What is a Wireless Network?
A network in general can be described as one computer connected to the Internet, or two or more computers connected to each other (and also to the Internet). In a wireless network, the computers are connected by radio signals instead of wires or cables. Advantages of wireless networks include mobility and no unsightly wires. Disadvantages can include a slower connection than a wired network, higher risk of a security breach and interference from other wireless devices, such as cordless phones.
Currently there are three standards for wireless networks: 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11g. The following is a breakdown of each standard.
802.11b
Speed - Up to 11 megabits per second (Mbps)
Pros
Costs the least
Has the best signal range
Cons
Has the slowest transmission speed
Allows for fewer simultaneous users
802.11b uses the 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) frequency (the same as many microwave ovens, cordless phones, and other appliances), which can cause interference
802.11a
Speed - Up to 54 Mbps
Pros
Has the fastest transmission speed
Allows for more simultaneous users
Uses the 5 GHz frequency, which limits interference from other devices
Cons
Costs the most
Has a shorter signal range, which is more easily obstructed by walls and other obstacles
Is not compatible with 802.11b network adapters, routers, and access points
802.11g
Speed - Up to 54 Mbps
Pros
Has a transmission speed comparable to 802.11a under optimal conditions
Allows for more simultaneous users
Has the best signal range and is not easily obstructed
Is compatible with 802.11b network adapters, routers, and access points
Cons
Uses the 2.4 GHz frequency so it has the same interference problems as 802.11b
Costs more than 802.11b
If you have more than one wireless network adapter in your computer or if your adapter uses more than one standard, you can specify which adapter or standard to use for each network connection. For example, if you have a computer that you use for streaming media, such as video or music you should set it up to use the 802.11a connection if available because you will get a faster data transfer rate when you watch videos or listen to music.
Wireless Hardware
Your computer needs an internal or external wireless network adapter to be able to access a wireless network. Most newer laptops will have wireless built in. For desktops you can get an internal PCI wireless card, which will have an antenna on the outside to receive the signal. You can also get an external USB wireless adapter, which will plug into an open USB port so you do not have to open up your computer. This will also allow you to easily move the device to another computer if needed. On the other end you will need a wireless access point or router to provide the wireless signal from the wired device such as DSL modem or network switch.
Wireless signal strength
Most operating systems will have a symbol that shows the wireless signal strength for your wireless network. In Windows this will be in your taskbar by the clock. The more bars, the stronger the signal. A strong signal (usually five bars) usually means that the wireless network is close or there is no interference. If you have more than one wireless network that you are able connect to such as at the office and an unsecured network has a stronger signal than a security enabled one, it's safer for your data if you connect to the security enabled network. To improve the signal strength, you can move your computer closer to the wireless router or access point, or move the router or access point so it's not close to sources of interference such as brick walls or walls that contain metal support beams. If you've connected a wireless network before, make sure your computer is in range of the network (no more than 150 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors for 802.11b and 802.11g hardware and no more than 50 feet indoors and 100 feet outdoors for 802.11a hardware), the router or access point is turned on, and the wireless switch on your computer is turned on if it has one. If you have not connected to the network, broadcasting might be turned off and you might have to manually add the network.
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