We have carried out a systematic study of the electrodeposition process to understand the effect of varying three important quantities on the synthesis of nanowires inside porous alumina templates. We have electrodeposited iron nanowires inside porous alumina to determine the optimal settings of these variables to induce effective and efficient nanowire growth. First, we vary the pH of the electrolyte solution to show that pH has little effect on the deposition rate. Second, we vary the magnitude of the applied ac voltage to show that the deposition rate increases with increasing voltage. Finally, we vary the frequency of the applied ac voltage to show that there are three distinct regions corresponding to different deposition rates. We have studied the magnetic properties of the synthesized nanowires and our results as a function of fabrication parameters are discussed. (c) 2007 The Electrochemical Society.