The convenience of remaining constantly connected to your business, family and friends on the Internet has revolutionized our lifestyle. The flexibility offered by devices like laptops and desktops can be enhanced considerably by connecting them in a wireless network. The network becomes more effective if you can extend its range.
How Is Wireless Communication Accomplished: Wireless notebooks use three major wireless data standards in order to transfer data. • Wi-Fi or 802.11b or wireless fidelity transfers data wirelessly at a maximum rate of 11Mbps up to a distance of 150 feet. It uses the 2.4GHz radio spectrum and has three channels. These are enough bandwidth for high speed Internet, gaming and most file transfers. A 802.11a or the ‘A’ version of Wi-Fi, uses 5GHz radio spectrum, has 8 channels. It permits larger file transfers, at a maximum of 54Mbps.• Hybrid 802.11a/b/g is a tri-mode wireless system, capable of 54Mbps using 2.4GHz spectrum and is compatible with 802.11b devices. Fujitsu Lifebook N6010 has this tri-mode wireless system.• 3G EV-DO or Verizon Wireless is truly futuristic wireless Internet, devoid of any lines or cables and can be used anywhere in the world. It has a download speed of 400 to 700 kbps and bursts up to 2Mbps.
• Any computer can be made wireless by using a wireless router and a wireless adaptor. Some notebooks and computers have Bluetooth module, to establish wireless communication with cell phones or other computers or stereos or headphones.
Security Safeguards: Safeguards need to be taken to prevent unwanted access to your wireless network, whether in home, offices, airports or hotels. The two basic security methods are: • The MAC (Media Access Control) is a unique hardware identifier given to each device in the network. You have to manually enter a list of addresses that can access your wireless network.• The WEP (Wireless Encryption Protocol) requires shared key between users to encrypt and de-encrypt data that is transmitted between your network users.
Tips for improving your Wireless Network:• Place the router in a central location of home/office, off floor, away from walls and metal objects.• Replace router antenna by upgrading to a hi-gain antenna that focuses the wireless signals in direction you need mo st.• Replace the computer’s wireless network adapter with a USB network adapter, which adds external hi-gain antenna to your computer for improved range. Laptops with in-built antenna do not require change of adapter.• Add wireless repeater halfway between your wireless access and computer to instantly boost signal strength.• Change your wireless channel through router’s configuration page to improve signal strength, as it will automatically detect new and clearer channel for the same.• Reduce wireless interference by using a 5.8GHz cordless phone or 900MHz frequencies. Avoid 2.4GHz frequency electronics as they drown the signal of your router.• Update your firmware or network adapter driver to improve the performance and reliability of the adapter. Single vendors offer twice the boost up on their own hardware e.g. D-Link has 108G enhancement.• Upgrade 802.11a/b devices to 802.11g as they are five times faster.
There are many ways to upgrade your wireless network. It will make your functioning easier and convenient.
Alexander Gordon is a writer for http://www.smallbusinessconsulting.com - The Small Business Consulting Community. Sign-up for the free success steps newsletter and get our booklet valued at $24.95 for free as a special bonus. The newsletter provides daily strategies on starting and significantly growing a business.
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