Setting up a home network allows you to connect multiple PCs to other devices like printers, files, or an Internet connection in order to share resources. Two basic choices are available for networking: wired network components (these use existing phone lines or electric outlets) or wireless network (WiFi) components that work by sending the data over the air via radio frequencies. Wireless network components are probably the best choice since they offer far more convenience. There are no cables to install and notebook users are free to travel anywhere they like without the need for accessories. Read on for some advantages and advice on how to choose wireless network components.
Why go with with a Wireles Network?
Price
Wireless network components are very affordable. Recently, prices for networking devices based on the popular 11-megabit-per-second 802.11b wireless standard have dropped considerably since the introduction of its sister device, the new 54-mbps 802.11g, which also works with 802.11b devices.
Prices on products using the older 802.11a standard have also dropped but not as fast as the 11b and 11g. The 802.11a also offers 54-mbps theoretical maximum speeds, but it does use the less crowded 5.4-GHz frequency range so is less prone to interference than 802.11b and 802.11g, which run in the crowded 2.4-GHz range (also used by Bluetooth products, some cordless phones, and other household electronics equipment).
Compatibility, Speed and Convenience
Dual-band 802.11a/b/g equipment can be rather expensive but they are the best choice for compatibility in an office setup but for most home users they really are a little over-the-top. Do note that the fastest wireless technologies still can’t compete with standard Ethernet connections (maximum speed of 100 mbps) but they are definitely more convenient.
What Wireless Network Components Will you Need?
You will need an adapter or network interface card for each PC you want to connect to the network. In addition, you’ll also need a router. This is like a switchboard that directs all data traffic between PCs on your network and between your network and your Internet connection.
Wireless access points (that connect wireless networks to wired ones) are another important factor to consider. The hardware communicates with Wi-Fi adapters and allows the data in radio signals to reach the wired network, and the Internet.
Wireless network components start with a single adapter connecting to a single access point. The majority of wireless home gateways act as access points but specialized access points are available for businesses wanting to migrate to 802.11g (or 802.11a) without stranding legacy 802.11b users or having to install two access points.
How to Choose Wireless Network Components
Network Type
Wireless networks are ideal for notebook users who want to be ultra-mobile. If you install a network based on the 802.11b standard (or the newer 802.11g standard), it will allow you to use your notebook in an ever increasing number of WiFi friendly places like libraries and cafes. Most of these don’t support 802.11a, and may never do so.
However wireless network components do have a few security drawbacks that should be noted. The security algorithm built into the 802.11b spec is vulnerable to attack. The 802.11g products are far more secure since the development of a newer standard. Their limitations in terms of range can also make a purely wireless network impractical in areas that are large, occupy several floors, or contain lots of obstructions such as doors and walls.
WiFi Speed and Range
Speed
If you want to use your network for sharing broadband Internet access, the speed of your networking technology won’t matter much. All of the main standards exceed the top speed (1 to 1.5 mbps) of residential DSL or cable service in most regions. Depending on your location you may be able to get 3-mbps cable access. If you intend to move large files often between PCs on your network you will need to get the fastest network money can buy.
The fastest wireless network component standards are 802.11g and 802.11a. Both are rated at 54 mbps, but compatible components are more expensive than 802.11b versions. Since 802.11g products are aimed towards a bigger consumer market they tend to be cheaper than 802.11a devices. These are usually used in corporate situations.
In future, we can expect to see a new standard emerging: the 802.16a or WiMax. This will feature a much greater range and bandwidth.
Wireless Network Range
Remember that wireless systems speed deteriorates rapidly as you get further away from the access point or as obstacles such as doors, walls, metal objects, and ceilings intrude. Most Wi-Fi vendors claim a range of up to 300 feet but you shouldn’t rely on a range of more than about 100 to 125 feet in a typical office setup and even less at home.
Wireless range extenders increase the strength of a wireless access point’s signal and increase the distance from which you can connect to a wireless network. These extenders cost upwards of $60 and up. They are read by your wireless adapter as a separate network.
Wireless Network Security
Wireless network components are vulnerable to attack since hackers don’t have to plug in to a physical port to get direct access. The encryption algorithm built into the 802.11x spec, called Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) was meant to function as effectively as the physical barrier in a wired network but the WEP is apparently just as vulnerable to attack. It would appear that improvements are in the works, in the form of yet another IEEE spec, called 802.11i.
For added security, install wireless network components like adapters that support 128-bit encryption (versus the 40-bit encryption possible with standard wireless cards) and if security is of paramount importance take extra precautions by using a virtual private network and/or effective firewall on your system. In 2003, the IEEE standards body completed a security system called Wi-Fi Protected Access. This is intended to replace the existing WEP, and springs from the upcoming 802.11i standard.
To obtain interoperability certification from the Wi-Fi Alliance, all 802.11g products have to support WPA security. Some 11g products have Wi-Fi certification already and some are still in the process of getting certified. Certain manufacturers are creating WPA upgrades for their older 802.11b and 802.11a products.
Wireless Network Hardware support
If you intend sharing a single broadband Internet account over a wireless network, you can find many 802.11b and 802.11g routers that combine the components you’ll need i.e. an access point for the wireless connections and a router to manage network traffic.
802.11b or 802.11g adapters (USB or PCI cards for desktops and PC Cards for notebooks) are easily obtained but 802.11a’s are far more limited.
Firewall Features
If you connect to the Internet via a router or gateway it should include a built-in firewall to protect your computer from attack but remember that the ability to configure these firewalls does vary considerably. For some, it is easy for authorized applications to connect directly to a designated PC on your network and this can be vital for certain video conferencing and message applications (and games).
Where you have a static IP address, certain gateways will actually help you set up a Web server. Others feature parental controls that allow you to block access to sites by URL or certain keywords.
Your choice of wireless network components will largely depend on who you are (a home user or business) and what you are going to be using your network for. Don’t be tempted to go over-the-top if you are setting up a simple home network.
Conversely, if you are a business don’t let price concerns leave you vulnerable to data loss or compromising your security – choose wireless network components that are the best your money can buy. Use the features listed above to help you make an informed choice and choose wireless network components that make your life easier not harder. Cut the cords and go wireless today.