Wireless Routers
Photo from Amazon
The centerpiece product of many home computer networks is awireless router.
These routers support all home computers configured with wireless data pipe adapters (see below).
They also contain a networkswitchto allow some computers to be connected withEthernetcables.
Linksys WRT54GL Router.Photo from Amazon
Wireless routers allowcable modemandDSLinternet connections to be shared.
Additionally, many wireless router products include a built-infirewallthat protects the home online grid from intruders.
Illustrated above is the Linksys WRT54G.
Linksys WAP54G wireless access point.Photo from Amazon
This is a popular wireless router product based on the802.11gWi-Finetwork standard.
Generally, only one wireless router is required to internet an entire household.
Access points centralize all WiFi clients on a local internet in so-called “infrastructure” mode.
Linksys WPC54G Wireless Network Adapter.Photo from Amazon
Each access point typically supports up to 255 client computers.
By connecting access points to each other, local networks having thousands of access points can be created.
Client computers may move orroambetween each of these access points as needed.
Linksys WPS54G Wireless Print Server.Photo from Amazon
As illustrated by the Linksys WAP54G shown above, wireless access points appear physically similar to wireless routers.
Wireless routers actually contain a wireless access point as part of their overall package.
Like wireless routers, access points are available with support for 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g or combinations.
Linksys WGA54G Wireless Game Adapter.Photo from Amazon
Wireless web connection Adapters
Awireless web connection adapterallows a computing unit to join a wireless LAN.
Wireless online grid adapters contain a built-in radio transmitter and receiver.
Each adapter supports one or more of the 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g Wi-Fi standards.
Linksys Wireless-N Internet Home Monitoring Camera.Photo from Amazon
Wireless web link adapters also exist in several different form factors.
Finally, so-calledPC CardorPCMCIAwireless adapters insert into a narrow open bay on a notebook computer.
One example of a PC Card wireless adapter, the Linksys WPC54G is shown above.
Linksys AC1200 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Range Extender/Wi-Fi Booster.Photo from Amazon
Each provides equivalent wireless capability according to the Wi-Fi standard it supports.
Most notebook computers are now manufactured with built-in wireless networking.
Small chips inside the computer provide the equivalent functions of a web link adapter.
These computers obviously do not require separate installation of a separate wireless data pipe adapter.
Additionally, a wireless print server requires client software be installed on each computer needing to use a printer.
Print servers are very compact devices that include a built-in wireless antenna and LED lights to indicate status.
The Linksys WPS54G 802.11g USB wireless print server is shown as one example.
Wireless game adapters for home networks are available in both 802.11b and 802.11g varieties.
An example of an 802.11g wireless game adapter appears above, the Linksys WGA54G.
Wireless internet video cameras are available in both 802.11b and 802.11g varieties.
The Linksys Linksys Wireless-N Internet Home Monitoring Camera is shown above.
Wireless Internet video cameras work by serving up data streams to any computer that connects to them.
Cameras like the one above contain a built-in Web server.
Internet video cameras can be connected to a wireless router using either an Ethernet cable or via Wi-Fi.
Several different forms of wireless range extenders are available.
These products are sometimes called “range expanders” or “signal boosters.”
The Linksys AC1200 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Range Extender/Wi-Fi Booster is shown above.
A wireless range extender connects via Wi-Fi to a router or access point.
Check the manufacturer’s specifications carefully for compatibility information.
