|
If you currently have
an existing wireless network and are unhappy with the range that
you are getting, or just
want to go further then here are some tips of what you can do to
boost the range of your own wireless network, andcreate a
Wireless Bridge between two remote locations.
Before you proceed, remember that wireless is a two way system,
both the
Access Point and Client Device must be communicating at a equal
level before a
wireless connection can occur.
For a
professional site survey of your home or small
office
please
contact us today, and avoid purchasing the wrong
antenna for your wireless network.
|
 |
What is WiFi?
WiFi stands for Wireless Fidelity, and is increasingly used
in today's market place.
A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) or
WiFi, is a computer network that transmits and
receives data with radio signals instead of wires. WLANs are
used increasingly in both home and office environments,
public areas such as airports, coffee shops, marinas and
universities. Innovative ways to utilize WLAN technology are
helping people to work and communicate more efficiently.
Increased flexibility and the absence of cabling and other
fixed infrastructure have proven to be beneficial for many
users. There is no more need to bury cable between
buildings, and ruin walls in order to get computers
connected. Wireless networks have increased in speed, and
have become more secure and reliable.
Why WiFi?
With lower prices and
stable standards, homeowners are now installing wireless LANs at
an extremely fast pace; in fact, the consumer market spends
more money now on WLAN's than most large companies.
It's much easier to
install a wireless LAN at home than a wired network. With most
homeowners refusing to put holes in walls and ceilings, wireless
networking is the obvious choice for home networks. The
installation of a typical wireless network requires the
installation of a broadband modem, wireless router, and wireless
LAN cards in laptops and desktops. No holes to drills, no
cables to run.
Wireless Hotspots
can be installed practically anywhere that it would
be convenient to have internet access. Marinas and RV parks are
the latest trend in getting wireless internet connectivity, but
it doesn't have to stop there.
People
use WLAN technology for many different purposes:
Freedom
- Productivity increases when people have access to data in any
location within the operating range of the WLAN. Management
decisions based on real-time information can significantly
improve worker efficiency.
Ease of setup
- WLANs are easy to set up, manage, change and
relocate.
Networks that frequently change can benefit from WLANs ease
of
implementation.
WLANs can operate in locations where installation of wiring
may be
impossible.
Inexpensive
- Wireless network devices are as competitively priced as
conventional Ethernet network devices. Prices for wireless
network devices have come
down drastically in recent
years.
Scalability - WLANs
can be configured in a variety of ways to meet the needs of
specific applications and installations. Configurations are
easily changed and range from Peer-to-Peer networks suitable
for a small number of users to larger Infrastructure
networks to accommodate hundreds or thousands of users,
depending on the number of wireless devices deployed.
How is it
Flexible?
With a wireless
laptop, you can always work from anywhere in the house.
There's nothing holding you down to a desk in a particular room
where the cable modem is located. You're free to use the
Internet, access files on other computers, or print documents
while relaxing in a favorite chair in front of the TV. You can
be lounging on the patio breathing fresh air, or sitting by the
pool, taking in some sun, just like you see in the commercials.
With a wireless
laptop, you can work from home and still be in the presence
of friends and family. Not having to go back to the "computer
room", makes working from home enjoyable. Wireless LANS at home
are also great for desktops as well. As far as running annoying
cat5 cable through walls and ceilings, it is
non-existent. Wireless Networks allow you to place the
broadband modem where ever you want in a home, and place the
PC's or laptops where ever you like as well. Flexibility is
unlimited and range is not an issue.
Internet and
File Sharing:
Since having only one
computer in the home is a way of the past, wireless LANS can
help organize your computers without the confusion that wired
networking consists of. With multiple computers in the home, it
is extremely cost efficient and beneficial to have them
connected to the same broadband modem. You can even share
internet access with neighbors that are hundreds, or thousands
of ft away. One thing to be sure of is to install a broadband
router first, before you install any access points in your
home. This will assure you that 1) you will have a
hardware firewall between your LAN and the internet and 2)
your LAN will receive the proper DHCP services, and NAT for all
your internal computers. (For more info,
contact
our tech support department)
With everyone on the
same LAN in the home, it is easy to check your
children's homework, or proofread a document they are writing
for school, all while you are sitting by the pool, surfing the
net. You can view what you child is writing without having to
go onto his/her computer. Simply share the file that is being
worked on and proofread.
Sharing the same
printer is also helpful. With the addition of a wireless print
server, you can place the printer anywhere within reach of the
wireless access point or router. No more having to place the
printer within 4 or 5 of a computer. Place it in a
convenient location, and everyone will be able to use it, saving
you time and money on multiple printers.
|
