There's nothing like surfing the net from the comfort of your favorite chair! As high-speed Internet connections (DSL, cable, etc.) become more popular in our homes, so are wireless networks. This setup hooks your Internet service into a wireless router or access point, and you can use your laptop, or even your personal digital assistant (PDA), to connect to the web from anywhere in the house. This article is intended to provide some basic guidance for those just venturing out into this brave new world! Pre-requisites: Before you can use a wireless connection, there are a few basic things you need to make sure you have. The most important is that you have a fast Internet connection (commonly called a broadband connection). This would include DSL or cable service. Then make sure that your service provider has given you a modem with the right hook-ups. You'll need one with an ethernet port instead of a USB port. An ethernet port looks similar to something you'd plug a phone into. A USB port is a flat, rectangular port. The ethernet port is what you'll likely need in order to connect your broadband modem to your wireless router (see below). Third, you'll need to make sure your computers can connect wirelessly. Don't assume that they can. Confirm if have wireless networking built-in. If not, you can buy the wireless card or adapter as an add-on. Equipment: There are different transmission standards in use for wireless networks. This is usually indicated by a number like "802.11g". When purchasing your wireless router, look for a device that's compatible with multiple of transmission standards, such as something that works with 802.11a, b, and g. This will allow older computers to work with your new network, as well as new computers that incorporate newer technology. The next transmission standard is always on the horizon. Ask a salesperson to help you choose a router that won't be obsolete next month. Also, make sure that your router provides strong security features (see below). Placement: Your wireless router will have limited range (just like a cordless phone). So make sure you set it up as close as possible to where you'll want to use your wireless computer. For example, if you want to use it all over your house, find a place to hookup the router around the center of your house in order to provide good reception everywhere. Security: The single most important thing you can do with your wireless network is to setup the security. Otherwise, your neighbors (or anyone passing near your house) can not only piggyback on your network to access the Internet, they might be able to access information on your computer(s). This could be very bad! Normally, your router will come with all its security measures turned off by default. Read the instructions that came with your device to learn how to setup the security. The idea is that you don't want just any computer to be able to access your wireless network: only those who know the special code and/or password that you've setup. Also, make sure you change the default password that comes built into your device. Every router made by the same manufacturer probably has the same default password, so it's not safe. For more information on setting up your wireless network, start by clicking here. |
