Freedom is the name of the game when it comes to computing today. Much of that freedom can be attributed directly to wireless networks, which allow consumers to use their desktop and laptop PCs wherever they like around their homes.

Over the years, wireless hardware hasn’t changed much from its original formula, but device manufacturers have eased the process of installing and configuring a wireless network. Still, you’ll need a solid working knowledge of wireless concepts and designs before you embark on your own wireless project to ensure that the final result is efficient and secure. Although wireless networks usually cost a little more than their wired counterparts, they offer far more mobility without a huge decrease in performance or reliability.

At its core, a wireless network is amazingly simple, containing two essential components: a wireless access point and a wireless network adapter. The wireless access point uses antennas to emit data signals to wireless adapters that are connected to desktop or laptop PCs. These wireless signals take the place of Ethernet cables to send data, allowing users to connect to the network without physical limitations.

Access points provide all of the basic functions and wireless security features necessary for a simple wireless network if you already have an existing wired network using a broadband router. However, if this is the first network in your home, or if you want to build a completely wireless network, a wireless router is the better choice. A wireless router, unlike an access point, has the ability to function as a firewall, which can help prevent malicious attacks on your network.

To connect the wireless router or access point, the computers on your network will each need a wireless adapter. These adapters are similar to standard NICs, but they include technology to receive wireless signals from the network. Wireless adapters for desktop computers take the form of PCI expansion cards or USB adapters. Either option can require software installation before or after the hardware installation. For the USB hardware installation, simply plug the USB adapter into an open USB port. PCI adapters are installed in the same fashion that any other PCI extension card is installed.

Notebooks can use USB or PCMCIA adapters, but most newer notebooks include built-in wireless technology, so no separate adapter is necessary.

Most wireless routers and access points include similar features, so it’s
best to find one with a good reputation that also fits in your budget. If you need to buy a wireless adapter, check that the adapter’s requirements are compatible with your computer. Further, while you can usually mix and match wireless adapters with wireless routers and access points, it can be easier to buy all the hardware from the same manufacturer to avoid configuration problems. Another potential benefit of buying from the same manufacturer is that some routers and adapters feature proprietary speed boosters and other features that work only with paired equipment.

A final, and important, purchasing note: Wireless networking equipment uses varied wireless standards, such as 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n. Devices using these standards vary in price, performance, and compatibility. Devices using the popular 802.11g standard are typically a safe bet, both for performance and cost reasons.

Although you’ll enjoy faster performance with the newer 802.11n standard, you’ll pay more for 802.11n devices. There are other trade-offs, however. When used in 5GHz mode, 802.11n devices are less apt to receive interference from other household devices, while 802.11g devices feature better wireless range.