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| How to Setup Wireless Internet at Home |
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Wireless
Adapters
Just as a radio picks up radio
signals, wireless adapters pickup the wireless internet signal. The most
important thing about wireless adapters is that you cannot change the channel
they receive. If you want to receive the g-signal that your g-router is
emanating, then you must get a g-adapter. Many adapters can pickup more than one
signal. An a/g adapter can pick up a-signals (at work) and g-signals at home. |
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There are different kinds of adapters, depending on where they will be used.
Let's start with the simplest. Built-in wireless adapters are offered in
many laptops as standard equipment. Always check which protocol these adapters
accept. When we list laptop bargains in our Tech Deals section, we list the laptops wireless capabilities as a/b or b/g
or a/b/g. Some PDAs have built-in wireless capability as do some of the latest
cell phones. The Sony PSP has built-in wireless. |
 If
your laptop doesn't have built-in wireless capability, then you can get a
wireless PCMCIA card. This card will fit into the slot that all laptops
have. Again, get one that matches the protocol of your router. In fact, for best
performance many people recommend that you get a card from the same brand as the
router. Often speed claims that routers make are only measured when used with a
specific card. This is especially true of the extended g-routers that claim
speeds up to 108 Mbps - these can only be attained with a specially paired
wireless card.PCMCIA cards are not created equal. Some have better reception
than others and some are more likely to "drop" the connection frequently (think
cell phones). Linksys, Netgear, and D-Link have good reputations but are best
when paired with their respective routers.
The next option you have is to get a USB wireless adapter. It looks
just like a USB memory key. This isn't any better or worse than a PCMCIA card in
terms of reception. If your laptop has limited USB inputs, you may not want to
"waste" an input. I think these adapters are more likely to break off when used
in a laptop. An advantage is that these can be used for laptops and desktops.
Stick it in the USB port of your kid's desktop and they have access to the
wireless internet network. Very easy.
If you want your desktop to have built-in wireless capability, then you can
insert a wireless PCI card. This means that you have to be comfortable
with opening up your computer case. Once you open up the case, it is as easy as
sticking a card in the right slot. These card will have an antenna that sticks
out the back of the computer. With the introduction of USB wireless adapters,
less people are willing to go through the trouble of opening their computer
case, especially since there is no benefit in reception.
Having bought the wireless router and a wireless adapter you are ready for
wireless networking. Windows XP has made setting up a home wireless network as
easy as following a few on-screen directions. The software that comes with your
router should also be able to help.
Next week, we will discuss setting up wireless security for your network. In
the meantime, check our Tech Deals section regularly to get the best bargains
we've found on computer add-ons such as wireless networking products. |
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