Wireless Networks

~ original update: July 17, 2003 (jb)

    Traditional ‘Hard-Wired’ Networks are made up of numerous cables that connect computers together.  However, a Wire'less' Network is just that, it is “Wire-less”.  Wireless Networks take advantage of radio frequencies to transmit data.  These are the same radio frequencies that cellular phones and microwaves operate within.  The 2.4 GHz band is the most common frequency, which these devices operate in, while the 5 GHz band is much newer.

    Technology for Wireless Fidelity, also called Wi-Fi, is an IEEE 802.11 industry standard.  As the data transmission rates change, new letters are added to the 802.11 listing, which explain the rates.  The three most common rates are A, B, and G.  802.11a can reach speeds up to 54 Mbps (Megabytes per second) on the 5 GHz band.  802.11b is the most common rate today and is able to reach 11 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.  Lastly, 802.11g is expected to become popular, as it can hit up to 54 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz spectrum.

    Wireless technology is becoming very trendy, because it is easy to set up, installs rather quickly, and allows for greater mobility than traditional wired networks.  Setup for wireless equipment is usually done out of the box.  A user basically plugs it in and turns it on.  For instance, a wireless router is plugged in between the Cable/DSL modem and the computer’s NIC (Network Interface Card) and just needs to be turned on.  This makes the installation process simple, as many wireless routers have a quick setup wizard to walk a user through the installation.

    Mobility is the key to Wireless Networks popularity.  With more and more business people using laptops for their jobs, they can take work home with them.  Installing a Wireless Network with a Wireless NIC allows a home user to move freely about their home, while still being connected to the Internet.  This is a major convenience for folks, who are either watching their favorite TV show, or just wanting to sit outside and enjoy the weather.

    There are definitely many benefits of Wireless Networks.  If you would like more information on them, feel free to visit some of the Web Sources below.

Sources:
Linksys – http://www.linksys.com/edu/
Netgear – http://www.netgear.com
Proxim – http://www.proxim.com
Boingo Wireless – http://www.boingo.com
Netstumbler – http://www.netstumbler.com
802.11 Planet – http://www.80211-planet.com
Hyperlink Technologies – http://www.hyperlinktech.com
Practically Networked – http://www.practicallynetworked.com