Local Area Network (LAN) Hardware Basics

Choose the right wireless LAN hardware for your business

Setting up a local area network is easy as long as you have the right equipment. The primary Internet connection for your office is established with a local Internet provider. They will provide you with either a DSL modem or a cable modem, depending on the company. Some companies, like AT&T, will provide you with a modem/wireless router combo, which means one less piece of LAN hardware for you to purchase.

The easiest way to create a local area network in your office is via wireless LAN. Wireless LANs require very little in the way of equipment. The following local area network (LAN) hardware basics will help you pick the best wireless LAN supplies for your needs:

1. Order the best wireless router for your office from online suppliers of LAN hardware.
2. Buy wireless LAN USB adapters to hook your computers into the network.
3. Always do your own research before committing to buy any piece of wireless LAN equipment.
   

 

Pick the right wireless router, the most vital piece of wireless LAN equipment you'll buy

There's a broad spectrum of prices you can pay for this particular piece of local area network hardware. The most commonly used wireless protocols today are Wireless-G (802.11g) and Wireless-N (802.11n). Wireless-G routers are great for small offices that don't have a lot of high bandwidth requirements. They are far cheaper than Wireless-N routers. If you have a large office, or a large amount of users, you should probably buy a Wireless-N router. They have a much greater range and can support higher speeds than Wireless-G routers.
Try: The best reviewed Wireless-N router is the D-Link Xtreme N Gigabit Router. You can pick it up on Newegg for just under $100. The Linksys WRT54GS is the best reviewed Wireless-G router. Wal-Mart has the lowest price, coming in just under $50.

Connect your computers with network adapters from suppliers of wireless LAN hardware

Unless your office is equipped entirely with laptops, which for the most part come preinstalled with wireless LAN hardware, you'll need to purchase wireless adapters to get your computers talking to the wireless router. For desktops, you can either purchase an internal PCI card--which requires opening up the case and getting into the guts of the computer-- or you can pick up an easier to install wireless USB adapter. In addition, most laptops only come with native Wireless-G support. If you want to take advantage of the increased capabilities of a Wireless-N router, you'll have to buy USB, CardBus or ExpressCard Wireless-N adapters for your laptops.
Try: TigerDirect has a great selection of wireless adapters. They regularly offer manufacturer rebates on select products. Geeks.com also has a very respectable online inventory.

Read up on the wireless LAN equipment you are planning on purchasing to avoid problems down the line

It's been said before, but even in the world of LAN equipment, knowledge is power. Visit consumer review sites and troubleshooting sites so that you have a good idea of what you're getting into before you buy any particular piece of equipment.
Try: ConsumerSearch has a very insightful guide on wireless routers, explaining what to look for and which routers have been the best reviewed. On FixYa, you can look through troubleshooting reports by manufacturer. A preponderance of problems posted for any one brand of router should be enough to stop you from buying it!

 

• No matter what type of router you decide on, or which wireless adapters you buy, one of the most important steps you can take to safeguard your business is to secure your wireless LAN. Physically secure your network by making sure your router is installed in a central location, and then virtually secure it by setting up wireless encryption. Most routers come with a CD that run you through the process using an interactive wizard.

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