(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. As the holidays approach, now is the time to
start thinking about your wireless home networking needs.
Whether it’s downloading directions, instant
messaging, uploading your favorite holiday 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!
Courtesy of ARA Content
