Mobile Computing: All About Wi-Fi

How Wireless Networks Work

Most people today install wireless networks at home to share a high-speed Internet connection between multiple PCs and to tap into that connection from various rooms using their laptop(s).

To create a wireless network in the typical home environment, your DSL or cable modem is usually connected to a hardware device called a wireless access point router (or gateway). A popular model is the $70 Wireless Access Point Router with 4-Port Switch by Linksys. See PC World's review of popular gateways.

The access point router, using one or more antennae, transmits your high-speed Internet connection over radio waves, up to 300 feet, theoretically. Any wireless network adapter--whether built into a PC, notebook, or PDA, or added later as a peripheral device--within range of the access point's radio waves can, if permitted, connect to your network.

For step-by-step instructions on installing a wireless network, see "How to Set Up Your Home Network."

What You'll Need

Increasingly, laptops come with wireless networking adapters already built in or as an inexpensive configuration option. For instance, built-in wireless networking is now a free option when configuring an HP Pavilion ZE5400 notebook online.

A wireless network adapter can be added affordably, too. A laptop user's best bet is a wireless network PC Card, which fits into an available PC Card slot on your machine.

Wireless network adapter cards cost anywhere from $30 to $120. To check out the variety of cards available from Linksys, D-Link, and others, visit PC World's Product Finder. (In the Filter Results section on the left side, make sure Network Adapter is selected in the Device Type drop-down list box.)

(By the way, some Palm and Pocket PC handheld devices now include built-in wireless network adapters, too. Read the hands-on reviews in "Well-Connected Handhelds.")

Keep in mind that each computer you plan to network requires its own wireless network adapter. Otherwise, that's it--with a high-speed Internet connection (DSL or cable modem), wireless access point router, and wireless network adapter in your computer, your network is good to go.

Or is it? Horror stories abound about otherwise sane citizens driven mad by trying to install a wireless network at home.

I've endured the agony of wireless network installation myself, though I blame my former ISP's lousy tech support for the hassles. So unless you're proficient with computers, I'd strongly recommend asking a network-savvy buddy to help. If you don't know anyone fitting that description, consider hiring someone for the job. Check your local computer retailers for help. CompUSA, for instance, provides a home network installation service.