| If you've got more than one computer at home, | | | | been fully decided as of yet, so if you get a |
| you may be thinking about setting up a wireless | | | | 'pre-n' piece of hardware, the standards may |
| network. It can make file-sharing a breeze, with | | | | change, leaving your device unable to function |
| no more having to burn data onto a CD-ROM or | | | | properly. |
| trying to fit it all into a memory stick (or | | | | Your computer will need a wireless access point |
| -shudder- a floppy disc!) to get it across the | | | | to communicate with the router. There are two |
| room. And going wireless lets you position the | | | | main types. The first is the PCI wireless network |
| router in a convenient central location, without | | | | card. This is an internal card, like many modems, |
| having to run wires along the baseboards or under | | | | and must be installed inside the computer in an |
| carpets. | | | | empty card slot. These will have an antenna that |
| But setting up a wireless (or 'wi-fi') system can be | | | | sticks out of the back of your PC, which may not |
| a daunting task if you've never done it. Or is it? | | | | give you the best signal if the antenna is hidden |
| With technology today, firing up a wireless router | | | | away. Some models have a short cable for the |
| and adding a few access points has never been | | | | aerial, so you can mount it somewhere to |
| easier. Many of the setup routines are automated, | | | | improve reception. |
| with your input limited to thinking up a few | | | | The second type of network connection is a USB |
| passwords, or typing in some information off the | | | | adapter. This attaches to an open USB port on |
| label on a piece of hardware. Let's take a quick | | | | your computer, and has either a built-in antenna, |
| look at some of the hardware common to any | | | | or a cable to a separate aerial, like the PCI card. |
| wireless setup. | | | | These are portable between computers, but may |
| The core of any network is the router. If you | | | | not receive as well as a built-in card. Also, they |
| already have a broadband/ADSL/cable modem, | | | | can be bumped if they stick out of your |
| it's best to get one with the modem function | | | | computer. |
| built-in, and replace your existing one. If you don't | | | | If you have a notebook computer, many of them |
| want to do that, make sure the router you | | | | now have wireless access built in. Older models |
| decide upon can be plugged into your modem. | | | | can use a notebook card, which slides into the |
| The router transmits and receives the signal to | | | | PCIMCA slot. |
| your computers. Almost all of them have several | | | | With this basic knowledge, you may find that |
| Ethernet ports to connect devices with a cable. | | | | configuring your own wireless network is |
| This is handy if you have a computer or | | | | amazingly easy. In no time, you can be surfing |
| network-accessible printer nearby, and don't need | | | | from anywhere in your house, or passing files |
| a wireless connection. The important thing to | | | | back and forth effortlessly from one computer to |
| remember when purchasing a router is to make | | | | another. Many other devices can now also access |
| sure it's 802.11g compatible. The 'g' means it's | | | | your home network, such as game consoles, |
| faster than the older 'b' standard. You may see | | | | cameras and cell phones. Unplug yourself, and see |
| references to an upcoming 'n' standard as well. | | | | how much fun it can be to go without a wire. |
| The final requirements for this standard have not | | | | |