The easiest way for several users to share data and resources is through the use of a wireless (WiFi or 802.11) network.
This is usually implemented with a central Wireless Router which controls communication between PCs and other network resources.
For the ADSL broadband user, there are a number of combined Modem/Routers which also control internet connection sharing.
Each ‘wireless’ PC requires a wireless network adapter, either an internal card or a plug-in device such as a USB adapter.
Most wireless routers also provide connections to plug-in network resources directly using an Ethernet cable—any devices (printers, for example) attached directly to PCs may also be shared throughout the network—directly connected PCs require a ‘wired’ network card.
Major names in network hardware include Belkin, BT Voyager, Netgear and Linksys.
Of course, network access needs to be restricted so that it is not available to everybody within wireless range—typically, 100-300 metres though there are a number of new products, based on MIMO technology, which offer greater coverage although the specifics are somewhat difficult to pin down without actually trying them out.
Security on the network is commonly provided in three ways:
The wireless network name (SSID) may be hidden so that users need to know the name in order to connect—the name is normally broadcast so that it may be detected by any wireless-enabled device within range
Network traffic may be encrypted requiring each user to supply a password before access is granted
The network may be set up so that only specific wireless network devices are allowed in—this is controlled using the unique MAC (Media Access Control) address for each device
Connecting to a wireless network is simple enough—using the software installed with your wireless network adapter, simply scan for the available wireless networks, select from the list (or enter the name directly) and supply the password if required.
For the mobile user, there are a growing number of WiFi ‘hotspots’ which may be used for internet access—locate them with a Google search.
Comments