection. Broadband really made things better in terms of speed and expanses. However, it was a dream to get a broadband connection for many in the beginning. If one got a connection it was uphill task to configure connection in absence of proper know-how and technical support. I always enjoyed doing difficult things and took it as a challange to perform the tasks unusual in nature. I tried to configure my broadband connection and it took about 4-5 hours to become functional.

Configuring BSNL DataOne broadband connection:

After a long wait, I discovered that BSNL has allotted broadband connection on my land line phone number. I got very excited as I was eagerly waiting for it and investing something between Rs 2000-3000 on phone bills. I had a passion for net and using dial up connection for a long time. Although BSNL declared new tariffs for dial up but it never became operational in our city. Hence, I had to pay as per the metered readings. I never took pains to represent my case to account section of BSNL as I was never hopeful of positive response. Ultimately my woes were over with new broadband connection. Only worry was to get it configured. I contacted service providers and they simply passed the bug. They explained the process as it was a child's play to configure the internet connection. I did not wait for long time and took possession of modem, USB and LAN cables and came to my home to set the things in right order. I had HCL desktop system with intel PIII processor inside.It has Windows XP operating system installed inside. I tried to find a LAN port in the back of desktop but it was not there. I connected USB cable supplied with the modem to USB port in the desktop and connected other end to USB port in the modem. Before making power on of the modem, I created a broadband connection on my desktop. Now it was time to turn the lights of modem on. As per my expectation, system failed to recognize the modem in absence of USB drivers. Luckily, I had dial up internet connection active and I thought to get help from the internet. I keyed in phrase " USB drivers for Siemens modem C11120" and searched the net using google. BSNL did not provide any CD or floppy disk to install drivers for the modem. Sites paying for download of files must be appreciated otherwise it would be difficult to find drivers for several hardware. People upload such utilities on these sites to earn some bucks. I downloaded the driver's zip file and unzipped it using unzipping software. As I turned the power of modem on, windows took charge and tried exploring to find appropriate software/drivers for modem to connect it using USB port. Any broadband modem has to be connected with power supply, telephone line and an USB or LAN cable as shown in the photograph. It has LED's for power, phone link, data and LAN link. LED link for the phone line begins blinking in the beginning and gets stabilized after few seconds.Modem can only be connected to internet after this link gets stabilized. LAN link is lit only when modem is connected to a network like a PC or laptop etc. Data link will lit only if your modem gets connected to internet automatically (no manual connection) and there is a flow of data from modem to net and vice verse. Later on I purchased a laptop and internet ready gadgets like E75 Nokia mobile. However, I realized after purchasing so many gadgets that it was not feasible to roam in every room of my house with modem, power cords, telephone line jack and USB or LAN jack to surf net. I strongly felt a need to have a WiFi system in my house.

Options for wireless connectivity:

WiFi system has its own merits and demerits. However, it works well in small houses and office buildings. Range is limited but it works fine if space is open. Walls and partitions create hindrances in smooth flow of signals. Even then it's a good option for home networking. Since I've already a broadband modem in my possession for that I paid Rs 1400 to BSNL, it was not wise to purchase a two-in-one (broadband modem with WiFi capabilities) modem. In open market, it costs about Rs 3000-3500 to purchase a branded modem with WiFi capabilities. In such a case my old modem becomes useless. BSNL is providing a modem with WiFi capabilities in just Rs 1600. However, I found this modem less efficient as download speed with this modem was less compared to other available brands. I inquired about the router. WiFi Routers of few good companies lie D-link, NetGear, Belkin etc were available at Rs 1500-1800.  I decided to go for Belkin as it has lifetime warranty. It did cost me Rs 1550 only for WiFi Belkin Router. Accessories with WiFi router included one LAN cable, a CD and one power cord.

How did I configure my WiFi connection?

After going through the manual of the WiFi Router, I tried to configure my connection with the help of Setup Assistant but could not succeed. Then I decided to configure WiFi connection manually.

>>As a first step, I connected broadband modem with my laptop and connected it with internet by clicking on "Connect" tab available below the network connection. It got connected and I was able to surf net with the help of internet explorer.

>> After confirming that modem was connected with the net, I removed LAN cable from the laptop and inserted it in the Router Port labeled "Modem"

>>In the next step, I plugged the power cord to Router  and connected a LAN cable in blank port of Router and other end to your laptop (It can be done without cable also)

>>Now it's the time to logging into the Router. Webpage of the Router can be accessed typing 192.168.2.1 (for Balkin Router) in the address bar of your browser. Address may differ for different brands of Routers, please consult manual of the Router. Don't type http:// or www etc.

>>Home page of the Router shows the status and settings. All settings can be reached from home page.

>>Click on the link to configure connection to your service provider. Set the connection to Dynamic IP as this is the most common connection type. Provide user name, password etc provided by your service provider. Take care to enable the DHCP server in your LAn settings in Router, Modem or computer.

>> Change the WiFi connection name and set the security by assigning a security key. Remember these settings as  you have to match these settings in each device you wish to connect with your WiFi network.

>> When all the settings are configured, Router will how the status of internet as "connected"

Things that need your attention for configuring the settings:

1. DHCP server: The DHCP server function is very important for networking. Enabled DHCP server makes setting up a network very easy by assigning IP addresses to each computer on the network. If you disable the DHCP Server, it will require you to manually set a Static IP address in each computer on your network.

2. Connection type: Most common connection type is PPPoE when you use a DSL modem and get a User Name and Password to connect to internet.

3. SSID for your wirelss connection: SSID is the name of your wireless connection. Wireless Routers come with a predefined name and you can change it. However, same name has to be used to connect other computers on network.

4. Security: Take a note of the "authentication" type and password/key. You'll need this information to connect other computers with wireless connection.