Marc Saltzman
Sun
Setting up a wireless network in the home is one of the hottest tech trends among Canadian computer users. After all, it’s not unusual for more than one PC to be found in a home today — desktop, laptop or wireless-enabled pocket computer — and why shouldn’t they all enjoy the same high-speed Internet connection?
In addition to allowing multiple computers to share the same Internet connection, a wireless network allows you to share the same peripheral between computers, such as a printer. Now you won’t have to buy one for each PC in the home.
What’s more, you can share files between multiple computers, such as listening to your favourite MP3s on any computer in the home. Or you can use a wireless Bluetooth headset with your laptop as a free long-distance phone via MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger or Skype.
This wireless revolution means not only can you avoid fishing wires through walls and floorboards, you don’t have to trade performance for convenience. Today’s wireless equipment can transmit information at 54 Mbps (megabits per second) or higher, which is much faster than your high-speed Internet connection.
– WHAT YOU NEED
As long as you have broadband Internet service — something more than 51 per cent of Canadian homes have today, according to Toronto’s Evans Research Corporation — just two other products are required: One is a wireless router, and the other is a wireless network adapter for any desktop or laptop computer you want to join the network. And you might not need the second item, as most laptops these days already boast built-in wireless network support.
Depending on the speed and features, wireless routers cost between $20 and $200 from manufacturers D-Link, Linksys or Netgear. Be sure to look for one that offers 802.11g technology, as it can transmit information between PCs roughly five times faster than the slightly older 802.11b technology. You may also see 802.11a on the box, which is also ideal as it operates on a different bandwidth (five gigahertz) than the “b” and “g” (at 2.4 Ghz); it should cause less interference with other wireless products such as cordless phones and baby monitors.
Wireless adapters for laptops or desktops can cost between $30 and $80, depending on the brand and speed.
– WHAT TO DO
Unplug the DSL or cable modem cord (a.k.a. “Ethernet” cable) from the computer, and plug it into the wireless router. The correct slot should be labelled with something like “Internet” or “To Modem.”
Plug the wireless router into the back of the PC with an available Ethernet cord, which may be included in the box with the router. The wireless router is now the “middle man” between your modem and your computer.
Next, install any software included with the router (if any); depending on your Internet provider, information about your computer may be required first. You also may be prompted to open your browser to type in some numbers to configure your new wireless router. The manual should provide any necessary help. You will also be asked to give your home network a name, such as “Home Network.”
Unless your computer or PDA (personal digital assistant) already has built-in wireless connectivity, you will need to install a supported Wi-Fi card or USB dongle into a laptop, or connect an internal or external adapter to a desktop computer. Then you’re ready to surf wirelessly.
© The Vancouver Sun 2006
