WiFi - An Introduction

What is WIFI ?

Wi-Fi allows you to use your computer or other device to connect to the internet from anywhere there is a Wi-Fi access point (often known as a hot Spot)

What Do I Need - Basic Level

Assuming you already have a cable or DSL modem connecting you to the internet you need a Wi-Fi router. In order to connect to the Wi-Fi router you can either;-

a. purchase a product that has built-in Wi-Fi, 802.11b, or 802.11g technology

b. purchase a wireless notebook adaptor

c. purchase a wireless ethernet bridge (works on any equipment with an ethernet port)

d. purchase a wireless PCI card (plugs in to a PC's expansion slot)

Wi-Fi is not rocket science, previously your network probably operated via an internal hub and accessed the internet via router and DSL or cable modem. Wi-Fi is simply about removing the wires. Configurations vary but there are generally performance benefits in running multiple networks in a work environment.

Like anything else in computers there are a zillion options and the hardware price ranges are dramatic. Corporate systems will obviously experience higher traffic loads thus requiring equipment with low latency and higher performance

Enabling Your Laptop / PC

If your laptop does not have built-in wireless, you can buy a PCMCIA or USB wireless network adapter. A PCMCIA card will fit in the slot on the side of your machine.

For PC's you will need a PCI card fitted internally