Wireless Networking
While the term wireless network may technically be used to refer to any type
of network that is wireless, the term is most commonly used to refer to a
network whose interconnections between nodes (computers, such as notebook
computers) is implemented without the use of wires, such as a computer network
using the 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n standards. Wireless LAN networking is generally
implemented with some type of remote information transmission system that uses
radio waves, for the carrier and this usually takes place at the physical level
or "layer" of the network. Wireless network manufacturers include:
Belkin,
Cisco,
D-Link,
Hewlett Packard (HP),
Linksys,
Netgear,
TRENDnet,
USRobotics,
WatchGuard,
Zonet, and more.
One type of wireless network is a Wireless LAN (WLAN) or Wireless Local Area
Network, which has become very common for wireless home networking, as well as
wireless hotspots. Similar to other wireless devices, it uses radio instead of
wires to transmit data back and forth between computers on the same network.
Wireless LAN networking utilizes spread-spectrum or OFDM modulation technology
based on radio waves to enable communication between devices in a limited area,
also known as the basic service set. This gives users the mobility to move
around within a broad coverage area and still be connected to the network.
For the home user, wireless has become popular due to ease of installation,
and location freedom with the gaining popularity of laptops. Public businesses
such as coffee shops or malls have begun to offer WiFi wireless
access points to their customers; some are even provided as a free service.
Large wireless network projects are being put up in many major cities - it is
helpful to have
WiFi finder to sniff these out.
To create a simple 802.11 wireless network, you need to have a
wireless router or
bridge, and a wireless capable computer - a wireless
starter kit is a good beginning point for a new wireless network. Most
Notebook computers now come with wireless networking built-in, however desktops
may still require a wireless networking
adapter card.
Accessories are also available to increase the range of wireless networks.
Another variant of the wireless network is
Bluetooth. Increasingly, computer peripherals are going wireless, this
includes printers and
print servers,
network IP cameras,
wireless media players, and more
› EnGenius Technologies 
Items with this icon have an additional discounted price. Please click the icon for more information.
