Info-Authority: Installing Wireless Technologies

Wireless networks are a series of devices that can independently enable Ethernet-style Internet connections and computer-to-computer communications using only signals -- no wires. Wireless networks are becoming increasingly common in homes and small businesses, offering significant advantages over traditional cable-and-wire EtherNet networks. Physical flexibility is the most obvious advantage. But another advantage is the relatively easy installation process, which requires far less hardware than other mediums for Internet connectivity.

Local Area Network (LAN)

Both an EtherNet (wire) network and a wireless network are referred to as a Local Area Network (LAN). A wireless network does not require hubs, switchers, or routers to include additional users on the network. Additional wireless users are supported just by being in the immediate physical span of the network.

A wireless LAN (or Wi-Fi network) may be configured in two different ways:

Ad Hoc mode: Allows only for communication between different personal computers and wireless devices, often referred to as peer-to-peer communication.
Infrastructure mode: Required for communication with the World Wide Web, a printer, or a wired device of any sort. In either case, this wireless connection requires a wireless network adaptor, often called a WLAN card.

In Infrastructure mode, the WLAN card receives signals and communicates with the Web via a device called an access point, AP, or WAP. Many access points on the market today resemble small radios or cable TV boxes. The access point connects the wireless devices and enables communication between them, serving as the necessary linchpin in the wireless network. Because of this importance, placement of the access point is critical. Devices need the ability to reach and communicate with the access point with little or no obstruction to operate effectively. It is reasonable to expect a network access range of 100 feet (30 meters), but walls or large objects can inhibit wireless communication. Networks should be arranged to avoid physical barriers to the greatest possible extent. Larger homes or locations will require multiple access points.

Installers

Each device within the wireless network (computer, printers, auxiliaries) must be installed with a Network Interface Card, or NIC. The NIC transmits wireless signals from the access device and enables each device in the network to send and receive signals.

Installers must also decide which of three industry standards by which to designate to the network. These industry standards are 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g -- these names differing only in the last letter. The "a" standard is the least common and incompatible with "b" and "g." The b standard is most common. The g standard enables more robust digital downloading, and can support with b. The b standard, however, cannot support ‘g'.

Most wireless network router sets will come with a set of instructions. Essentially, the EtherNet cable that had traditionally gone into the computer is instead connected to a router. Each device must configured on it's first use, a setup process wherein information such as the IP address, time zone, and other variables is entered. Some setup processes will require the establishment of a password, for a more secure or safe connection.




	Installing Wireless Technologies By Joe Kukura Wireless networks are a series of devices that can independently enable Ethernet-style Internet connections and computer-to-computer communications using only signals -- no wires. Wireless networks are becoming increasingly common in homes and small businesses, offering significant advantages over traditional cable-and-wire EtherNet networks. Physical flexibility is the most obvious advantage. But another advantage is the relatively easy installation process, which requires far less hardware than other mediums for Internet connectivity. Local Area Network (LAN) Both an EtherNet (wire) network and a wireless network are referred to as a Local Area Network (LAN). A wireless network does not require hubs, switchers, or routers to include additional users on the network. Additional wireless users are supported just by being in the immediate physical span of the network. A wireless LAN (or Wi-Fi network) may be configured in two different ways: Ad Hoc mode: Allows only for communication between different personal computers and wireless devices, often referred to as peer-to-peer communication. Infrastructure mode: Required for communication with the World Wide Web, a printer, or a wired device of any sort. In either case, this wireless connection requires a wireless network adaptor, often called a WLAN card. In Infrastructure mode, the WLAN card receives signals and communicates with the Web via a device called an access point, AP, or WAP. Many access points on the market today resemble small radios or cable TV boxes. The access point connects the wireless devices and enables communication between them, serving as the necessary linchpin in the wireless network. Because of this importance, placement of the access point is critical. Devices need the ability to reach and communicate with the access point with little or no obstruction to operate effectively. It is reasonable to expect a network access range of 100 feet (30 meters), but walls or large objects can inhibit wireless communication. Networks should be arranged to avoid physical barriers to the greatest possible extent. Larger homes or locations will require multiple access points. Installers Each device within the wireless network (computer, printers, auxiliaries) must be installed with a Network Interface Card, or NIC. The NIC transmits wireless signals from the access device and enables each device in the network to send and receive signals. Installers must also decide which of three industry standards by which to designate to the network. These industry standards are 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g -- these names differing only in the last letter. The "a" standard is the least common and incompatible with "b" and "g." The b standard is most common. The g standard enables more robust digital downloading, and can support with b. The b standard, however, cannot support ‘g'. Most wireless network router sets will come with a set of instructions. Essentially, the EtherNet cable that had traditionally gone into the computer is instead connected to a router. Each device must configured on it's first use, a setup process wherein information such as the IP address, time zone, and other variables is entered. Some setup processes will require the establishment of a password, for a more secure or safe connection.

Installing Wireless Technologies By Joe Kukura