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Wireless Networks

Wireless networks are becoming more and more common in small offices and home offices (SOHO) because of their ease of use and setup. The prices are also dropping as higher speed systems become available and basic systems (although adequate for most people) are considered "slow". They allow users to "roam" inside areas using laptops and other network-enabled devices. There are currently three IEEE (Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers) standards for wireless Ethernet network communications: 802.11a, 802.11b and the latest release, 802.11g. The table below outlines how the different standards interoperate as well as the maximum data transmission speeds and distances.

802.11a 802.11b 802.11g
Speed Up to 54Mbps Up to 11Mbps Up to 54Mbps
Frequency 5Ghz 2.4Ghz 2.4Ghz
Indoor Range 25-75 Feet 100-200 Feet 100-200 Feet
Compatibility None with 802.11g with 802.11b


The three basic components to a SOHO wireless network are: the Wireless NIC (Network Interface Card), Wireless Access Point (AP) and/or the Wireless Router.

Wireless NIC: All PCs and laptops that participate in a wireless network require a wireless NIC. The NIC is an Ethernet card and an antenna built into one. It allows the PC or laptop to communicate with the access point.

Wireless AP: The Wireless Access Point acts as a central receiver for all the wireless PCs and laptops. The Wireless AP is usually connected to a wired network switch or router.

Wireless Router: This device is used to connect multiple wireless PCs or laptops to a single Cable/DSL modem. By doing this, all wireless clients are able to share one Internet connection. Additionally, the wireless router provides security against cyber attacks and electronic eavesdropping that may occur through an unprotected Internet connection. The function, although built-in, requires the user to configure the system with their own encoding scheme (password and id info, selected from menu type interface). This feature should be configured to prevent anyone from sitting outside your property and access your network and computer using a laptop and like wireless system.