Setting up a Wireless Network

A wireless network is great way to provide essential services such as internet access and file sharing in installations that previously had no options for connectivity. Many locations and homes just did not have the infrastructure or capabilities to allow for regular internet cabling. The most common limitation being that no wiring was ever installed.

Present network cabling technologies still require proper planning, and still pose installation limitations. CAT5 network cabling has to be run and installed properly in order to maintain proper throughput and communication speeds. One example - you cannot bend CAT5 cable in any sort of loop and expect to reach the 100 megabit speeds consistently. As you may now realize, installing any sort of wiring does have inherent problems and associated limitations. This is not to say that wireless networking is without any limitations - because it is not, however in comparison, Wifi is much more convenient and less expensive.

Wireless networking limitations start with distance, interference and security. The distance between the wireless router and the wireless client (your computer) can be several feet to several doze, anything more than that will require additional equipment to boost the signal strength. There are three standards for wireless communication between computers. 802.1 A, 802.1 B and 802.1 G are the most common, with 802.1 G being the standard of today. Wireless devices and metal objects such as ventilation systems, and cordless telephones can greatly diminish your wireless distance and signal strength.

It is not uncommon to have poor wireless signal strength with the computer and wireless router in the same room, obviously, something would be interfering with the signals.

Wireless networking equipment can be purchased from any computer retailer. It is best to purchase the same brand router and transmitter. Look for 802.1G protocols, with the highest bandwidth, 54mbits would be considered standard, with 110 mbits being newer. These of course are not guaranteed transmission rates, however under optimal conditions, you can expect these speeds.

Wireless routers have the option to use a wireless connection as well as a physical wired connection. Usually up to 4 clients may use the router simultaneously. This is a combination of wired and wireless. Installing the router will also involve setting up a secure password to disable others to access your network and internet connection without your knowledge. This is called WEP (Wireless Encryption Protocol)

The router itself will have a setup wizard to take you through the process.

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