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What Is WiFi?

What's in a name?
You may be wondering why people refer to WiFi
as 802.11 networking. The 802.11 designation
comes from the IEEE. The IEEE sets standards
for a range of technological protocols, and it uses
a numbering system to classify these standards.
A wireless network uses radio waves, just like cell phones, televisions and radios do. In fact,
communication across a wireless network is a lot like two-way radio communication. Here's what
happens:
1. A computer's wireless adapter translates data into a radio signal and
transmits it using an antenna.
2. A wireless router receives the signal and decodes it. The router sends the
information to the Internet using a physical, wired Ethernetconnection.
The process also works in reverse, with the router receiving information from the Internet,
translating it into a radio signal and sending it to the computer's wireless adapter.
The radios used for WiFi communication are very similar to the radios used for walkie-talkies, cell
phones and other devices. They can transmit and receive radio waves, and they can convert 1s
and 0s into radio waves and convert the radio waves back into 1s and 0s. But WiFi radios have a
few notable differences from other radios:
Other Wireless Networking Standards
Another wireless standard with a slightly different
number, 802.15, is used for Wireless Personal
Area Networks (WPANs). It covers a very short
range and is used for Bluetoothtechnology.

WiMax, also known as 802.16, looks to combine

the benefits of broadband and wireless. WiMax
will provide high-speed wireless Internet over very
long distances and will most likely provide access
to large areas such as cities.
• They transmit at frequencies of 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. This frequency is
considerably higher than the frequencies used for cell phones, walkie-talkies and
televisions. The higher frequency allows the signal to carry more data.
• They use 802.11 networking standards, which come in several flavors:
 802.11a transmits at 5 GHz and can move up to 54 megabits of
data per second. It also uses orthogonal frequency-division
multiplexing(OFDM), a more efficient coding technique that splits that
radio signal into several sub-signals before they reach a receiver. This
greatly reduces interference.
 802.11b is the slowest and least expensive standard. For a while,
its cost made it popular, but now it's becoming less common as faster
standards become less expensive. 802.11b transmits in the 2.4 GHz
frequency band of the radio spectrum. It can handle up to 11 megabits of
data per second, and it uses complementary code keying (CCK)
modulation to improve speeds.
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 802.11g transmits at 2.4 GHz like 802.11b, but it's a lot faster -- it
can handle up to 54 megabits of data per second. 802.11g is faster
because it uses the same OFDM coding as 802.11a.
 802.11n is the newest standard that is widely available. This
standard significantly improves speed and range. For instance, although
802.11g theoretically moves 54 megabits of data per second, it only
achieves real-world speeds of about 24 megabits of data per second
because of network congestion. 802.11n, however, reportedly can achieve
speeds as high as 140 megabits per second. The standard is currently in
draft form -- the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
(IEEE) plans to formally ratify 802.11n by the end of 2009.
• Other 802.11 standards focus on specific applications of wireless networks,
like wide area networks (WANs) inside vehicles or technology that lets you move from
one wireless network to another seamlessly.
• WiFi radios can transmit on any of three frequency bands. Or, they can
"frequency hop" rapidly between the different bands. Frequency hopping helps reduce
interference and lets multiple devices use the same wireless connection
simultaneously.
As long as they all have wireless adapters, several devices can use one router to connect to the
Internet. This connection is convenient, virtually invisible and fairly reliable; however, if the router
fails or if too many people try to use high-bandwidth applications at the same time, users can
experience interference or lose their connections.

WiFi Hotspots
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USB wireless adapter and PC wireless card photos courtesy Consumer Guide Products
Wireless adapters can plug into a computer's PC card slot or USB port.
If you want to take advantage of public WiFi hotspots or start a wireless network in your home,
the first thing you'll need to do is make sure your computer has the right gear. Most
new laptops and many new desktop computers come with built-in wireless transmitters. If your
laptop doesn't, you can buy awireless adapter that plugs into the PC card slot or USB port.
Desktop computers can use USB adapters, or you can buy an adapter that plugs into the PCI slot
inside the computer's case. Many of these adapters can use more than one 802.11 standard.
Once you've installed your wireless adapter and the drivers that allow it to operate, your computer
should be able to automatically discover existing networks. This means that when you turn your
computer on in a WiFi hotspot, the computer will inform you that the network exists and ask
whether you want to connect to it. If you have an older computer, you may need to use a software
program to detect and connect to a wireless network.

