Wireless Internet

There's a noticeable buzz surrounding wireless home networking and with good reason: it's easy to do and there are plenty of benefits to be had.

So what exactly do we mean when we say wireless home networking?
In simple terms wireless home networking means linking computers or devices together so that they share a single wireless connection point. The benefits are fantastic and if you have more than one PC, installing a wireless home network will enable you to share a single broadband connection between those computers and have multiple users surf simultaneously.

A wireless network will allow you to share a printer between your PCs, and enable users to transfer files between machines without the need for disks or CDs. If you're a laptop user, for example, then wireless broadband will allow you to roam through your home, constantly connected but without the long and unsightly length of cable keeping you tethered to your Internet connection. Feel like surfing from the garden or firing off a few emails from bed - a wireless network provides the freedom you seek.

Perhaps there's a Sony Playstation or Microsoft Xbox sitting in your living room. Add a network adaptor to these devices and one person can be using your high-speed connection to engage in a little multi-player gaming while you finish up that report on the family PC. You could also get much more out of a Wi-Fi equipped PDA, using a wireless home network. If you're into digital audio and video, a wireless home network can enable you to stream music or movies stored on your PC (or perhaps an MP3 player) into your home theatre system or TV.

Wireless networks are usually effortless to install with no holes to drill, no wires to run, and no unsightly cables stretching across the floor. Portability is the key advantage of a wireless network. If the freedom to work wherever you want (within range) is important, then you need to go wireless. Wireless is ideal for laptop users who don't want to be tied to working in one room.

While wireless does take many of the traditional hassles of setting up a home network out of the equation, it also comes with issues of its own, such as dealing with radio signal interference, nosey neighbours, or solid obstacles. Older, more solid homes aren't terribly friendly to wireless signals and a large house may well require additional equipment such as a wireless repeater or add-on antenna, to help your signal reach where it is required.

Wireless Technology & Equipment
Broadband packages are able to support wireless technology; you just need to ensure you have the correct equipment, as you need more than a standard broadband modem. You will need:

• A wireless network card for your PC (usually costing around £15 upwards, and available from your local high street)

• A wireless modem/router, this will plug into the home phone line that has the broadband activated upon it (usually costing about £35 upwards, and available from either the high street or your broadband provider)

• A broadband connection with a service provider

Please note although a broadband provider does not offer wireless equipment with a broadband package, does not mean it cannot be used with wireless. It just means you will need to buy the necessary equipment yourself.

Wi-Fi Access
Wi-Fi can be used both in your home, when you are travelling around or by using wireless hot spots which can be accessed via subscription to a wireless Internet provider. Wi-Fi is a commonly used wireless network in computer systems which enable connection to the Internet or other machines that have Wi-Fi functionalities. Wi-Fi networks broadcast radio waves that can be picked up by Wi-Fi receivers that are attached to different computers or mobiles.

In the Home
Wi-Fi can help you share broadband connections in your home. All you need to do is purchase wireless equipment for your computer and to connect to it. Once set up you will be able to connect to the Internet from anywhere in your home, so you are not tied to the location of your phone point.

Hotspots for Wi-Fi
Wi -Fi hotspots are designed to help you connect to the Internet while you are on the move. Hotspots are available on many trains, coffee bars, pubs, restaurants and shops. To connect just take a laptop or any wireless device and connect to the Internet from within these locations. Such ‘hotspots’ are provided by companies such as T-Mobile and a company known as ‘The Cloud’.

Wireless broadband providers
Wireless providers have set up transmitters in public areas so all a customer does is set up a receiver in their home and then they can actually browse the web freely and without the need of any other cables or equipment. It is important to know that this method bypasses your existing Internet connection and you use the hotspot provider as your Internet service provider.