Wi-Fi Wireless Internet Access

Wireless Internet Connections

Have you already discovered Wi-Fi? One of the most convenient forms of Internet access available today, Wi-Fi can give you high-speed Internet access on your laptop, throughout your home, office, or anywhere you travel.

The cheapest way to get wireless service these days may be by purchasing it as part of a service bundle from one of the wireless providers, such as AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, etc. You can of course always get it as a standalone service, and that will work as well, though you may find it burdensome to have another bill and payment due date to worry about. In the following paragraphs, we will covermore about Wi-Fi convenience, benefits, security, and access.

Wi-Fi Internet Means Convenience and Freedom

Because Wi-Fi uses radio waves instead of cables, Wi-Fi users enjoy high-speed Internet connections for all of their favorite online activities: email, surfing, videos, games, and much more. And with a home network, everyone in your household can have access to files, music, and photos on every computer in your home.

Wi-Fi on Your Laptop

To access the Internet through public Wi-Fi hot spots (some of which are free while some charge for Internet access), all you need is a Wi-Fi network card installed in your laptop computer. Just make sure you choose a network card that uses one of the three Wi-Fi Alliance-certified technologies called IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g for a fast, reliable, and secure connection. Once you have the network card installed, you can access the Web from coffee shops, restaurants, libraries, airports, many airplanes, and other locations.

Home Wi-Fi Networks

If you want to set up a Wi-Fi network in your home, it’s a simple process. You’ll need a wireless router which includes a port to connect to your DSL or cable modem, an Ethernet hub, a firewall, and an access point. You’ll be able to connect both wireless and cabled computers and peripherals to the router. You’ll then need to set up the router by naming your network and choosing security options.

Wi-Fi Network Security

Security is one of the most important elements in a Wi-Fi network to keep neighbors and strangers from accessing the information on your computers. There are several steps you can take to secure your network including choosing a unique administrator password, turning on WEP (Wired Equivalency Privacy) or WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) encryption security, enabling your router and computer firewalls, changing the default network name and disabling SSID broadcasts, and assigning static IP addresses to the devices connected to your network.

The Wi-Fi Alliance – A Wi-Fi Resource

The Wi-Fi Alliance, a non-profit organization, was founded to establish a world-wide standard for high-speed wireless networking -- known today as universal IEEE 802.11 specifications – to ensure compatibility between Wi-Fi devices and networks. The Alliance has developed rigorous tests and certification standards for new Wi-Fi products that come on the market. The organization also provides helpful information to home Wi-Fi users (or people interested in setting up a Wi-Fi network at home), business owners, IT directors, or anyone interested in Wi-Fi technology.

For more information, read Your Introductory Guide to Wireless Broadband.

Wireless and Wi-Fi Additional Reading