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Wireless networking
Networking is the term given to connecting two or more computers together so that they might communicate with eachother. Connecting to the internet is essentially networking, but in most cases networking refers to connections made on the customer's side of the telephone line. The internet connection is often called the “Wide Area Network” or WAN, whereas the internal network is the “Local Area Network” or LAN. Wireless networking within the home environment is an ideal way of allowing a number of devices such as laptops and PS3 to the internet. Two computers can be connected together by wireless without using a router by setting up one of the computers, usually the computer which is connected to the internet as a “Wireless Access Point”. This method while being more difficult to implement is useful when the connection to the internet uses one of the older USB broadband modems. Equipment requirements A wireless network interface card (NIC) in each computer, although most modern laptop notebooks and netbook computers will usually have a network interface already built into them. Older laptop computers not equipped with an internal wireless card can either be “retro-fitted” if the internal connectors exist, if not an external device such as a USB NIC or a PCMCIA (cardbus) can be used. Desktop computers (towers) can also be retro-fitted with a wireless network card, however some computers might not have a spare connector slot available. A USB wireless NIC can be easily fitted. A central network sharing device:- Wireless router/modem. This is usually the device supplied by your ISP to connect your computer to the internet. In addition to the telephone connection, most router/modems nowadays have up to four ethernet connections or ports and many have a wireless capability too. The router does exactly that, it routes the signal or data to where it's needed. Where greater range is required, more efficient “high gain” aerials or wireless booster stations can be used, although these devices are seldom necessary in the home environment. Network security Security of your data in a wireless network is rated as only reasonably good, because any access to the network can be made by cracking the network security from outside. Various levels of security are normally provided within the router setup, the highest of which compatable with the other network devices should be deployed. Wireless routers can often be set up to allow access only from certain machines. Other security considerations are those in relation to access from the internet. A software firewall in each networked computer should be deployed. A hardware firewall is often included within the router/modem. Whatever your networking needs, BW Data Designs can assist you in your choice and can install and set up your network for you.

		Go to the Wired networks page
		Compare Wired vs. Wireless networks


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