Being able to connect to the Internet in public hotspots is extremely convenient. Wireless home
networksare convenient as well. They allow you to easily connect multiple computers and to
move them from place to place without disconnecting and reconnecting wires. In the next section,
we'll look at how to create a wireless network in your home.

Building a Wireless Network

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Photo courtesy Consumer Guide Products

A wireless router uses an antenna to send signals to wireless devices and a wire to send
signals to the Internet.
If you already have several computers networked in your home, you can create a wireless
network with a wireless access point. If you have several computers that are not networked, or
if you want to replace your Ethernetnetwork, you'll need a wireless router. This is a single unit that
contains:
1. A port to connect to your cableor DSL modem
2. A router
3. An Ethernet hub
4. A firewall
5. A wireless access point
A wireless router allows you to use wireless signals or Ethernet cables to connect your computers
to one another, to a printer and to the Internet. Most routers provide coverage for about 100 feet
(30.5 meters) in all directions, although walls and doors can block the signal. If your home is very
large, you can buy inexpensive range extenders or repeaters to increase your router's range.
As with wireless adapters, many routers can use more than one 802.11 standard. 802.11b
routers are slightly less expensive, but because the standard is older, they're slower than
802.11a, 802.11g and 802.11n routers. Most people select the 802.11g option for its speed and
reliability.

Once you plug in your router, it should start working at its default settings. Most routers let you
use a Web interface to change your settings. You can select:

• The name of the network, known as its service set identifier (SSID) --
The default setting is usually the manufacturer's name.
• The channel that the router uses -- Most routers use channel 6 by default. If
you live in an apartment and your neighbors are also using channel 6, you may
experience interference. Switching to a different channel should eliminate the problem.
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• Your router's security options -- Many routers use a standard, publicly

available sign-on, so it's a good idea to set your own username and password.
Security is an important part of a home wireless network, as well as public WiFi hotspots. If you
set your router to create an open hotspot, anyone who has a wireless card will be able to use
your signal. Most people would rather keep strangers out of their network, though. Doing so
requires you to take a few security precautions.

It's also important to make sure your security precautions are current. The Wired Equivalency
Privacy (WEP) security measure was once the standard for WAN security. The idea behind WEP
was to create a wireless security platform that would make any wireless network as secure as a
traditional wired network. But hackers discovered vulnerabilities in the WEP approach, and today
it's easy to find applications and programs that can compromise a WAN running WEP security.

To keep your network private, you can use one of the following methods:

• WiFi Protected Access (WPA) is a step up from WEP and is now part of the
802.11i wireless network security protocol. It uses temporal key integrity protocol
(TKIP) encryption. As with WEP, WPA security involves signing on with a password.
Most public hotspots are either open or use WPA or 128-bit WEP technology, though
some still use the vulnerable WEP approach.
• Media Access Control (MAC) address filtering is a little different from WEP
or WPA. It doesn't use a password to authenticate users -- it uses a computer's
physical hardware. Each computer has its own unique MAC address. MAC address
filtering allows only machines with specific MAC addresses to access the network. You
must specify which addresses are allowed when you set up your router. This method
is very secure, but if you buy a new computer or if visitors to your home want to use
your network, you'll need to add the new machines' MAC addresses to the list of
approved addresses. The system isn't foolproof. A clever hacker can spoof a MAC
address -- that is, copy a known MAC address to fool the network that the computer
he or she is using belongs on the network.
Wireless networks are easy and inexpensive to set up, and most routers' Web interfaces are
virtually self-explanatory. For more information on setting up and using a wireless network, check
out the links on the next page.

WiFi has a lot of advantages. Wireless networks are easy to set up and inexpensive. They're also
unobtrusive -- unless you're on the lookout for a place to use your laptop, you may not even
notice when you're in a hotspot. In this article, we'll look at the technology that allows information
to travel over the air. We'll also review what it takes to create a wireless network in your home.

