Demystifying Wireless Networks
Given the mobility and easy access they provide, wireless networks are becoming increasingly important tools for small businesses.
Here are the five most common questions you get.
1. What is 802.11n?
If you've been thinking about purchasing a new wireless router, you've probably seen this number a few times. In short, 802.11n is a stronger, faster communications specification, and the follow-up standard for Wi-Fi local area network (LAN) communications.
If you are operating a wireless network today, chances are that it is based on either the 802.11b or 802.11g standard. The 802.11n specification operates at a frequency of 2.4 gigahertz--the same frequency as a number of cordless phones. The data transfer rate is estimated to be 540 megabits per second--50 times faster than the "b" variant and 10 times faster than the "g" variants.
This faster data transfer rate will primarily be noticeable when transferring files directly between computers on a wireless network. For e-mail, Web browsing and other pedestrian uses of the Internet, you may notice a slight increase in speed, but not a massive jump.
2. What is WEP?
Short for Wired Equivalency Protection, WEP is a security protocol for Wi-Fi networks. It's not perfect by any means, but it is capable of providing a level of security that is equal to a wired LAN.
WEP uses data encryption to protect information transmitted between a user and a wireless router. WEP encryption comes in two flavors: 64-bit and 128-bit. The higher the bit number, the longer the password, and thus the stronger the protection.
3. What is WPA encryption?
WPA is short for Wi-Fi Protected Access, and it is a much stronger and more reliable form of data encryption and security than WEP. In fact, this standard was specifically created to address several shortcomings in WEP. Beware, though: Not all wireless routers support WPA.
4. Do I need a firewall once I install a wireless router?
The short answer is "absolutely." And you probably already have one. The Microsoft (nasdaq: MSFT - news - people ) Windows XP SP2 operating system has a built-in firewall that is more than capable of protecting your PC from most attacks. (You should already have the SP2 upgrade if your PC is under two years old or if you automatically receive Windows XP updates.) For the last two years, I've run nothing else, and my PC has been 100% fine.
5. I forgot the password for my router. What do I do?
You have two options. First, many routers have a built-in routine that will allow you to recover your password. To get to this application, you have to use your Web browser to access your router's software. (Check your manual for instructions.)
The other way to handle this problem is by resetting your router, thus deleting your old password. Almost every wireless router has a reset button on the back. Use a needle or a pen to press and hold this button for five or 10 seconds, and you'll be back in business. Unfortunately, you will have to log into your router's software and set the device up for your network all over again.
Courtsey-George Jones
Here are the five most common questions you get.
1. What is 802.11n?
If you've been thinking about purchasing a new wireless router, you've probably seen this number a few times. In short, 802.11n is a stronger, faster communications specification, and the follow-up standard for Wi-Fi local area network (LAN) communications.
If you are operating a wireless network today, chances are that it is based on either the 802.11b or 802.11g standard. The 802.11n specification operates at a frequency of 2.4 gigahertz--the same frequency as a number of cordless phones. The data transfer rate is estimated to be 540 megabits per second--50 times faster than the "b" variant and 10 times faster than the "g" variants.
This faster data transfer rate will primarily be noticeable when transferring files directly between computers on a wireless network. For e-mail, Web browsing and other pedestrian uses of the Internet, you may notice a slight increase in speed, but not a massive jump.
2. What is WEP?
Short for Wired Equivalency Protection, WEP is a security protocol for Wi-Fi networks. It's not perfect by any means, but it is capable of providing a level of security that is equal to a wired LAN.
WEP uses data encryption to protect information transmitted between a user and a wireless router. WEP encryption comes in two flavors: 64-bit and 128-bit. The higher the bit number, the longer the password, and thus the stronger the protection.
3. What is WPA encryption?
WPA is short for Wi-Fi Protected Access, and it is a much stronger and more reliable form of data encryption and security than WEP. In fact, this standard was specifically created to address several shortcomings in WEP. Beware, though: Not all wireless routers support WPA.
4. Do I need a firewall once I install a wireless router?
The short answer is "absolutely." And you probably already have one. The Microsoft (nasdaq: MSFT - news - people ) Windows XP SP2 operating system has a built-in firewall that is more than capable of protecting your PC from most attacks. (You should already have the SP2 upgrade if your PC is under two years old or if you automatically receive Windows XP updates.) For the last two years, I've run nothing else, and my PC has been 100% fine.
5. I forgot the password for my router. What do I do?
You have two options. First, many routers have a built-in routine that will allow you to recover your password. To get to this application, you have to use your Web browser to access your router's software. (Check your manual for instructions.)
The other way to handle this problem is by resetting your router, thus deleting your old password. Almost every wireless router has a reset button on the back. Use a needle or a pen to press and hold this button for five or 10 seconds, and you'll be back in business. Unfortunately, you will have to log into your router's software and set the device up for your network all over again.
Courtsey-George Jones
posted by medianext05 at
16:35
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