Going Wireless?

Having a wireless connection around your home can be a great convenience for households with multiple computers. If you have an existing network you can remove all the unsightly cables lying around your house with a central wireless network.

If you have a laptop with built-in wireless or a laptop wireless card, you can be accessing the Internet or your home network from around your house. The same can also apply to any desktop computers with either a USB wireless adapter or a wireless PCI card.

Wireless Routers

Wireless routers can connect all your devices together. Some routers are standalone devices that require a separate modem; others are combined with broadband modems and plug directly in to your ADSL connection. These also usually come packaged with firewalls.

However, there are pitfalls to avoid. To truly gain the benefits of wireless networking it is recommended that you do your homework and research your own personal requirements. This includes networking guides on eBay as well as other review sites around the Internet. Like most technology, wireless devices are constantly being improved upon and updated.

Some Tips

1. Wireless Range
   Ensure you try to centre your wireless router within your home. If your router also functions as a wireless modem, it will require connection to your external phone line. Try to ensure the antennas are vertical and if needed look into a wireless repeater.
   
2. Compatibility
   Foremost is the compatibility with multiple devices. Currently, the common wireless connections are 802.11b and 802.11g networks. Ensure your hardware is compatible with the same connection as your other devices. Additionally, using the one wireless manufacturer may simplify your network.
   
3. Setting It Up
   Ensure you read the details provided by the manufacturer. Most routers these days provide a simple interface with which to configure the router settings. However, you will still need to know your ISP and network settings.
   
4. Lock It Down
   Once connected to the Internet, securing your network should be a priority. At the least, you should change the router manufacturer’s login and password from their default settings and install a firewall and virus scanner on the connected PCs.

Choose a Manufacturer

Popular wireless router manufacturers are –
Belkin
D-Link
Linksys
Netgear

Some of their models include the following –
Belkin 802.11g Wireless Network Access Point F5D7130au
Belkin 802.11g Wireless DSL/Cable Gateway Router F5D7230au4
Belkin 802.11g Wireless Ethernet Adapter F5D7330au

D-Link DSL-G604T AirPlusG Wireless ADSL/ADSL2/2+ Modem Router
D-Link DI-614+ Wireless Broadband Router Network
D-Link DWL-G700AP 802.11g Wireless Access Point DK6

Linksys WAP54G Wireless-G Access Point
Linksys WAG54GP2 Wireless-G ADSL Gateway with 2 Phone Ports
Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Broadband Router

Netgear WGR614 Cable/DSL Wireless Router 54 Mbps/2.4 GHz
Netgear DG834G 54 Mbps Wireless ADSL Firewall Router
Netgear WPN824 RangeMax Wireless Router