Wireless Routers and Access Points
Wireless routers  are increasingly popular in the home market, allowing devices to remotely connect to the Internet and each other without the need for cables. First, let's define the term. Awireless router is a combination of a router and a wireless access point. This is not to be confused with a wireless access point, which is a device that creates a wireless (Wi-Fi) network and connects it to a wired network. Generally, for home use you want a wireless router, unless you plan to have multiple access points.
Until now there have been three standards for wireless networking: wireless B (802.11b), wireless A (802.11a) and wireless G (802.11g). The difference between the three is speed. There is a new standard that has been adopted widely, yet hasn't been finalized in its specification, it's 802.11n. The draft N specification blends the best of G and A, with longer range and near ethernet speeds. Try Apple's Airport Extreme Router for a safe bet if you want that extra kick with a draft N wireless router.- Wireless B equipment can transfer data at a theoretical maximum speed of 11 Mbps, although in the real world it's closer to 6 Mbps.
- Wireless A equipment runs at a maximum speed of 54 Mbit/s, but it doesn't work with wireless B equipment and has never become popular.
- Wireless G equipment can transmit data at speeds up to 54 Mbps, with a distinct advantage that it is backwards compatible with wireless B kits. This means you can mix and match wireless G and B equipment on the same network, although using a G device with a B will drop the overall transfer rate down to a maximum of 11 Mbps.
If you are looking to upgrade or buy a new wireless router, go with the wireless N standard (see sidebar) or G as it is faster and backwards compatible even though it comes at a higher price. |
Wireless Network Requirements
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Gaming: For Gamers, or anyone into high bandwidth applications (such as watching movies or streaming audio from the Internet), 802.11g connection, would be best. If you want to play files from your computer on other media devices, such as a TV or stereo, then you should invest in a digital-media adapter.
Laptop users: A PC card or a cellular modem card is all you need to take your wireless capabilities with you wherever you go. You may also want your PC card to have an extending antenna. Keep in mind that in addition to the initial device purchase, some hot spots require an additional fee for connecting. |
Range in the Home- When buying a wireless router, remember that actual range will vary depending on where you use it.
- Walls, pipes and other electronic devices can interfere with your router.
- One advantage of 802.11a has over all other forms of wireless is that it operates at a much higher frequency (5 MHz) so there is a greatly reduced chance of interference. (Most devices operate at 2.4 MHz.)
Securing Your Network - Protecting your network from unwanted visitors begins by using the security features built into your router.
- Look for a NAT firewall support on your wireless router. NAT firewalls conceal your computer behind the router.
- For wireless security, use encryption. Given the choice between WEP and WPA encryption, choose WPA -- it is more secure.
- MAC address filtering allows you to choose which computers can access the network. But you have to set it up for every device you want to see the network. WPA and NAT should be enough; MAC filtering is probably overkill.
- Don't forget to change the default password of the router. The default passwords allow neighbors or other nearby users log on to your network, leaving important files, data and personal information at risk to outsiders.
- For more specifics on securing your wireless network, see this article relating to Windows XP and wireless security. Also check out this article on CNet.
New Products that Incorporate Safety
There are several new routers that include anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-phishing software. These new models shield each computer on the network, and, in some cases, block spam and phishing attempts before they even reach the computer. Netgear, SpamCube and Eli Security all have new models that offer differing levels of security at varying prices.
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Netgear WGT624SC Super G Wireless Router - Wireless speeds of up to 108 Mbps.
- 400' range.
- One Trend Micro Home Network Security license.
- Double Firewall multi-VPN (pass-through).
- WPA-PSK.
- WEP Protection.
- MAC address control.
- Automatic scanning of connected PCs.
- Detailed security reports.
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Spam Cube (only available through manufacturer) - No subscription fee for blocking services.
- Optional anti-virus software subscription at $52/year.
- Scans incoming mail for viruses, SPAM, phishing and malware.
- Toolbar available for Outlook users.
- Easy setup; no software installation required.
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TrustEli Security Appliance (Merchant site) - Anti-spam features for each computer connected to the network.
- Anti-adware and malware software included.
- Content filtering options.
- Hardware firewall system.
- Optional anti-virus software subscription at $12/year.
- USB printing server capability.
- VoIP Support.
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A Wireless Hot Spot-Anywhere!
Kyocera's KR-1, a portable router that enables you to get onto the Internet from nearly anywhere you can receive a cell-phone signal, is a new product for consumers. Reaching speeds as fast as 2.4 Mbps, this is a nice item to have if you need to connect to the Web from a car, bus or camping trip. However, there are a few drawbacks, at least for now, to having one of these. - The KR-1 is limited to Alltel, Sprint and Verizon Wireless subscribers who have CDMA networks, which cost upwards of $80/month.
- In the fine print of your wireless contracts, some providers state that if you share your device or operate a server, you are subject to fines, loss of service, legal action and an overall array of trouble. Some wireless companies will charge you for every few bytes you transfer, so it's very easy to have a surprisingly large wireless bill on your hands after using the KR-1 improperly, so it's vital to make sure that you have a proper data plan.
- Wireless providers are tightening the reigns on data plans, placing restrictions on users that have not been seen before.
The concept of being able to connect to the Web from almost anywhere is tempting, but it pays to do your homework before taking a plunge such as this, especially one with potentially costly consequences.
Details on Networking Standards- 802.11b was the first popular standard.
- It supports bandwidth of up to 11 Mbps (half that or less in practice often).
- Operates at 2.4 MHz, the same frequency used by cordless phones, baby monitors and microwaves, making it more susceptible to incurring interference. Manufacturers prefer using unregulated frequencies to lower their production costs.
- It has the lowest cost with signal range that is the best and is not easily obstructed.
- Compatible with 802.11g.
- However it has slowest maximum speed and supports fewer simultaneous users.
- 802.11g is widely used in laptops.
- It combine the best of both wireless A and wireless B by supporting bandwidths of up to 54 Mbps (half that or less in practice often), and it uses the 2.4 Ghz frequency for greater range.
- Wireless G is backwards compatible with wireless B, meaning that wireless G access points will work with wireless B network adapters and vice versa.
- It has the fastest maximum speed and consequently supports more simultaneous users.
- Slightly more expensive than other standards
- 802.11a was the first standard adopted, which is now slightly outdated.
- Due to its higher cost, wireless A fits predominately in the business market, whereas wireless B and G better serves the home market.
- It supports bandwidth up to 54 Mbps and signals in a regulated 5 GHz range. The higher frequency means wireless A signals have more difficulty penetrating walls and other obstructions.
- It can easily support more simultaneous users and the regulated frequencies prevent signal interference from other devices.
- Requires a lot of power and is expensive.
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