Wireless Networking: Connectivity On-the-Go!

These days, it seems as though more and more people are taking the office with them no matter where they may go. You see business-savvy people checking their e-mail at airports, students researching papers while sipping coffee at the local café and busy moms checking their little ones' schedules on hand-held electronic devices at the mall.

These on-the-go people don't need to be chained to the desk to work efficiently. With wireless networking and broadband connections, you can stay connected no matter where your business or personal life takes you!
 
Wireless networks allow you the freedom to roam and still be connected to others and the Internet. Need to get directions to an important meeting? With a wireless laptop you can access turn-by-turn directions all from the comfort of your car. Want to write an important paper while enjoying the sunny afternoon in the backyard? A wireless home network allows you to do just that.
 
In this section we'll discuss wireless networking. We'll go over important topics such as setting up a wireless router and protecting yourself and your communications devices from wireless networking dangers.

Wireless Routers

Setting up a wireless network in your home or company office is a relatively simple process. To establish a wireless local area network (commonly called a WLAN), you'll need to buy a wireless router.

A wireless router converts the signals from your Internet connection into a wireless broadcast. Thus, your computer doesn't have to be directly connected to an access point to make contact with the Internet.

There are many different wireless routers on the market today in a variety of price ranges, from less than $50 to more than $275.

If your computer doesn't have wireless capabilities, you'll also need to invest in a wireless network adapter. Keep in mind, however, that almost all of today's computers come with built-in wireless cards. Read on to learn more about wireless routers.

Security Issues

Wireless networks are great. They are convenient and relatively inexpensive, as well as easy to set up and maintain. However, they do carry some risks.

If you don't have the proper security features installed or enabled on your wireless network, you could be exposing yourself to numerous dangers. For instance, someone could hack into your computer and obtain your personal information.

In order to keep your WLAN truly secure you'll need to encrypt the data you transmit over your wireless network. You'll also want to change your router's default network name and password. Firewalls are another must if you're using a WLAN. These help protect your computer from outside sources.

Keep reading to get important information on wireless networking security issues.

Wireless Application Protocol

If you have a personal digital assistant (PDA) that you use to access important information on-the-go, then you're probably taking advantage of the wireless application protocol (WAP). The WAP is an open international standard that allows mobile phones, PDAs and other small electronic devices to browse the Internet.

WAP allows companies to broadcast their Internet content in a way that is compatible with both traditional browsers and the browsers in wireless devices. Read on for more information on the wireless application protocol.