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by Fuzzzy on July 6th, 2004

Fuzzzy

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How can I implement Wi-Fi in my home?

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  • by Brian Castellanos on July 21st, 2004

    Brian Castellanos

    Wi-Fi is a great, easy, and inexpensive way to connect your computers wirelessly. To get started, you need some basic understanding of what Wi-Fi is, and what which Wi-Fi system you need. Basically Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity, and there are two common types of Wi-Fi Standards. There is the 802.11b (commonly known as a "b" device (such as I have a "b" card, or a "b" router)) and a faster 802.11g (as in the first also known by its letter code). The 802.11b can support speeds up to 11mbps, good for sharing small files between computers, and the 802.11g can support speeds up to 54 mbps.

    Since the price of these technologies have dropped dramatically, I would recommened the latter if you can find it less than $100.

    To start a wirelss LAN (Local Area Network), you will need an existing high-speed internet connection such as a cable, DSL, ADSL, ect. Since you will actually be sharing this connection via radio waves, the more bandwidth you have to share between your computers, means the faster your computers can connect to the internet.

    In addition to a wireless router, you will need a Wi-Fi card. The card receives the radio signals output by the router, and convert them to data the computer can interpret. There several styes and speeds of cards, and most run under the $40. Try Fry's electronics for stuff. They're pretty inexpensive and are easy to set up. (http://outpost.com).
    Anyway, each computer you plan to set up will need a Wi - Fi card. there are PC Cards that you simply put into the PC slot of your laptop. This is good because it lets you connect to ther wireless networks while you're on the road. PCI cards that install inside your computer, and even some USB plug-n'-play adapters. What ever your choice, try to go for a 'g' rated card.

    Once you buy your necessary hardware, connect the ethernet cable from your high-speed modem to the WAN port of your router. You will need this to connect your computers to the internet.

    In one of the 4 LAN ports, connect another ethernet cable to one of your computer's 10/100 NIC cards. You will need to enter the IP address of your router in your browers address bar to configure the router. Since each router is a little different, refer to the direcetions for specific info (IP addy, config ect.) Usually the address will be something like http://192.168.1.1 and you will be provided with an login and password usually Admin and Admin.

    Enable the DCHP (Dynamic Configuratio Host Protocol) This allows the router to sense and detect any nearby computers, assisgn an IP address (a unique identifier for each computer), and gives them access to the computer.
    Once that is one, you can unplug the ethernet cable between your computer and router.

    For even more flexibility, get a ethernet print server at Fry's, and share your printer between all your computers. It's pretty cool to sit on the couch in your living room and print to your printer in the den.

    If you need more assistance :
    brian35453@cox.net.

    I'll be more than willing to help as much as possible.

    Comments

    • Wow! Thanks for the detail

      Fuzzzy

      by Fuzzzy on July 22nd, 2004

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