| Wireless networks have become incredibly | | | | Most wireless networking technology available |
| popular - so much so that virtually all new | | | | for home use operates on what is called |
| laptop computers have wireless network cards | | | | 802.11g technology. What this means is that |
| included as part of a set of standard | | | | the data sent over the network is transmitted |
| features. As a matter of fact, customers | | | | at 2.4 GHz at a speed of 54 megabits. For |
| will offer salespeople a strange, blank look | | | | non-technical folks, that means the data is |
| if wireless networking is not included as one | | | | moving pretty fast. Newer technology is |
| of the standard features. People love the | | | | currently in the works for wireless networks |
| convenience of being able to boot up the | | | | (802.11n), but it is still in the beta, or |
| laptop and surf the net wherever they may be. | | | | testing, phase. |
| | | | |
| Wireless networks have become so popular and | | | | Wireless networks operate by using either |
| affordable that many people are now opting to | | | | modulating radio waves or pulsing infrared |
| include this convenience in their homes also. | | | | light. They include a router that is |
| If you happen to be one of the thousands of | | | | hardwired to your Internet connection and |
| people who choose to install wireless | | | | transmits data via these radio or light |
| networking in your home, then there are a few | | | | waves. Your computer receives the |
| things that you will need to understand about | | | | information via either an internal or |
| how wireless networks work. | | | | external wireless adapter, which acts as a |
| | | | receiver. |
| One of the best and most appealing features | | | | |
| of wireless networks is the fact that they | | | | If you are thinking of installing a wireless |
| are wireless. This makes installation | | | | network in your home, you will need a high |
| incredibly simple and affords you the freedom | | | | speed Internet connection, a router, and |
| to roam about in your home with your laptop | | | | wireless adapters for each computer you wish |
| untethered. Wireless networks eliminate the | | | | to access the network. Most basic wireless |
| need for the wires associated with | | | | routers only have a range of about 100 feet, |
| traditional Ethernet networks. | | | | so if you live in a larger home, you may need |
| | | | to also purchase a range extender or repeater |
| Installing wireless networking in your home | | | | for your network. And that is pretty much |
| is a rather painless process. Plus, in | | | | it. |
| comparison to traditional wired, or Ethernet, | | | | |
| networking, it is relatively cost effective. | | | | Wireless networks are easy to install and |
| Many times, you can set up a wireless network | | | | convenient. If you have not already decided |
| in your home for less than a hundred dollars. | | | | to bite the bullet and install one in your |
| The only disadvantage to wireless networks | | | | home, you are missing out. The installation |
| is that they are slightly slower than | | | | process only requires reading and following a |
| Ethernet networks. However, the average | | | | few simple instructions. Do this and you |
| consumer will never even notice the | | | | will have a wireless network that the entire |
| difference. | | | | family can enjoy. |
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