Wi-Fi
Last modified: Friday, September 18, 2009

The name of a popular wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to provide
wireless high-speed Internet and networkconnections. The Wi-Fi Alliance, the
organization that owns the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) term specifically defines Wi-
Fi as any "wireless local area network (WLAN) products that are based on the Institute
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' (IEEE) 802.11 standards."
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Initially, Wi-Fi was used in place of only the 2.4GHz 802.11b standard, however
the Wi-Fi Alliance has expanded the generic use of the Wi-Fi term to include any type of
network or WLAN product based on any of the 802.11 standards,
including 802.11b,802.11a, dual-band, and so on, in an attempt to stop confusion about
wireless LAN interoperability.

Wi-Fi works with no physical wired connection between sender and receiver by using
radio frequency (RF) technology, a frequency within the electromagnetic spectrum
associated with radio wave propagation. When an RF current is supplied to an antenna,
an electromagnetic field is created that then is able to propagate through space. The
cornerstone of any wireless network is an access point (AP). The primary job of an
access point is to broadcast a wireless signal that computers can detect and "tune" into.
In order to connect to an access point and join a wireless network, computers and
devices must be equipped with wireless network adapters (See "How Wireless Networks
Work" in the "Did You Know..." section of Webopedia).

Wi-Fi is supported by many applications and devices including video game consoles,
home networks, PDAs, mobile phones, major operating systems, and other types
of consumer electronics. Any products that are tested and approved as "Wi-Fi Certified"
(a registered trademark) by the Wi-Fi Alliance are certified as interoperable with each
other, even if they are from different manufacturers. For example, a user with a Wi-Fi
Certified product can use any brand of access point with any other brand of client
hardware that also is also "Wi-Fi Certified". Products that pass this certification are
required to carry an identifying seal on their packaging that states "Wi-Fi Certified" and
indicates the radio frequency band used (2.5GHz for 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n, and
5GHz for 802.11a).

Wi-Fi, which stands for wireless fidelity, in a play on the older termHi-Fi, is a wireless
networking technology used across the globe. Wi-Fi refers to any system that uses the 802.11
standard, which was developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
and released in 1997. The term Wi-Fi, which is alternatively spelled WiFi, Wi-fi, Wifi, or wifi, was
pushed by the Wi-Fi Alliance, a trade group that pioneered commercialization of the technology.

In a Wi-Fi network, computers with wifi network cards connect wirelessly to a wireless router. The
router is connected to the Internet by means of a modem, typically a cable or DSL modem. Any
user within 200 feet or so (about 61 meters) of the access point can then connect to the Internet,
though for good transfer rates, distances of 100 feet (30.5 meters) or less are more common.
Retailers also sell wireless signal boosters that extend the range of awireless network.

Wifi networks can either be "open", such that anyone can use them, or "closed", in which case
a password is needed. An area blanketed in wireless access is often called a wireless hotspot.
There are efforts underway to turn entire cities, such as San Francisco, Portland, and
Philadelphia, into big wireless hotspots. Many of these plans will offer free, ad-supported service
or ad-free service for a small fee. San Francisco recently chose Google to supply it with a
wireless network.
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Wifi technology uses radio for communication, typically operating at a frequency of 2.4GHz.
Electronics that are "WiFi Certified" are guaranteed to interoperate with each other regardless of
brand. Wifi is technology designed to cater to the lightweight computing systems of the future,
which are mobile and designed to consume minimal power. PDAs, laptops, and various
accessories are designed to be wifi-compatible. There are even phones under development that
would switch seamlessly from cellular networks to wifinetworks without dropping a call.

New wifi technologies will extend range from 300 feet (91.5 meters) to 600 feet (183 meters) and
beyond, while boosting data transfer rates. Most new laptops nowadays come equipped with
internal wireless networking cards.

WiFi, also spelled Wi-Fi, is another name for IEEE 802.11 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers), the standards for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN). The name is said to come
either from abbreviations of the words Wireless and Fidelity or the words Wire in reference to the
traditional physical connection in LANs and an alteration and shortening of Physical referring to
the Physical Layer, that is, Layer 1, of the OSI (Open System Interconnection) Reference
Model. Sniffing can be a synonym forsnooping, and WiFi sniffing refers to uncovering the location
of and/or the activity on a WiFi network, either for innocent or even laudatory purposes, or in an
attempt to gain access illegally, or at least, unethically, and possibly to do damage. The
terms WiFi sniffing and packet sniffing are sometimes used interchangeably, but packet
sniffing does not refer to locating WiFi networks, only to monitoring activity on them.

