Mobile broadband can be used to access the internet from a laptop or desktop computer.

Get the right equipment

Before you can set up your wireless network, here’s what you’ll need:

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Get the right equipment
Built-In 4G or 3G Mobile Broadband
iPhone 4 or later
Wireless Broadband

Broadband Internet connection and modem. A broadband Internet connection is a high-speed Internet connection. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and cable are two of the most common broadband connections. You can get a broadband connection by contacting an Internet service provider (ISP). Typically, ISPs that provide DSL are telephone companies and ISPs that provide cable are cable TV companies. ISPsfrequently offer broadband modems. Some ISPs also offer combination modem/wireless routers. You can also find these at computer or electronics stores, and online.

Wireless router. A router sends info between your network and the Internet. With a wireless router, you can connect PCs to your network using radio signals instead of wires. There are several different kinds of wireless network technologies, which include 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax.

Wireless network adapter. A wireless network adapter is a device that connects your PC to a wireless network. To connect yourportable or desktop PC to your wireless network, the PC must have a wireless network adapter. Mostlaptopsand tablets—and some desktop PCs—come with a wireless network adapter already installed.

To checkwhether your PC has a wireless network adapter:

Select Start, type device manager in the search box,and then select Device Manager.
ExpandNetwork adapters.
Look for a network adapter that mighthave wireless in the name.

Built-In 4G or 3G Mobile Broadband

Most of the latest laptops, netbooks, and tablets offer a mobile broadband option, where you can have a 3G or 4G card or chipset built into the laptop when you order it (for an additional cost). You'll have to choose a mobile broadband service, but often you'll be able to select the wireless service provider.

Pros: Convenience of having mobile wireless connectivity already set up as soon as you get your laptop (no need to install your own mobile broadband device); less obtrusive than a USB 3G or 4G laptop stick.
Cons: Not transferable to other laptops or devices.
Example: In the configuration options for the HP EliteBook 2540p ultraportable laptop, for example, there's a drop-down option for HP Mobile Broadband that will add the "universal mobile broadband module" to your laptop. The module works with Verizon Wireless, Sprint, and AT&T wireless data services.

Busakorn Pongparnit/ Getty Images

iPhone 4 or later

1

Upgrade to iOS 4.3 or later if you are not already running this. You can do this by selecting "Settings," choosing "General" and selecting "Software Update."

2

Select "General," choose "Network" and switch Cellular Data to "On."

3

Select "Personal Hotspot." Your phone will display the necessary Wi-Fi password.

4

Turn on wireless networking on your laptop, select the network with the name of your phone and type in the password to connect.

Android

1

Select "Settings" and choose "Wireless & Networks."

2

Select "Tethering & Portable Hotspot" and choose "Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot." You can now connect your laptop to the network marked "AndroidAP," though it will not be a secure connection.

3

Select "Portable Wi-Fi HotSpot Settings" on your smartphone to change the name of the network or add a password.

Wireless Broadband

1

Click the "Network" icon in your laptop’s notification area. The icon looks like a series of vertical bars.

2

Right-click the name of the wireless broadband connection to which you want to connect.

3

Click “Connect.”

4

Enter your access string or the name of your access point in the provided field.

5

Enter your account username and password in the appropriate fields. This information is provided by your Internet service provider.

6

Select your Autoconnect setting. Options include “Always connect automatically,” “Connect automatically except when roaming” and “Never connect automatically.” If you will access this broadband network solely at your office, for example, click “Always connect automatically.”