| Unlike a wired network, you won't be
needing any CAT5 cables, hence the title of "wireless". But you will
need a Network Interface Card (NIC) or Network Adapter for each computer
on your network. You will also need either a Wireless Router. Let's
discuss these individually to make it a little easier. Keep in mind that
there are far too many makes and models to cover them all in detail here
so I'll be giving the condensed generic version here to give you a basic
idea as to what is going on. When you buy your components, the detailed
directions will be included with you manual and should walk you right
through it. This is meant to be a simple example to give you a general
idea about the whole process. First I'll cover the internal type of
network card. The USB type will follow. Internal NIC:
The Network Interface Card can come in 2 varieties. It can either fit
into a slot on the motherboard (Internal) or it can plug into a USB or
USB2.0 port (external). If you choose to go with an internal card, you
will need to shut down the computer, remove the case cover and locate an
avauilable slot on the motherboard. These slots come in either the ISA
variety, being long and usually black, or the PCI variety, being about 3½"
long and white. Determine which slot(s) you have available. The PCI slot
is highly preferred over the ISA slot. In fact, very few computers even
have the old ISA slot anymore, but just in case, you need to make sure
what slot you have available. Buy your NIC according to what slots are
available. An ISA card will not work in a PCI slot and vice-versa.
Once you have the proper card for your slot,
and the case is open, you'll need to remove the metal plate that is
covering the port opening in the case. This plate will probably be held
in place with a small screw. Remove the plate to allow the NIC to be
inserted. Align the card with the slot and GENTLY rock it into position
until the metal tab of the card is resting flush against the case and
the screw holes are aligned. Now reinstall the screw and snug it down,
being careful not to strip the threads. The card is now installed and
needs to be detected and configured.
Software:
Start the computer and allow Windows to detect the new card. If you are
running Windows 9x, you will probably need
to have the floppy or CD disk ready. When Windows asks for the drivers,
insert the disk and allow Windows to find the proper drivers. If it is
unable to find them, you may have to help by navigating through the disk
to locate the proper driver files. Sometimes, it is even necessary to
bypass this install method by canceling and then go into the CD or
floppy files and run the executable setup file. Your manual will tell
you which method to use.
If you are running Windows XP it may not even
ask for drivers and may be able to configure it on it's own. But again,
the manual will tell you exactly how it is to be done. Be sure to follow
the manual to the letter. This will ensure that it is done properly for
that particular device.
External USB Network Adapter:
Which Comes First?
As with any USB device, you want to make sure to read the directions
concerning the installation of the software BEFORE doing anything. For
some reason, some devices are very particular about whether the drivers
are installed before or after the device is connected to the computer.
Trust me on this, you are far better off to read the directions and do
it right the first time. It can be a disaster by connecting the hardware
before the drivers are installed or vice-versa. Some devices don't seem
to mind either way. But some will crash and burn if you do it wrong. So
take a minute and read the directions as to which comes first, the
hardware or the software. Follow those directions to the letter to save
yourself some huge headaches later.
Are you going number 1 or number 2?
Eww, that just sounds wrong! But it can be an important point here. USB
has two different versions. The first, and slower version is 1.0. But
USB has recently become available in a faster version, enter version
2.0. If your computer is USB 2.0 compliant, you can use either an older
1.0 adapter or a newer 2.0 adapter, but it will only run at the slower
1.0 speed. However, if your computer is not USB 2.0 compliant, you will
have to either buy and use the older, slower 1.0 adapter or buy a USB
2.0 card (yes, another card). The choice is yours. Just remember this -
USB 2.0 and 1.0 can use the older and slower 1.0 devices but only the
USB 2.0 computers can run the 2.0 devices at the 2.0 speed. Got that? So
should you go number 2 if you don't already have it? Sure, it's pretty
cheap and a lot faster than the older 1.0. And if you use a USB printer
or camera or scanner, they will transfer data much faster with the 2.0
setup. And most of the newer devices being produced these days are of
the 2.0 variety anyway, so take the plunge and step up to 2.0.
123 - It's That Simple
1)Installing the software should be simple and completely explained in
the manual.
2)Installing the USB device itself will be even easier. You just plug
the thing into a USB port and that's that.
3)With the directions having been followed, Windows will detect the
device and bring it online. Then, using the manual for instruction, you
can configure it.
What's in a name?
Be sure to give it an easily remembered name during the setup process.
This will make it easier to find this computer when searching from other
computers on the network. Keep the name as simple as possible. I like to
use such simple names as Dell, Desk, Home or maybe even the CPU speed.
One of the computers on my own network is named 333 because of it's CPU
speed. This makes it very simple to remember it when searching for it
from a different computer on my network.
Other Software:
Normally, I prefer not to install any second party software or any of
the "cool" programs that come with any hardware. It's usually more of a
pain than anything, but that's just my opinion. I like to keep things
clean and simple. That way I'm less likely to have any
incompatibility between programs. I usually just install the drivers and
keep it at that. But you do whatever you want to do, that's just my
opinion.
Wireless Router:
The router is what "routes" the data to where it needs to go, hence the
name. This device sends the data via a signal through the air to any
wireless adapter that is within range and configured to work with this
router. Again, because there are so many different makes and models
available, I can only give you a basic and generic version of this. Your
user manual will have all of the specifics in great detail.
The router is connected to either the cable
modem or DSL modem, depending on which one you use. From here, the data
is sent back and forth via a radio signal. Some wireless routers also
have ports for connecting to it via CAT5 cables just like the wired
network setup. This means you can have a network composed of both wired
and wireless connections. Once it is installed, it will need to be
configured. Setting up one of these wireless routers can be a little
intimidating but it is really very simple. They've taken all of the
guesswork out for you and made it pretty painless. Just follow the
instructions and you'll be up and running in no time.
PROS:
- Easier installation -the obvious fact of
having no wires to contend with.
- No drilling holes in the walls and floors
to run the wiring through.
- No need to mess with those difficult end
connectors to install at the end of each cable.
- When you decide to move furniture around,
it is so much easier with wireless because there are no limitations
as to where the computer goes.
- Surfing the web from your couch, kitchen
table or your patio hammock with your
laptop.
- Checking your email with your
PDA if it is wireless equipped.
- Easier to share a connection.
CONS:
- Security Risks - you need to use
encryption (not a big deal)
- Range limitations - how far will it reach?
- Changing standards- 802.11A, 802.11B and
802.11G. More to come.
- Possible radio interference- wireless
phones and other gadgets use the same frequency.
- Slower than a 100Mbps wired network - but
still very fast
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