WiFi sniffing to locate viable networks is legitimately used for activities like searching an
unfamiliar urban area for a WiFi hotspot. This can be done with a device or with software. The
same device can be used to detect and steal WiFi from a neighbor, or a homeowner on a street
where one’s car is parked. When used with ill intent, this practice is sometimes referred to
as wardriving. Apple® removed all WiFi sniffing software from its App Store in March of 2010, but
the iPhone® has a built-in WiFi scanning feature to locate WiFi hotspots.

The sort of WiFi sniffing that can also be called packet sniffing is used by network administrators
to find faults in a network so they can be plugged. This kind of sniffing identifies the packets of
data that are be transmitted from or received by the network. The name of the tool for this job is
a network analyzer when used by an authorized person, but is more likely to be called a packet
sniffer when used by a thief to capture and decode other people’s data. Thus, illegally gaining
access to these packets is very similar to wire-tapping. This is the type of activity that Google®
admitted to in spring of 2010 as it was collecting data on the Google® Street View® (GSV)
vehicles.

To protect a WLAN for WiFi sniffing, useful steps including changing the default administration
password for the access point, such as a router, and making sure the firmware is up to date. One
should also change the SSID (Service Set Identifier) name of the router, which is the public name
and usually comes with a brand name as its default. Using network encryption and choosing
WPA, rather than WEP for encrypting, if one’s devices are new enough to handle it, are also good
steps. Using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption for browsing is another step that can be
taken

How Do I Choose the Best WiFi Detector?

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Wifi detectors are devices that are used to locate the presence of Wifi service within a limited
area, as well as define the strength of the signal within that immediate area. Available as a
handheld device or as a small device that can be connected to a computervia a USB port, the wifi
detector is an important tool for anyone who wishes to make use of wireless communications
made available by different vendors who operate wifi hotspots. Choosing the right wifi detector
often involves considering such factors as range, convenience, and price.

Not all wifi scanning equipment provides the same ability when it comes to detecting nearby wifi
signals. Some detectors are specifically designed for short-range detection, an attribute that may
work very well for anyone living in an area where there are wifi hotspots every few blocks. For
people who live in less populated areas, going with a detector that is capable of locating wifi
signals over longer distances may be a better option. For this reason, always check the range of
the device before making a purchase.

Another aspect to consider when choosing a wifi detector is whether a handheld model would be
more convenient, or if a unit that can be connected to your smart phone or laptop computer would
be a better option. Both types of the wifi scanner come with different ranges, so the issue here is
mainly one of personal preference. If you find that it is easier to carry the handheld model in your
pocket than to use a design that requires connecting it to your system via a USB port, then
waiting for the software to initiate, then go with that option. Alternatively, if you prefer to keep all
your laptop related equipment close at hand and prefer to simply connect the device when
needed, the smaller detector that attaches directly to the computer may be more to your liking.

As with most electronic devices, price is also a consideration when selecting the right wifi
detector. In general, devices with a shorter range will cost less. This does not mean that you
cannot find a good quality wifi detector with a wider range for a lower price, but be prepared to
research various brands in order to find the right combination of price and performance. While
this may take some time, the end result is that you will find the wifi detector that will allow you to
quickly find a wireless signal that is strong enough for your use, and be able to get on with
enjoying the benefits of modern communications.

What Is a Personal WiFi Hotspot?

A personal WiFi hotspot is a portable bubble of Internet connectivity that can be used on the go to
connect up to five devices. The personal WiFi hotspot is created by a battery-operated, pocket-
sized, miniature router compliant with cellularbroadband standards. The router broadcasts a
personal cloud or Internet bubble with a radius of up to 30 feet (9.14m). Products with compatible
wireless modems or adapters can jump on the network to collect mail, stream videos or just surf
the Web.

The advantage of a personal WiFi hotspot is that it can be created anywhere within the carrier’s
broadcasting range. On a beach, backpacking in the woods, in a ski lodge, waiting room, taxi,
train, or stuck on the tarmac inside an airliner, you can be working, playing, or just passing the
time. What’s more, you can share your network with up to four companions for a total of five
connected devices.

