Wireless World

Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular because of their capabilities and affordable cost. Since they don't require cables and you can set up multiple access points for broad coverage, you can use the devices anywhere in the home, maybe even in your backyard. With a wireless home network, you can also connect to the Web with a Wi-Fi enabled notebook PC, home PC or other WLAN device in any room of the house (provided you have coverage). Use this step-by-step guide to plan and set up your wireless LAN home network.

A Few Basics
A wireless network communicates over the airwaves using small, low-powered radio transceivers. Several wireless standards are available, including 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. The most common and prevalent wireless networking products are compatible with the 802.11b standard, working in the 2.4 GHz band with a data-transfer rate of up to 11Mbps.

Get a Mobile Notebook PC
A great way to unwire is with an Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology-based notebook PC, which has 802.11b wireless LAN capability already integrated. Intel Centrino mobile technology is built from the ground up for mobility, supporting a wide range of industry wireless LAN security standards and leading third-party solutions.

If you choose to go wireless with an existing notebook, you'll need a wireless PC Card or a notebook with a built-in wireless solution. If you want to wirelessly enable your desktop, you'll need to install a PCI wireless card in the computer, or buy a USB to wireless adapter. The latter device simply plugs into the USB port on your computer.

Install an Access Point
No matter how your notebook is equipped, a key part of any wireless home network is a broadband connection to the house and a wireless LAN access point, or base station, connected to the broadband hub.

Make sure that all wireless components are Wi-Fi CERTIFIED and are using a compatible protocol. For example, if you have a mobile notebook PC with 802.11b wireless LAN capability, you need to choose an access point and router that also have 802.11b. (Note that 802.11g products are compatible with 802.11b products) Keep in mind that the speed of your Internet experience is dependent on your broadband connection and traffic.

Remember: Wi-Fi is based on radio transmissions so you can expect that your Wi-Fi system will have difficulty transmitting from one room to another if the walls in the house are composed of, or heavily reinforced with, metal. You can solve this by placing more access points, which will bolster the radio strength. Additionally, home cordless phones and microwaves may interrupt your wireless signal, and you may not be able to use your wireless PC connection simultaneously with certain cordless phones and microwaves. 

Connect the First Computer
If you already have a wireless LAN-enabled notebook PC, simply initiate the appropriate program or utility software to scan and find the access point. Once your notebook recognizes the network, open a browser and go to a favorite site. If that works, you're connected. If it doesn't work, you may need to enter DNS number in the access point's setup program.

Connect Other Computers and Printer
If you want to connect a desktop computer, you'll need to add a wireless LAN adapter card: either PCI or USB.

Another device you may want to consider is a wireless LAN print server. It allows you to wirelessly connect a printer to your home network and place it in any room. This means you no longer have to have a printer taking up valuable workspace right beside a PC.