The traditional way of connecting your computer to its peripherals is through wires and cables. However, if you have a lot of devices to connect your computer to, then it certainly makes your workspace a mess. The solution is just simple: wireless networking. It is the simplest, most economical way to connect the computers in your home. The absence of wires makes this kind of network very adaptable allowing you to move freely around the house without tinkering with the network cables but still have a clear connection.
However, wireless networking is usually slower than Ethernet connections and is less safe unless you take preventive actions to safeguard your computer.
In setting up a wireless network, all you need are:
- wireless router
A wireless router is a single unit that has a port to connect the modem, a router, an Ethernet hub, a firewall and a wireless access point. This allows you to use signals to connect your computers to one another, to a printer, or to the internet. One wireless router can permit numerous devices to connect to the Internet. Signals from a wireless router may range about a hundred feet in all directions. However, walls and doors can interrupt the signal. Depending on the size of your home, adding a range extender, or a repeater, to get enough coverage would solve the problem. Most wireless networks use 802.11g which can transmit data at higher speeds as compared to other options.
- wireless adapter
Have a wireless adapter for every computer you plan to connect to the network. Other devices such as printers can be added to the network as well.
Once the router has been plugged in, it would start working using the default settings. Most routers allow you to change the settings, such as the name of the network, the channel that the router uses, and it
s security options. For the channel, the default setting is channel 6. If you live in an apartment and some of the tenants also use the same setting, you may encounter interference. Changing the channel settings should get rid of the problem. With regards to the security option, it is advisable to immediately change the username and password since many routers use a standard, widely known sign-on.
An important factor to consider when building a wireless network is security. If you adjust your settings such that your router will create an open hotspot, anyone who has wireless card can directly use your signal. Most people would opt to prevent strangers from accessing their network. To keep your network restricted to strangers, you can employ the following measures:
- Wire Equivalency Privacy (WEP)
This uses a 64-bit or a 128-bit encryption. Encryption is the procedure of keying in information such that only the person with the key can decode it. Basically, anyone who wants to access a WEP-enabled network needs to have the WEP key to be able to login.
- WiFi Protected Access (WPA)
This is an improved WEP is already part of the wireless network security protocol. Same as WEP, this security involves logging in with the correct password.
- Media Access Control (MAC) Address Filtering
This process is different from the other two methods. It does not use a key or a password. Instead, it uses the computer’s hardware through its unique MAC address. This process only allows devices with specific MAC addresses to access the network. This process is extremely secure and you can just add the MAC address of a new device.
Choosing any of the methods mentioned or a combination of methods will surely add to the security of your wireless network. If you have several computers, setting up a wireless networking in your home is the way to go. It is easy, reliable, and provides flexible options to your mobile computing needs.
