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January 3, 2006

Wireless Networking (WiFi)

What is wireless networking, and why should I care?

Wireless networking (sometimes called WiFi) allows computers and other devices to connect to a network without the use of cables. Most consumer wireless networks are based on an 802.11 standard, such as 802.11g. In the consumer marketplace, wireless networking began to pick up steam with the release of Apple’s Airport networking products. Other computer manufacturers followed suit, and today, wireless networking is one of the most highly sought-after features in home computing. Consumers building a typical home wireless network will need:

• A wireless router*: This allows multiple computers to connect to a single Internet connection. It also allows the computers to communicate with each other.
• One or more computers with wireless capabilities: For notebook computers, this may come in the form of a wireless PC card, though many new computers come with WiFi built-in.

* A wireless router is not necessary if your WiFi access is limited to public networks (e.g., wireless Web browsing here at the library).

What is the difference between 802.11b and 802.11g? Which is better?

The main functional difference between the two is speed, expressed in megabits per second (Mbps). 802.11b has a theoretical maximum of 11 Mbps, while 802.11g offers 54 Mbps (speed in the real world will be lower). Either is sufficiently fast for Web use, but the added speed of 802.11g is useful for things like copying files from one computer to another on your home network. Luckily, 802.11g is backwards compatible with 802.11b, which means you can use your 802.11b laptop with an 802.11g access point, and vice versa.

A new standard offering improved performance, 802.11n, is under development. Until the standard is finalized (probably late in 2006), it is wise to stick with the tried-and-true 802.11g standard.

I’ve heard that wireless networks are not secure. What can I do to make my connection less vulnerable?

If you’re setting up a home network, you definitely need to enable some form of security. The most basic form of wireless security is called Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). It is better than nothing, though hackers can break this encryption with persistence. WiFi Protected Access (WPA), and its revision (WPA2) offer significant improvements.

For additional security, you can enable something called “MAC address filtering,” which allows your access point to interact only with specific wireless computers or devices (each of which has a unique identifier, called a MAC address). It’s not foolproof, but it does add another layer of protection. You don’t need to be excessively concerned about unauthorized wireless access, but it is wise to take advantage of whatever security settings are available in your hardware.

 

How do I get wireless Internet in public places?

Perhaps the most popular feature of computers with WiFi is the ability to browse the Internet through a public wireless networking connection (called a wireless access point). These public wireless networks are often found in coffee houses, airports, hotels, and libraries. In fact, the Hinsdale Public Library has free wireless Internet available for users with WiFi.

If you’re not at our library, you can use an Internet hot spot directory such as http://www.wi-fihotspotlist.com/, http://www.wififreespot.com/, or http://www.hotspot-locations.com/ to find a public Internet connection. Some locations will charge a fee for use of their WiFi connection, but the Hinsdale Public Library does not.

The exact details of connecting to a hot spot will vary at each location, and some networks may require you to visit special login pages or change your network settings. Here at the library, our wireless Internet access is designed for ease of use. Depending on which wireless software you use (Microsoft or your wireless card manufacturer), the terminology will differ somewhat, but the general steps are the same:

1. Tell the computer how to determine its IP address (for HPL, use “obtain an IP address automatically”).
2. Use your wireless network utility to scan for wireless access points within range. Here at the library, we have five located throughout the building.
3. Connect to the one with the best signal strength.

Once you’ve connected, you can open an Internet browser (such as Internet Explorer) and visit Web sites.

 

Are there any downsides to this technology?

Unfortunately, the WiFi standards of 802.11b and 802.11g operate in the crowded 2.4 Ghz frequency range, which makes them subject to interference from other common household items like cordless phones and microwave ovens. If your wireless card gives the option, try changing the channel to 11 in order to minimize interference. The other major flaw with current wireless technology is speed. Wired connections offer performance that can exceed wireless speeds by two to ten times.

 

Final Thoughts

The ability to browse the Internet while on the sofa or to print a word processing document from the deck should not be underestimated; a wireless network connection can be very liberating. Just make sure to take reasonable precautions to secure the network when you configure it the first time.

 

Resources

Web

• C|Net’s Wireless Resource Center: WiFi Section
• Practically Networked Troubleshooting Guides
• Tom’s Networking: Frequently Asked Questions—Wireless Networking
  

Books

• Duntemann, Jeff. Jeff Duntemann’s Drive-By Wi-Fi Guide (004.6 Wi-Fi)
• LaRocca, James and Ruth LaRocca. 802.11 Demystified: WiFi Made Easy (004.6 Wi-Fi )
• Ross, John. The Book of Wi-Fi (004.6 ROS)
• Smith, Raymond. WiFi Home Networking (004.6 Wi-Fi )
  

Posted by moetting at 10:44 AM | Comments (2)