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Wireless Networking

A wireless LAN brings your network to every corner of your office. Let these WLAN network specialists show you how.
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Our Buyers Guide Offers Expert Buying Advice & Reviews.
www.networkworld.com
Wireless Networking
Complete wireless networking solutions with Bluetooth technology, built-in wireless LAN and PCMCIA interface. Shop now.
Wireless Servers | Bluetooth Serial | Terminal Servers | Wireless Solution
www.sena.com
Wireless Lan
Enjoy the freedom of mobility with WLAN. Learn more.
www.Nortel.com
Local I.T.Network Experts
Computer Network Setup & Security Your One Source for All I.T. Needs
www.AccentOnIT.com
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Find Business Wireless Solutions at Dell. Wi-Fi Mobility with Low Cost
www.Dell.com/SmallBusiness
Cox Business Data
Reliable network connection and proactive monitoring, 24/7 support.
www.CoxBusiness.com
Wireless Networking
Business technology search site offering software, service, reseller and hardware information on thousands of IT solutions.
www.knowledgestorm.com
GlobalSpec.com: Wireless Networking Devices
Provides database of suppliers for wireless networking devices. Includes catalogs, technical information, and supplier contact information.
communication-equipment.globalspec.com
Wireless Networking
Stay Mobile and Connected! Cisco Mobility Solutions Made Simple.
EvolvePartners.com/Cisco
Manage mobile devices
White paper details best practices for the wireless enterprise.
www.PeakTech.com
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Setup, Manage & Troubleshoot your wireless network. Free version
www.NetworkMagic.com
Mobilize Your Data
DataXtend mobile application development technology. Free paper.
www.progress.com/dataxtend
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GlobalSpec.com: Wireless Networking Devices
Provides database of suppliers for wireless networking devices. Includes catalogs, technical information, and supplier contact information.
communication-equipment.globalspec.com (Paid)
Wireless Networking
Complete wireless networking solutions with Bluetooth technology, built-in wireless LAN and PCMCIA interface. Shop now.
Wireless Servers | Bluetooth Serial | Terminal Servers | Wireless Solution
www.sena.com (Paid)
Wireless Networking
Business technology search site offering software, service, reseller and hardware information on thousands of IT solutions.
www.knowledgestorm.com (Paid)
Wireless Networking
Our Buyers Guide Offers Expert Buying Advice & Reviews.
www.networkworld.com (Paid)
Wireless Networks Online
Daily news and product updates for professionals in the wireless networks industry on manufacturing, technology, equipment, supplies, and discussion forums, online chat, newsletter and software.
www.wirelessnetworksonline.com
  • Alltel
  • AmbiCom
Wireless Lan
Enjoy the freedom of mobility with WLAN. Learn more.
www.Nortel.com
Local I.T.Network Experts
Computer Network Setup & Security Your One Source for All I.T. Needs
www.AccentOnIT.com
Wireless Networking
Find Business Wireless Solutions at Dell. Wi-Fi Mobility with Low Cost
www.Dell.com/SmallBusiness

Mark Richer is a veteran consultant on wireless networking and Internet access for business

Guide to Setting Up a Wireless LAN

How to setup a wireless LAN network in your office or home


 
 

Wireless Networking Starter

  • Basic equipment for a wireless LAN is a wireless router
  • Most laptops are ready to work on a wireless LAN and desktops can easily load WLAN network software
  • Password security keeps outsiders from using your wireless LAN
 
 
It's a fact: Wireless networking at your office or home is a convenience that increases effectiveness and productivity. You can free yourself from wired connections by setting up a wireless Local Area Network (LAN or WLAN in tech-speak). Follow these steps:
  1. Choose and purchase wireless LAN router that matches your needs and budget.
  2. Set up the wireless router to work on your WLAN network and with your Internet connection.
  3. Configure your router to require a password to restrict wireless networking to authorized users of your network. (See Securing your wireless LAN.)
  4. Configure your notebook and/or desktop computer(s) to work with your WLAN network.


Action Steps to Set Up a Wireless LAN

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Wireless Networking Action Step Get a wireless LAN router The first step in your wireless networking setup is to purchase a router at your local computer store or from an online reseller.

I recommend:  Visit CNET's product review site Networking section to find reviews on 802.11g routers. The editor's picks are a good place to start. A less expensive product with a slightly lower rating might serve your needs just as well as a more expensive unit with features you don't require. Visit price comparison sites such as BizRate or CNET's Shopper.com.

Wireless Networking Action Step Set up your wireless router The wireless router should come with step-by-step instructions to set up wireless networking that don't require reading the entire manual. Connect an Ethernet cable from the modem's port to the appropriate port on the wireless router. If the Wi-Fi router only has a single Ethernet port, then that is the port to use. However, if it has more than one Ethernet port, then the one to use to connect to the modem is often marked WAN (for Wide Area Network, meaning in this case, the connection to the Internet).

I recommend:  If you have difficulties, visit the manufacturer's Web page (for example, Linksys or NetGear) to check for any wireless networking troubleshooting tips and ways to contact them.

Wireless Networking Action Step Connect your notebook or desktop computer to your WLAN network Most notebook computers come with built-in Wi-Fi support. You can also install a Wi-Fi card in a notebook or desktop computer if needed for wireless networking capabilities.

I recommend:  The Wi-Fi setup guide on jiwire.com has helpful instructions for wi-fi configuration of different operating systems. If you need to add a Wi-Fi card to your computer, check with your computer manufacturer for recommendations of cards that are known to be compatible. Visit CNET's product review site for reviews on Wi-Fi cards.

Wireless Networking Action Step Secure your wireless LAN network Set up password security on your WLAN network. This will prevent unauthorized users from accessing your Internet connection and your private network. The exception would be if you are intentionally setting up a network for free public access (e.g., in a coffee shop).

I recommend:  Check out Practically Networked's Securing Your Wireless LAN to learn more about securing wireless networking. It's well worth your time to take the additional steps to protect your WLAN network from intruders.

Tips & Tactics for Successful Wireless Networking

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
  • Avoid purchasing an expensive Wireless Access Point. These devices lack a necessary feature for supporting a WLAN network with more than one computer on it, and even if you only have one computer now, the savings are so minimal it's not worth limiting yourself.
  • A faster router that supports 802.11n (or some variation such as pre-N or N1) won't speed up your connection to the Internet, but will only be faster for transferring data on your local wireless LAN network.
  • Many wireless LAN routers are configured using a Web browser, but some require or offer as an option a Windows-compatible program that you install from a CD-ROM included with your router hardware.
  • Choose a wireless networking router that includes manufacturer support for your operating system.
  • If you use Macintosh, consider purchasing one of Apple's wireless routers despite the extra cost. If you have AppleCare on any Apple computer, the protection extends to any Apple peripherals you purchase including their wireless LAN routers. You can get support from Apple on the phone or at an Apple retail store.


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Guide author
By Mark Richer
How to setup a wireless LAN network in your office or home
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