Networks created by portable cellular routers are encrypted with Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA).
Technologies and product features vary between brands and models, but typically the router’s
settings can be accessed by entering 192.168.11 in the Web browser’s address field. From here
various tweaks and customizations can be made such as changing the network’s password,
renaming the personal WiFi hotspot, limiting connectivity to specific computers, or enabling port
forwarding, (an option sometimes required for online gaming or for running remote desktop
applications).
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Some routers designed to create a personal WiFi hotspot do not have a built-in modem. In this
case one must purchase a wireless USB modem separately, which plugs into the USB port of the
portable router. Cradlepoint® is one such brand, (though future versions might have built-in
modems). This setup is somewhat bulky and cannot easily or cleanly fit in a pocket because of
the attached adapter.

The more streamlined MiFi® by Novatel®, is a router with an integrated cellular modem. This
product is only a few times thicker than a credit card, slipping easily into a pocket or purse. Once
the router is turned on, the connectivity bubble is created within 30 seconds. A fully charged MiFi
can run for four hours straight or for 40 hours on standby before requiring a re-charge, according
to specifications.

The cost of a portable router varies according to plan discounts and the type of plan chosen, but
cellular broadband remains one of the most expensive types of connectivity. It also
carries bandwidth caps with it, with some carriers offering cheaper plans for lower caps and more
expensive plans for higher caps. If you prefer a personal WiFi hotspot as a backup plan or for
emergencies only, at least one major carrier offers a pay-as-you go plan where the user pays a
flat one-time fee for a 24 hour pass.

A router can only be used with the carrier for which it’s branded, so explore all options before
purchasing. Routers manufactured to use the newest and fastest cellular technology are typically
more expensive, at least initially, than those pumping slower broadband, though a built-in modem
also factors into price. Check your preferred cellular carrier for details.

How Do I Connect Home Network

Computers?
So much work today is done online that it is not unusual to find multiple computers being used in
one household. This situation is making it necessary to home network computers. If you are
installing a wired network, you will need a router and Ethernet cables to connect devices. Once
you have these components, the software that is provided with the router will help you establish
your home network.

Some people may be confused about what it means to home network computers. Put simply, all
of the computers in the home are able to communicate with each other. This allows them to share
an Internet connection as well as files, music, and other media. A network also allows the
computers to share devices such as printers and scanners.

The most essential piece of equipment necessary to home network computers is a router. A
router is used link the devices connected to the network so that they can share information and
equipment. By connecting the modem to the router, the Internet becomes accessible through the
router as well.

There are two main types of home networks, wired or wireless. Ethernet networks are hard-wired
to each computer, while wireless networks use radio waves to transmit information. Wired
networks tend to be more secure and faster than wireless ones, but have the disadvantage of
requiring Ethernet wiring. Wireless networks are more flexible and convenient, but are less
secure.

In a wired network, Ethernet cable is required to connect each computer, printer, or device.
Network interface cards (NIC) and an Ethernet router may also be needed. Routers generally
come with software to walk you through setting up the network.
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A wireless network requires a wireless router. When making your router purchase, note the range
indicated. Most routers provide signals for around 100 feet (30.5 meters) using a 802.11g
wireless network. This is designed for fast data transmission. It is worth noting that a router will
not increase your internet speed.

In order to home network computers in this way, each computer will need a wireless adapter. This
is standard in most new laptops, but it is critical to make sure that it is present. If it is not, an
adapter must be added in order to connect to the network.

Wireless networks are vulnerable to people intent on stealing an Internet connection. A security
option such as Wired Equivalency Privacy (WEP), WiFi Protected Access (WPA) or Media
Access Control (MAC) may be utilized to prevent neighbors from highjacking your connection.
Your router should include instructions on setting up network security.

If you choose to home network computers, the benefits may be immediately noticeable.
Accessing the Internet from your laptop and sending files, wirelessly, to the printer are just some
of the conveniences of a home network. Once it is in place, sharing settings can be established
and altered to allow users access to items on the network from any of the connected computers.

What are Wifi Free Hot Spots?

