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Learning about wireless
networks
Published: 27-Nov-2000
Updated Feb 2002
 Since there are no cables,
wireless networks are very easy to install and offer something other
network solutions do not offer - portability. Like a cordless phone,
Laptops on a wireless network are free to roam the house. My laptop
spends part of its life in the office, part in the living room, and
sometimes a bit of time in the bedroom for some late night reading (or
surfing!) New tablet computers arriving on the market take advantage
of wireless networks to create portable web surfing devices even more
convenient than a laptop. One day, home networks may all be
wireless, but the cost vs performance may still keep them out of
the reach of home users for a couple more years.
 Wireless networks are not without their problems.
Wireless networks operate on Radio Frequencies or RF. Each NIC or
Network Interface Card has a Radio Transceiver attached to it.
Because wireless networks operate on Radio Frequencies, they are subject
to the same interference as a radio. Heavy walls, large metal objects
near a tranceiver, even fish tanks can all interfere with radio
signals. When examining wireless speeds, realize that performance
will vary. I rarely expect more than 1/2 of the rated maximum speed
out of a wireless network.
Popular Wireless Network
Varieties
| Name |
Max
Speed |
Fallback Speed |
| HomeRF
2.0 |
10 Mbps |
.8 Mbps |
| 802.11b
WiFi |
11 Mbps |
1,2,5
Mbps |
| 802.11g |
22 Mbps |
11,5,2,1 Mbps |
| 802.11a |
54 Mbps |
? Mbps |
Other wireless types exist, but
HomeRF and 802.11b/g/a WiFi are the only solutions that follow multi-vendor
standards. If you choose a solution that does not support a
multi-vendor standard, you will be stuck using that single vendor for all
your wireless networking needs. Additionally, popular wireless
broadband gateways and other accessories may not be available to
you. For these reasons, HomeNetHelp endorses only HomeRF and 802.11b for your home networking needs.
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Wireless Networks Overview
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