| How often do you see someone sitting in an | | | | There are adjustments that can be made if |
| airport lounge or coffee shop working on a laptop | | | | problems arise such as selecting a different |
| computer? Sure they could be playing solitaire, but | | | | channel on your wireless network (a similar |
| the odds are increasing that they are | | | | process to changing the channel on your electric |
| corresponding via e-mail, sending a report back to | | | | garage door opener) and in most cases this |
| the home office, or downloading a presentation | | | | solves the problem. Other precautions such as |
| for their next stop and staying one step ahead of | | | | separation of telephones and wireless equipment |
| their competition. Know anyone who brags that | | | | can be helpful. Note: If you have an old 900MHz |
| they can check e-mail, weather, news or sports | | | | cordless telephone, you may want to dig it out of |
| on their laptop from anywhere in the house or | | | | the closet or think twice before replacing it with |
| even out on their deck? How often does the lack | | | | one of the newer 2.4GHZ models. Manufacturers |
| of an internet connected computer restrict the | | | | of the newest 5.8GHz models claim they also do |
| way you present, discuss, or demonstrate during | | | | not interfere with wireless networks. |
| a meeting, or exchange between colleagues? Wish | | | | The other drawback is more of a quiet menace, |
| you could instantly provide internet access for the | | | | generally more serious, and usually happens |
| new employee, the conference room, or guest in | | | | without the network owner's knowledge. Typically, |
| the lobby? | | | | wireless network products are shipped with any |
| Those who have tried Wireless Fidelity or Wi-Fi | | | | imbedded security features turned off in order to |
| say they will never give it up. Those who haven't | | | | make setup a snap. There are a few more steps |
| tried it are missing what the Wi-Fi alliance simply | | | | required to add network security. Without |
| describes as Freedom. | | | | security measures active, your network is |
| OK, so what is it, how much does it cost, how is | | | | accessible by anyone with a Wi-Fi capable device |
| it installed and what problems are there? | | | | and within range (typically up to a couple hundred |
| First the good news. A Wi-Fi Network is simple, | | | | feet). So what? Good question; maybe no big deal |
| easy and inexpensive to install. Basic requirements | | | | for the present time but the more users on your |
| are: 1. A high speed (broadband) internet | | | | network, the less bandwidth there is for each |
| connection, the most common being cable, or | | | | user, and the sharing of your single internet |
| DSL. 2. Next, an access point, sometimes called | | | | access line (say 512Kbps) can cause noticeable |
| an antenna or a wireless router. These are | | | | slowing of downloads and certain applications. |
| available at your local electronics or computer | | | | Higher speed internet access service can help if |
| store in a common price range from $50 to $150. | | | | you are networking simultaneous users who use |
| 3. A wireless card or "adapter" for your laptop | | | | the internet. |
| computer(s). Most new laptops come with | | | | A more critical issue is that of file sharing. If any |
| wireless capability already installed but if yours | | | | of your computers are set to allow access for file |
| doesn't have it, for less than $100 you can add an | | | | sharing, or say sharing a printer or other |
| adaptor...no tools required. That's it. That's all you | | | | peripheral device, your "guest" has the same |
| need. The equipment comes with instructions that | | | | access to these files and devices. This is an |
| are easy to follow, and setup is a breeze. You | | | | obvious problem and one that you need to be |
| can be up and running in moments, sharing | | | | aware of. There are easy fixes. Read the |
| internet connection, and even printers, scanners | | | | documentation that comes with your equipment, |
| and hard drives. | | | | and ask questions before you purchase. Tell the |
| Sounds great, no? Any drawbacks? Well, a couple. | | | | sales person how you plan to use this new |
| First of all, these networks operate in the | | | | freedom and ask for their suggestions as to how |
| unlicensed spectrum of ranges of 2.4 and 5GHz. | | | | you can operate securely and reliably. |
| Do these numbers sound familiar? If you have a | | | | Then cut the cords and enjoy the freedom. You |
| cordless telephone, chances are quite good that it | | | | are bound to increase productivity, reduce fatigue, |
| operates in the same 2.4GHz spectrum. This | | | | and get more done! |
| causes problems with some wireless networks. | | | | |