Going WiFi

Imagine how convenient and productive it would be to have all your computers, peripherals, and even other electronics, such as a stereo and gaming station, connected to a home network. Now imagine this network allowing you to move computers and electronics from room to room at will without the headache of running cables throughout the house. This description of computing bliss is why home wireless networks, often referred to as “wi-fi networks,” are an increasingly popular alternative to cable-based local-area networks (LANs).

Setting up a wireless network, once the domain of skilled techies, is now accessible to even moderately tech-savvy users. Plus, the cost of wireless network components and all-in-one kits has become affordable, contributing to the growing acceptance of wi-fi home networks.

Network Components

Here’s how wi-fi (short for “wireless fidelity”) works and some basics to know before you shop.

With a LAN, Ethernet cables link the Internet connection wires running into your home to your electronic components. With wi-fi, a wireless network comprised of routers, access points, and network adapters provide this link.

Router. Router hardware allows all network components to share data. A router, for example, is needed to share a broadband Internet connection between two or more computers.

Network Adapters. This device, usually a card, is built into or added to an electronic component to allow it to be connected to the wireless network. PC Cards are used in laptops; PCI cards are used in desktops. A CF Card is for PDAs and similar handheld devices. You can buy these cards and install them, but they are built into many newer laptops and handheld devices.

Access Point. A wireless access point (WAP, also known as a “base station”) transmits and receives radio signals that connect electronic components to the network, either through Ethernet cables or network adapters. Depending upon a wi-fi network’s configuration, other network devices might include game adapters, print servers, and range extenders. These components are built into many access point devices on the market.

Network in a Box

If assembling individual wi-fi components into a network seems daunting, wireless network kits are a relatively inexpensive and installation-friendly alternative. Routers and network adapters are included in these packages as well as important security features such as the WPA (WiFi Protected Access) encryption standard and firewall protection. (See the sidebar about wi-fi security for more information.)

Technical Specs

There are three wireless network standards: 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. Ignore the techie numbering system and simply remember that 802.11g is the newest standard and the one you’ll most often see when shopping for home wireless network products. 802.11g products cost more than 802.11b, but they support a faster bandwidth speed (up to 54Mbps), more network users, and their signals are less likely to be interrupted. It’s also backward-compatible with 802.11b products. In short, 802.11g is the way to go.

With these basics in mind, discuss your wireless home network options with your current Internet service provider. Your current Internet provider should be able to help you select the best home network configuration for your needs.