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Surf or Send: Wireless Home Networks Deliver
the Internet |
by:
ARA |
(ARA)
- The Internet is becoming as necessary
as electricity and indoor plumbing. As its
usefulness grows, so does the need to deliver
a fast, reliable Internet connection to
PCs and other home appliances.
Whether it's downloading directions, instant
messaging, uploading your favorite photos
or simply sending e-mails with attachments,
the Internet is the backbone of modern communication.
Today, access to it is as critical at home
as it is in the workplace. For that reason,
many new homes are built with telephone,
cable and Category 5 (Ethernet data cable)
wiring bundles; making high-speed data transfer
only a plug-in away. However, most people
don't have the convenience of Ethernet jacks
throughout their homes, resulting in expensive
and messy data cable installations. In 2002,
more than 1.5 million homeowners installed
their own wireless network, and if Jupiter
Research is right, these wireless networks
will surpass wired ones by 2005.
The Web's transition from a place for text
and images to one that includes a repository
of video, animation and audio is proceeding
rapidly. New uses of the Web require higher-speed
Internet connections, and its usefulness
is greatly enhanced by the ability to share
those connections.
The evolution of wireless technology reflects
that "need for speed," as the newest generation
of products categorized as 802.11g are typically
five times faster than the older technology
(802.11b). The new 802.11g technology is
compatible with earlier products and handles
data transfer typically at 54 mega bits
per second (Mbps) compared to 11 Mbps of
802.11b. However, products from U.S. Robotics
802.11g Wireless Turbo family perform at
an incredible 100 Mbps with the company's
exclusive Accelerator Technology. At these
blazing speeds, downloading MP3s, streaming
video, large audio clips and uploading big
files is quick and painless.
What's Needed?
Creating a reliable, wireless network requires
only three things. First on the list is
an Internet connection. While broadband
(DSL or Cable Internet) is a necessity for
high-speed downloads, dial-up can work if
wireless connectivity is the main goal.
With broadband, the service likely has a
modem device (with a single Ethernet port
to connect to the computer), or a router
(with multiple-Ethernet ports).
The second thing you need is a wireless
access point or router. That piece of equipment
allows you to share the broadband connection
wirelessly. If you have an integrated router/broadband
modem you will only need an access point.
If you have a single port broadband modem,
you will need an access point with an integrated
router. You will also need a wireless card
or adaptor to allow PCs and other devices
to access the wireless network. They come
in three basic formats: PC cards for laptops,
PCI cards for desktop PCs, and USB for any
machine that supports USB. Installing a
network is relatively easy and will dramatically
change the way the Internet is used at home.
Look Ma, No Wires!
The beauty of wireless connectivity is that
it provides an inexpensive and relatively
simple way to share Internet connectivity,
files, printers and other devices within
a home. No new wires! In purchasing a network's
components, the following should be taken
into consideration.
* Speed -- Faster is better. It may not
make much difference today, but it will
later.
* Security -- There are several techniques
to provide security for a wireless network
and the higher-bit encryption numbers offer
better security.
* Compatibility -- 802.11g devices run at
a minimum of 54Mbps, and are typically compatible
with the older 11Mbps 802.11b products but
not with 22Mbps 802.11b+ products.
* Coverage -- Pay attention to what vendors
say (or don't say) about the size of coverage
areas.
* Reputation -- Go with a company that you
are confident will be around in the future.
Over time these products often can be upgraded
with software enhancements that provide
improved performance or new features.
Setting up your wireless network is easier
than putting together a child's first bicycle
and will be an important addition to your
home for many years to come.
For more information about wireless networking
products, visit www.usr.com/lookma-nowires
and go wireless today! Products from U.S.
Robotics 802.11g Wireless Turbo family are
also available for purchase at Wal-Mart
stores nationwide.
Courtesy of ARA Content
About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content
Circulated by Bandoni
Media
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