Wireless Home Networks

[charleychacko]

Every home network is different.  I can't describe precisely how to install yours; that's what setup discs and manuals are for.  There are, however, some tips that can point you in the right direction.

Go With G.  Wi-Fi comes in 3 flavors.  802.11b has a nominal speed (meaning roughly twice as much as you'll ever get) of 11 megabits per second, and the compatible 802.11g, 54 megabits. Both use the 2.4-gigahertz unlicensed frequency band shared with microwaves and cordless phones.  The outsider, 802.11a, delivers a nominal 54 megabits in the currently less-crowded 5-gigahertz band, at the expense of range and compatibility, but you can get dual-band products that accommodate all three standards.

For most people, B works fine, but I recommend springing a few extra bucks for G.  It won't make the Net seem any faster over a broadband connection, but it can come in handy if you share files or stream media.   

Wall Yourself Off.   Don't set up a home network without a router or access point.  The firewall built into most routers helps keep your data safe from hackers, provided it's turned on. Sharing your connection without a router is courting trouble.

Network First, Encrypt Next. Setting up a network can be infuriating.  Until you've got everything talking, don't make it more complicated by encrypting it.  But, you do need encryption to keep invaders from getting behind your firewall.  Learn to enter WEP key codes in hexadecimal characters (where 0 through 9 and A through F are the digits) and write them down in a safe but unforgettable place; some products let you enter easy-to-remember pass phrases, but the way they generate keys isn't standardized, and you'll need the hex codes to get other devices working.

Change the network's name in the SSID (Service Set ID).  Every hacker knows the default names. And don't use your name--that will allow someone to identify the network.  If possible, turn off the broadcast function. With this disabled, the individual computers' SSIDs must match that in the base station. That will make it harder for strangers to get in.

Check For Updates.  Wireless products often develop glitches that get fixed only via Web downloads.  Few products actually know how to get the updated software automatically.  But updates are the rule, not the exception.