The Mechanism behind Wi-Fi

If you've been in an airport, coffee shop, library or hotel recently, chances are you've been right in the middle of a wireless network. Many people use wireless networking, also called Wi-Fi or 802.11 networking, to connect their computers at home, and some cities are trying to use the technology to provide free or low-cost Internet access to residents. In the near future, wireless networking may become so widespread that you can access the Internet just about anywhere at any time, without using wires. This technology has truly 'unplugged' this world and revolutionized Internet usage.

Gone are the days when computers used to be tethered to routers and modems for Internet connectivity. You can sit anywhere you like, with your laptop computer, and access the Internet now; thanks to Wi-Fi technology.

Signal Transmissions

A Wi-Fi connection makes use of radio signals, much like the ones used by cell phones and other similar devices. A computer's wireless adapter card translates the data into radio signals that the antenna transmits. These binary code signals are then received and decoded by the router, which send the information to the Internet using a wired Ethernet or Local Area Network (LAN). A wired Ethernet service is typically hosted on a DSL or cable network connection. A Wi-Fi connection is bi-directional, meaning the process just described also works in reverse. In the reverse process, the wired Ethernet device supplying the Internet connectivity sends the information to a wireless router. The router then translates the signals and transmits them to the computer's wireless adapter card.

Basic Requirements

A mobile device such as a laptop should have a wireless card or built-in adapter to be able to take advantage of using Wi-Fi. Newer laptops have built-in wireless cards; however, in older models you can use a wireless adapter to hook into a USB port or a wireless card that plugs into a PCI card slot. Desktop computers and printers that do not have wireless cards can also get USB wireless adapters to connect to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports. A desktop computer usually also has a PCI slot where a wireless card can plug in.

A wireless router acts as a gateway to the main access point. This wireless router connects to a wired Ethernet that provides the Internet connection; therefore, a router should have a port that can connect to a cable or DSL modem.

Configure the wireless router with the default or basic settings required. A Service Set Identifier (SSID) is the name of the network. This has a default setting with the manufacturer's name. You can opt to keep that name or change it any way you want. You would also need to configure the router with the channel, which is typically channel 6 by default. You can change this setting to prevent interference if you live in a multi-unit building.

You will also need to configure the router's security option. You can opt to use the standard or publicly available sign-on; however, doing so may raise the risk of hacking or network intrusion. It is therefore beneficial to use a user name and password to help protect your wireless network.

HotspotsA Wi-Fi hotspot is simply an area with an accessible wireless network. The term is most often used to refer to wireless networks in public areas like airports and coffee shops. Some are free and some require fees for use, but in either case they can be handy when you are on the go. A mobile hotspot can even be created using a cell phone or an external device that can connect to a cellular network. A Wi-Fi network can always be set up at home as well.If you want to take advantage of public Wi-Fi hotspots or your own home-based network, the first thing that needs to be done is make sure the computer has the right gear. Most new laptops and many new desktop computers come with built-in wireless transmitters, and just about all mobile devices are Wi-Fi enabled. If a computer isn't already equipped, a wireless adapter that plugs into the PC card slot or USB port can be bought. Desktop computers can use USB adapters, adapters that plug into the PCI slot inside the computer's case. Many of these adapters can use more than one 802.11 standard.Once a wireless adapter and the drivers that allow it to operate is installed, a computer should be able to automatically discover existing networks. This means that when a computer is turned on in a Wi-Fi hotspot, the computer will inform you that the network exists and ask whether you want to connect to it. With an older computer, a software program may be needed in order to detect and connect to a wireless network.Being able to connect to the Internet in public hotspots is extremely convenient. Wireless home networks are convenient as well. They allow you to easily connect multiple computers and to move them from place to place without disconnecting and reconnecting wires.