Wireless Networking by Ron Fugazzi

Transcription

1 Wireless Networking by Ron Fugazzi

2 Why Wireless Internet? Some devices require it. Ebook readers, smart phones, and tablets require wireless or cell phone connectivity to access the Internet. Desktop computers may not be equipped for it. Smartphones default to wi-fi connectivity. Computer mobility. Notebook computers and other portable devices are much more affordable than they were a few years ago. With a mobile computer and wireless home network, you aren't chained to a network cable and can work wherever in the house is most convenient. No unsightly wires. Unless your house is pre-wired with network cable, you'll save substantial time and energy avoiding the cabling mess and going wireless.

3 How Wi-Fi Works

4 A Home Network Diagram The traditional wired/wireless network diagram must be updated to include wireless devices. Smart phones Tablets Ebook readers

5 A Home Network Diagram II Gateway devices replace Modem and Router Smart phones Tablets Ebook readers

6 A Broadband Connection is Required for Home Networking A broadband connection is usually either cable or DSL provided locally by Comcast or ATT who are called Internet Service Providers (ISPs.) Either type of connection provides the basis for a wired and wireless network. A broadband modem, a modem and a router, or a gateway (which combines the modem and router) is required to use Internet service.

7 Comcast Wireless Service Comcast rents either a modem or wireless gateway to new customers and customers who subscribe to their TV, voice, and Internet services. Read this to find out all about the Comcast service: CCT=53BA3D76CB1473BFF49C79FE4AA86DFF1EE2DE626F409A5913A4360E452 AEFA8B A9B509C9B BDDC1A6E708F29E806856D24B0E75984FE0 9CFDD8B2F19CB35A C7FCFC95329F6AE51795BDE7BBC348E9B653757E 27756B51B250D29D3D6A FF7B7D0852

8 Comcast Wireless Gateway

9 ATT Wireless Internet Service ATT U-verse High Speed Internet provides security, protection, and built-in wireless home networking. Connecting to a U-verse Residential Gateway: nnect_uverse.pdf

10 U-verse Residential Gateway

11 You Can Use a Third Party Router with an ISP s Modem If you do not get a wireless gateway from your ISP, you can buy a broadband router to attach to the modem. Some advocate this. A home router may look something like this:

12 Issues in Setting Up a Wireless Network Normally a wireless signal will reach rooms in a home and perhaps to the patio and garage. This is not always true since the signal is affected by equipment, distance, interference, and building materials. To the extent possible, place the router or gateway in a location to minimize these problems. Range extenders can be purchased to address some of these problems.

13 Buying Equipment for use with a Wireless Network I Always check to see if the device you are buying contains a wireless adapter. Wireless connectivity is the cheapest -- no monthly data plan is required. The Kindle requires wireless to access the Internet. the ipad has a cellular network connection option. Super phones have wireless and cellular network capabilities. They default to wireless when available. Laptop computers almost always contain a wireless adapter desktop computers may not.

14 More Wireless Tips Buy all networking equipment from the same vendor. If you have a choice, connect computers using an Ethernet cable connection the throughput is about twice as fast as the wireless connection and you will always get the maximum signal strength.

15 More Wireless Tips II Wireless devices must be exactly paired with routers to achieve maximum rated speed don t pay for a ultra-fast router if your devices have older/slower adapters. The specification defines the over-the-air interface between a wireless client and a base station or between two wireless clients. Several versions of this specification are embodied in hardware in use and/or for sale: b, g, n, ac. Versions are backward compatible and each version provides an increase in speed, distance, and reduction of interference.

16 Setting Up a Wireless Network Here is Microsoft help for the process: Another way is to pay your ISP to install it.

17 Connecting Computer to a Wireless Network

18 View Wireless Networks (Click on a Net SSID to Connect)

19 Connecting to a Wireless Network (if Security Key Required)

20 Network & Sharing Control Panel (Connection Complete)

21 Connecting a Smartphone to a Wireless Network Go to: Settings Choose: Wi-Fi/SSID Enter: PW

22 Using Your Wireless Enabled Device with a Wi-Fi Hotspot Wi-Fi is often available free in airports, hotels, libraries, coffee shops.... You must setup your wireless enabled device to work with each network you use and, if secured, know the password. There is some concern about the security of this type of Internet access.

23 Wireless/Network Tips If you install a new gateway, you will have to reset all the devices that use your wi-fi network. The new gateway will come preinstalled with a new SSID and password. (This includes wireless printers which may have to be reinstalled.) If you lose Internet connectivity, power-cycle your gateway remove power cord from device, wait several seconds, replace cord, wait for the device to sync with network. You may need to reboot computer.