| A home wireless network can be set up using | | | | may have to use a wireless access point if an |
| wireless local area network (WLAN) devices. A | | | | existing Ethernet home network is extended. The |
| wireless LAN has a wireless interface that enables | | | | access point must be cabled to the switch, hub or |
| wireless communication amongst the computers | | | | LAN router. |
| and peripheral devices that are a part of the LAN. | | | | Unlike cellular networks with fixed frequencies, |
| A wireless LAN has limited range and is designed | | | | users in WLANs have to share frequencies, which |
| to be used only in a local environment such as a | | | | sometimes lead to collisions. The choice of |
| building, office complex or home. The main | | | | frequency depends on whether microwave, |
| advantage is the flexibility and mobility provided | | | | spread spectrum, or infrared communication is |
| by a wireless LAN. | | | | being used. |
| A wireless home network can be installed easily | | | | The primary WLAN standards include the |
| by connecting a wireless router to the network. | | | | IEEE-802.11 series and HiperLAN. The IEEE-802.11 |
| The router must be placed in a central location | | | | (Wi-Fi) standard supports 1 Mbps data rate and |
| within the home. Computers which are placed | | | | several choices of physical medium such as |
| close to the router, or in the same room as the | | | | spread spectrum and infrared. An additional |
| router, receive better network speed. Most | | | | feature of this standard is the battery |
| wireless routers support broadband modems while | | | | conservation for inactive or idle wireless users. |
| others support phone line connections. Each | | | | Faster 54 Mbit/s 802.11a (5 GHz) and 802.11g (2.4 |
| computer connected to the wireless LAN must | | | | GHz) standards are now available. New standards |
| have a wireless LAN card installed. | | | | beyond the 802.11 specifications, such as |
| It is mandatory to name the wireless network | | | | 802.16(WiMAX), are currently being developed and |
| and to ensure that all the computers on the | | | | offer several enhancements such as longer range |
| WLAN share the same network name. Though a | | | | and faster transfer speeds. |
| wireless router contains a built in access point, one | | | | |