modem/wireless router. This is discussed further below
Before committing yourself to installing a wireless
network consider the following:
Do I really need one ?
 |
If you have a single desktop PC then you're only
likely to need a wireless network if it's a long way removed from your
telecomms junction box (see below) |
|
If you have a centrino laptop (or laptop with wireless
capability) to be used in different locations in your home then a
wireless network is useful but don't forget to consider issues like
printing (consider a wireless print server) |
|
If you have more than one computer a wireless
network may be appropriate but bear in mind that a wired network is
always superior in terms of speed and reliability |
Is my property suitable ?
|
Wireless networks work satisfactorily in a
'conventional' house but less well in larger houses. |
|
Contrary to expectations the new breed of 'fast'
wireless devices do not provide wider coverage |
Extending wireless coverage
| Use 'paired' wireless access points (e.g. Linksys) to provide a
'bridge' capability |
| Fit an antenna to your WAP with a higher gain or signal quality (dBi).
Decide whether you need a one-directional or omni-directional model |
Should I replace my existing broadband modem with a modem/router/WAP
?
| This depends very much on the size and layout of your home and in
particular the location of the telecomm provider's junction box. Since
the junction box is usually located on the lower or upper 'edge' of
the property it is not ideally placed for wireless networking. |
| Consider buying a WAP which is then connected to the router by
ethernet cable and located in the most favourable part of the building |
Mixed mode
| Routers usually have ports to which ethernet-compliant devices can
be attached. This can be useful if your main PC is located close to
the telecomms junction box. If it has a printer attached this can be
used by a wirelessly connected laptop if file and printer-sharing has
been enabled in the operating system. However, this may have security
implications (see next paragraph). As stated above, look at the
possibility of using a print-server (wired or wireless) |
Security considerations
| If you don't use WEP
your wireless network can be used by neighbours or anyone with a
wireless device within the coverage of your wireless access point. You
may be prepared to share your broadband connection but if your
provider imposes download restrictions and the neighbour is a music
enthusiast consider the consequences ! |
| If you have file and printer sharing enabled this presents a real
security threat (in fact you are well-advised to disable this anyway
for an always-on broadband connection). There are many free FTP server
and FTP client programs available on the net. Consider using these to
move files around your private network. (This
page discusses the technique with IIS being used as the FTP
server). Use a print-server for network printing services |
Requirements for connecting a computer to a wireless network
| PC a pci card or usb adapter |
| Laptop (without inbuilt capability) a pcmcia card or usb adapter |
Network essentials
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