Preparation for Wireless Network Setup

Ok. Let’s make preparation for wireless network setup. You can decide what wireless devices you need after this reading.

You also need to know what kind of wireless standard to be used in the network, either 802.11b, 802.11a or 802.11g. If you haven’t read about wireless standards, read it here.

Wireless Router or Wireless Access Point

Wireless router or wireless access point is the most important device you need when setting up wireless network.

You use wireless router when you are just going to build your first network at home. If you already have Ethernet network at home, just get a wireless access point and connect it to network. Check out wireless routers and access points here if you plan to get one. Take some time to compare the price, features and your requirements.

Now let’s turn to wireless portion on your computer or notebook.

Wireless Adapter for Computer Users

You will need to have wireless adapter installed on your computer in order to join wireless network. It’s just a PCI card with antenna which can be inserted to your computer motherboard.

Wireless PCMCIA card for Notebook Users

If you have notebook with Centrino wireless technology, then you are ready to connect to wireless network. It’s just that simple.

If you are using other non-wireless ready notebooks, then you will need to install wireless PCMCIA card for accessing wireless network.

Some wireless PCMCIA card provides 50% greater range than standard 802.11g and support maximum bandwidth performance of 108 Mbps. Here are some examples of wireless PCMCIA card.

USB Wireless Adapter

Whether you are computer or notebook user, If you want to share wireless adapter with other computers, then you can consider to use USB wireless adapter. You can just plug/unplug the USB wireless adapter on the computer you wish to have wireless access. The size is pretty small and looks like USB thumb drive. Click here if want to check more on this USB wireless adapter.

Ha.. there are quite some wireless gadgets available for wireless network setup, but only pick those you need. Let's start wireless network setup by connecting wireless router.