Wifi hot spots are locations where access to wireless Internet local area networks is available to
anyone with a device that is capable of connecting with the network. Many public locations that
serve as gathering places for people provide Wifi free hot spots as a means of attracting more
patrons or customers. A no-charge Wifi hot spot may be found at fast food restaurants, local and
chain coffee shops, or even public libraries and parks.

There are two basic models that are used to create a free Wifi hot spot. One approach is to
create an unsecured or open public network using a single AP along with a router. With this
model, customers do not have to establish login credentials. As long as the
laptop computer, PDA or other handheld device is equipped with an internal or external wireless
card, all that is required is to activate the device, identify the available connection and initiate a
connection.

A second approach to Wifi free hot spots is to establish a closed public network that can only be
accessed using login credentials. This type of Wifi hotspot offers the advantage of being more
secure and allows the owner or sponsor of the amenity to limit access to customers. Some
diners, cafes, and coffeehouses choose to create this type of network in conjunction with a
specific provider, making it possible for any users who are customers of that provider to use the
same login credentials they use to access their home based network.

Increasingly, business owners who offer Wifi free hot spots are favoring the closed public network
model. There are a couple of advantages to this approach. First, it is possible to limit the amount
of bandwidth allocated per user, which helps to keep operational costs within budget. In addition,
the closed public network offers customers more security than the open public network,
minimizing the potential for data theft.

Business owners often find that creating Wifi free hot spots helps to stimulate additional revenue
in the form of additional sales. For example, coffee shops often find that people who can bring
along a laptop and connect via the Wifi connection are more likely to settle in and purchase more
beverages or any of the other items offered on the menu. The presence of the free Internet
access can also motivate client to visit the hot spots more often, thus building a solid and
profitable clientele.
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Consumers also enjoy several benefits by frequenting Wifi free hot spots. College students or
professionals on the go can continue to manage essential tasks while enjoying different
surroundings. People who work from home can enjoy a quick change of scenery and fresh air
while they manage their daily assignments at an open-air coffee shop via the free Wifi
connection.

What are Wifi Hotspots?

Wifi hotspots are locations that feature wireless Internet access, which can be accessed by
anyone with a laptop computer, notebook, cell phone, PDA or other device with wireless
capabilities. They are usually found in places like coffee shops, but can be offered in a wide
variety of different businesses as well as many public areas, some even covering entire cities.
The Internet access at a wifi hotspot is sometimes free, but often someone who wants to utilize it
must pay for a wireless access plan.

Brett Stewart first proposed the idea of wifi hotspots at an Internet conference in San Francisco in
1993. Although the term “wifi hotspot” would not be coined until several years later, the seed had
been planted. Not only had companies started investigating the technology to make public wifi
possible, but several startup companies were also created whose business goal was to build and
maintain the necessary equipment for wifi hotspots to become more mainstream.

Today it takes a relatively small amount of equipment to create a wifi access point around which a
hotspot can be created. Because of the relative ease, some examples of businesses that
commonly offer Internet access are libraries, airports, hotels, schools, universities and many
more locations. Many cities even have entirely become wifi hotspots, offering broadband service
throughout most of the city itself, and there are even more cities that are becoming wifi hotspots
today.

When a user with a wireless device is in a wifi hotspot, there are two ways that services can be
offered. The more popular of these is by using an open public network, where anyone with
wireless access can utilize the service. Alternately, closed public networks use what is called a
hotspot management system that only offers the services to users who pay for minutes or have
access through a membership. Once logged in, a user can do just about anything they could do
on the Internet at home: check e-mail, surf the web, do business on their corporate website, and
more, although some of the closed public networks can also limit what is available through their
wifi access point.

What is an AirCard® Modem?

An AirCard® modem lets people connect to the Internet via a wireless broadband network
typically used for cellular phone services. AirCard® is actually a brand name for several different
devices a person can plug into his or her computer's USB port orPCMCIA slot to access the Web
in this manner. All AirCard® devices are distributed by Sierra Wireless. Other brands of mobile
broadband devices are available.

