Some tips about wireless networking

A lot of people are getting on the wireless networking bandwagon these days, but are they doing it for the right reasons? Worse, once they get wireless set up, they think they're good to go. Let's clear a few things up:

1. Wireless is only a good idea when running network cable is impractical or when computer location makes cabling difficult. Why? See #2.

2. Wireless is still not as fast as wired. Even when a technology arrives that promises 'as fast as wired' speed, there will still be issues. Why? See #3.

3. Wireless works on a technology few consumers understand - radio frequency (RF). RF (especially at the high frequencies that wireless uses) cannot penetrate all walls and floors perfectly. But even more, RF suffers from interference from things as innocuous as your cell phone, cordless phone, microwave, wireless mouse - anything that produces RF energy (intentionally or otherwise). RF does NOT have to be the same frequency to interfere with other RF - it only has to have ooomph (or be close by).

4. Because wireless uses RF, you want to use products that maximize the efficiency of sending / receiving RF. Translation - the USB network adapter is not as good as the PCI adapter that fits inside your computer with the antenna hanging off the back. Visible antenna always trumps invisible antenna for performance.

5. You cannot get by (safely) by just hooking up a wireless network and carrying on. You need to set up the security features of your system (they are usually disabled by default). There may be more than one security feature to choose from. Translation - you need to read the damned manual! If you don't understand the manual, you need to get help setting up the security features properly. If you don't, you will have poor or no security and anyone with the desire will be able to use your internet connection as their own.

Don't get me wrong, wireless networking is a fantastic technology. I use it. But I only use it when my wired network just won't do (such as when I want to surf the net out on my porch). Most importantly, I know its limitations and I take them into account. For a good primer on wireless, read this article, then this one, then this one.