| -> | | | | basically, a small, cheap computer that does |
| So you've got broadband. Great! After a while, | | | | nothing except acting as the hub of your |
| though, many people find that they've got so | | | | network. You then fit wireless cards into each |
| used to having broadband on one computer that | | | | one of your computers, either by opening them |
| they want to be able to use it from any other | | | | up and putting it inside or by plugging it in using a |
| ones they own, too - including their laptop, and | | | | cable (such as USB) or a port (like laptops' |
| computers that are nowhere near the broadband | | | | PCMCIA). |
| line. Traditionally, the solution to this has been to | | | | When you fit these cards and turn your |
| run expensive network cables through your | | | | computer (and the router) on, Windows should |
| house, making holes in your walls and restricting | | | | pop up a box asking you which wireless network |
| the movement of your computers. Recently, | | | | you want to connect to. Your router should |
| however, another option has become available: | | | | create a network automatically, generally naming |
| wireless broadband. | | | | it after its manufacturer ('netgear' or 'linksys', for |
| Wireless broadband works by using short-range | | | | example). All you need to do is choose this |
| radio waves to create a small area where your | | | | network, and you're on the Internet. |
| computers can be networked without wires - | | | | Wireless broadband access is usually no slower |
| most wireless networks are no bigger than a | | | | than plugging the modem in directly, unless you |
| house, although larger ones are possible. | | | | have very cheap wireless equipment and a very |
| This is how it works. First, the broadband Internet | | | | fast Internet connection. |
| connection is plugged into a wireless router - | | | | |