The advantages of an AirCard® modem are many. The most important one is that the user can
access the Internet from anywhere where there is cellular phone service available. This gives him
or her a lot more freedom, since it's not necessary to plug the machine into a landline network or
find a Wi-Fi hotspot. It's crucial to note that, at this time, most AirCard® modems are tied to
specific cell phone carriers, so someone with an AT&T AirCard® could not access the Web in an
area where only Verizon has a network, for example. The user must also purchase a
monthly service plan to be able to use the AirCard®.
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Another advantage of an AirCard® modem is that it is small and portable. Most are roughly the
same size as USB drives or network cards, at less than 6 inches (15 cm) in length and width.
They can easily fit into a pocket or a laptop sleeve. It's even possible to buy a case for an
AirCard®, and attach it to a keychain.

To set up an AirCard® modem, all a person has to do is install the software that comes with the
modem, and then use it to log on to the related wireless service. The modem will only work with
specific software, so there is not much choice in this matter. With the software set up, a person
can access the Web as long as the AirCard® is plugged securely into the proper port or slot in the
computer. Many USB-type AirCard® modems actually light up when they are connected properly.
This can help greatly with troubleshooting.

One thing to remember before using an AirCard® is that, since these modems connect through
cellular networks, charges can be greater when connecting internationally or even in roaming
areas. Be sure to ask your wireless carrier about price plans before you use your modem.
Otherwise, you could get stuck with a huge bill.

1. What is WiFi Finder?

A WiFi finder is a device used for locating wireless hotspots without
actually turning on the laptop or PDA. WiFi finders are small, battery
operated and portable. A WiFi finder typically detects a hotspot within a
radius of 200 feet and also determines the strength of the signal.

2. Security for Home WiFi Network

Security is a huge concern for anyone setting up a WiFi network, as
anyone who is close enough to the hotspot can break into your system
and access the information.

3. Security for Public WiFi Network

Wi-Fi hotspots present a unique set of security problems, quite different
from the security issues involved in home and office networks. These
hotspots have unknown computers accessing them. And in this case, the
very nature of a public hotspot demands that it broadcasts its SSID.

In the Wi-Fi system computers are connected with wifi network card and this is
further connected with wireless router. The router is connected to the modem
through a cable or to a DSL modem. The another user who wants to access the
internet through this network can connect to this network wirelessly within the
range of 300 to 600 feet from the access point after getting a permission of the
administrator .

Whether you are at home, your office cabin or another business location,
using WiFi you can access the internet from your laptop or PDA as long as
you are within the range of a WiFi access point.
What Happens
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WiFi uses radio technology for communication, and mostly operates at 2.4 or
5 GHz frequency. Most of the new connectible devices are today WiFi
certified, which means not only that they are WiFi enabled, but also that
these devices are interoperable.
In a WiFi network, computers with a WiFi network card can connect
wirelessly to a WiFi router. The router is connected to internet using a cable
or DSL modem. Any WiFi enabled connectible device within 60 meters or so
of the access point can access the internet.
Some WiFi hotspots are open in the sense that anyone with a connectible
device within the range can access them, while some others are closed which
means that only authorized users can access them using a password.
Where WiFi can Help
Interoperability is one big advantage of WiFi. WiFi allows users to connect
with internet as well as with each other and other devices. It also helps you
transcend the distance imitations of using cables and also saves some of the
cost.
WiFi technology is of special advantage to people in marketing and sales as
these sectors involve a lot of travel. In fact WiFi can help anyone who has to
move about a lot on work. They can access their work email or company
databases from wherever they are using WiFi technology. Thus WiFi
technology allows businesses to grow and expand fast.
Further, businesses do not have to throw away their existing network
infrastructure to start on WiFi. It is very easy to integrate WiFi into your
current wired network. This gives WiFi a definite cost advantage.
As we saw earlier WiFi technology uses the 2.4-5 GHz bandwidth and
speeds ranging from10 to 50 Mbps. This is quite comparable to the speed of
a T1 line.
Security
All said and done, security is one of the biggest issues with a wireless
network. This is all the more relevant in the case of a plug and play
technology like WiFi. If you are not careful enough, anyone close enough to
your base station can intercept the data you send and receive from your
network or break into your system.
Therefore it is important to take sufficient security measures when you set up
a WiFi hotspot at your home or office. Security is also applicable when you
need to access a public hotspot using your laptop or other devices.
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