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Most wireless networking equipment is based on one of three standards. 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g. 802.11b was the first standard to become widely used. It supports speeds up to 11Mbs. 802.11a came out later. It supports speeds up to 53Mbs. 802.11a was not widely accepted because it was not backward compatible with the 802.11b devices. 802.11g has recently become the most popular of the three standards. It supports speeds up to 53Mbs like 802.11a, but it is backward compatible with the 802.11b devices already installed. New equipment that you should consider will be labeled 802.11b/g compatible.
You will need two pieces of equipment to connect your computer wirelessly. Your computer will need a Wireless Network Interface Card (WNIC). Your network will need a Wireless Access Point (WAP).
The Wireless Network Interface Card connects directly to your computer. For laptops, this can be in the form of a PCMCIA card or a USB attached device. Many newer laptops have the Wireless Network Interface Card built into the system. For desktops, this can also be in the form of a USB attached device or it can connect inside the machine in a PCI bus.
The Wireless Access Point connects to your existing wired network or your Internet connection. In an office setting |
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Look Mom, No Wires!! |
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Volume 3, Issue 2, April 11, 2005 |
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with an existing wired infrastructure, Wireless Access Points are commonly used. In home settings or small offices without an existing wired infrastructure, a Wireless Router is used. A Wireless Router is actually a Wireless Access Point, a Broadband Router, and an Ethernet Switch built into one device.
The range you can get out of these devices depends greatly upon what is between them. They are advertised to be able to communicate up to 1300 ft in open air. (i.e. no walls, trees, etc.) Indoors, they are advertised to operate up to 325 ft. This range can be limited significantly by the types of objects the signal must travel through. Concrete walls, Stucco walls, any type of liquid, even people can significantly reduce the range. When there is any question, it is best to do a site survey before purchasing equipment.
There are various different methods to make wireless networking secure against people driving by and attaching to your network. The most common is Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP). Other methods include limiting the WAP from talking to any WNIC except those defined by you in a MAC table or using VPN software in conjunction with WEP. Any of these methods can be cracked by a security expert who has the time and really wants to get into your system. (The same can be said for your front door lock and even your security system.) However, the most basic security will stop most drive by hackers from gaining access to your system.
Some people purposely leave their WAP’s unsecured. This is the case of coffee houses, hotels, and others that offer free wireless Internet access. The free wireless services are offered as an enticement to get you to come into their establishments. |