Most agree that wireless networking represent the future of computer and Internet connectivity worldwide. Wi-Fi continues to be the pre-eminent technology for building general-purpose wireless networks.
In computer networking, wireless technology is a modern alternative to networks that use cables. A wireless network transmits data by microwave and other radio signals.
Any kind of network technology (either wired or wireless) increases the usefulness of home and business computers. Wireless networks offer even more benefits than wired ones.
This article explains the pros and cons of both wireless and wired (cabled) technology as used in local area computer networks.
A wireless network may contain several different types of equipment. Use this guide to learn about each type of network gear including routers, access points and adapters.
This article examines the pros and cons of 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and Bluetooth wireless technology for WLANs.
The 802.11g technology standard supports much faster peer networking than the older 802.11b standard. 802.11g routers are designed to share a broadband Internet connection and usually contain a built-in firewall, DHCP server, and network switch.
Various network adapter hardware products work with desktop, notebook and handheld computers and also with game consoles or other home entertainment equipment. Take a visual tour of the options available.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to set up an ad hoc Wi-Fi network. A Wi-Fi network in ad hoc (or peer) mode allows two or more devices to communicate with each other directly instead of through a central wireless router or access point.
Windows XP allows you to establish wireless connections to network routers and access points automatically. This feature helps you to make wireless Internet / Wi-Fi network connections more easily with laptop computers and is highly recommended for those who roam between multiple locations.
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. RFID uses a wireless radio frequency system to read data from and write data to special-purpose RFID chips for the primary purpose of tracking mobile objects.
A decibel is the standard unit for measuring the strength of WiFi wireless radio signals. WiFi radio antennas and transceivers both include decibel ratings, usually in units of dBm.
A WLAN supports network communication over short distances using radio or infrared signals instead of traditional network cabling. WLANs often extend an existing wired local area network.
A Microsoft Research project, the "Virtual WiFi" software allows you to have one physical WiFi adapter connected to more than one wireless network simultaneously.
This book by Cisco Press aims to educate readers on the terminology and concepts behind wireless computer networking.
If you've had trouble getting Wi-Fi to reach across your house, you might be surprised how far Wi-Fi wireless connections can reach with the right (experimental) equipment.
Years ago, geeks found it fashionable to make their own WiFi antennas from Pringles cans. Based on that idea, the Cantenna is a commercial product that extends wireless networks to reach a neighbor's home, detached garage, or other nearby location.
Many people hope that ever-improving wireless technology will someday provide affordable universal networking. This book discusses the methods for planning and building such community networks. It is most helpful to entrepeneurs seeking to develop remote area networks.