Is it possible to access the internet without being "plugged in" to a modem?

Question

I just purchased a notebook computer, and a router. I was under the impression that I would be able to access the internet without being plugged in to anything. What does Wireless mean anyway?Don't dog me out, I'm new to this stuff.

Answer 1

Building a Wireless Network

If you want to take advantage of public WiFi hotspots or start a wireless network in your home, the first thing you'll need to do is make sure your computer has the right wireless gear. Most new laptops and many new desktop computers come with built-in wireless transmitters. If your laptop doesn't, you can buy a wireless adapter that plugs into the PC card slot or USB port. Desktop computers can use USB adapters, or you can buy an adapter that plugs into the PCI slot inside the computer's case. Many of these adapters can use more than one 802.11 standard.

Once you've installed your wireless adapter and the drivers that allow it to operate, your computer should be able to automatically discover existing networks. This means that when you turn your computer on in a WiFi hotspot, the computer will inform you that the network exists and ask whether you want to connect to it. If you have an older computer, you may need to use a software program to detect and connect to a wireless network.

A wireless router uses an antenna to send signals to wireless devices and a wire to send signals to the Internet.

Being able to connect to the Internet in public hotspots is extremely convenient. Wireless home networks are convenient as well. They allow you to easily connect multiple computers and to move them from place to place without disconnecting and reconnecting wires.

If you already have several computers networked in your home, you can create a wireless network with a wireless access point. If you have several computers that are not networked, or if you want to replace your Ethernet network, you'll need a wireless router. This is a single unit that contains:

1. A port to connect to your cable or DSL modem
2. A router
3. An Ethernet hub (ethernet.htm)
4. A firewall
5. A wireless access point

A wireless router allows you to use wireless signals or Ethernet cables to connect your computers to one another, to a printer and to the Internet. Most routers provide coverage for about 100 feet (30.5 meters) in all directions, although walls and doors can block the signal. If your home is very large, you can buy inexpensive range extenders or repeaters to increase your router's range.

As with wireless adapters, many routers can use more than one 802.11 standard. 802.11b routers are slightly less expensive, but they're slower than 802.11a or 802.11g routers. Most people select the 802.11g option for its speed and reliability.

Once you plug in your router, it should start working at its default settings. Most routers let you use a Web interface to change your settings. You can select:

* The name of the network, known as its service set identifier (SSID) -- The default setting is usually the manufacturer's name.
* The channel that the router uses -- Most routers use channel 6 by default. If you live in an apartment and your neighbors are also using channel 6, you may experience interference. Switching to a different channel should eliminate the problem.
* Your router's security options -- Many routers use a standard, publicly-available sign-on, so it's a good idea to set your own username and password.

Security is an important part of a home wireless network, as well as public WiFi hotspots. If you set your router to create an open hotspot, anyone who has a wireless card will be able to use your signal. Most people would rather keep strangers out of their network, though. Doing so requires you to take a few security precautions.

To keep your network private, you can use one of the following methods:

* Wired Equivalency Privacy (WEP) uses 64-bit or 128-bit encryption. 128-bit encryption is the more secure option. Anyone who wants to use a WEP-enabled network has to know the WEP key, which is usually a numerical password.

* >WiFi Protected Access (WPA) is a step up from WEP and is now part of the 802.11i wireless network security protocol. It uses temporal key integrity protocol encryption. As with WEP, WPA security involves signing on with a password. Most public hotspots are either open or use WPA or 128-bit WEP technology.

* Media Access Control (MAC) address filtering is a little different from WEP or WPA. It doesn't use a password to authenticate users - it uses a computer's physical hardware. Each computer has its own unique MAC address. MAC address filtering allows only machines with specific MAC addresses to access the network. You must specify which addresses are allowed when you set up your router. This method is very secure, but if you buy a new computer or if visitors to your home want to use your network, you'll need to add the new machines' MAC addresses to the list of approved addresses.

Wireless networks are easy and inexpensive to set up, and most routers' Web interfaces are virtually self-explanatory. For more information on setting up and using a wireless network, check out the links on the next page.

Answer 2

You need to make sure that the router you have is a "wireless" router. You also need to make sure the noteboot computer you have has a wireless card built in (most new notebooks do). Then, you need to plug your DSL or Cable modem into the wireless router. Check your router's manual on how to configure the security settings. Once this is done your notebook should be able to "see" your new wireless network and connect to it. If you set up security on the router, you'll need to enter the same security code on your notebook. Sorry I can't be more specific, but there are so many different routers and notebooks and they are all configured differently. The manual that came with the router should give you all the information you need though.

Answer 3

Nope, ya need a modem to connect to the internet. The router only splits the connection so people can share (you still need the modem to get on the internet). The only way you could get on the internet without a modem is if you had a wireless adapter in your computer and logged on to somebody else's router (say your neighbor down the street has a modem and a router). This is called logging into an unprotected network that's not yours and is generally a no no.

Answer 4

Most newer laptops do come with a wireless adapter built into them.

A wireless connection is a radio frequency sender and receiver.

If you have a wireless router you will have to set it up to be able to use the wireless function.

You can check the manufactures website to research their support for your model router. Most will offer free phone support to assist you in setting up router.

When you have router setup, notebook should detect your wireless network and ask you if you want to connect to it.

If you are NOT prompted you can always access the wireless wizard by clicking on Start then Programs, click Acessories, then Commuications and in there you will see the Wireless Network Wizard.

Run it and if you set your router up correctly you should easily connect :)

Additional information can be found here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless

Answer 5

Your wireless router need an existing broadband Internet connection so that you can surf the Internet anywhere in your house. (it's not a replacement for your cable or DSL service). If you need to connect out anywhere there are high speed services from the cellular carriers but they aren't as fast as hard wired cable or DSL and are rather expensive. There is a technology called WiMax that will be able to provide anywhere broadband.

Answer 6

wireless means you are not tied down to a single spot in your house or location you use your notebook. You can take it to the dining room, living room, den, bedroom, back porch, etc.

however, you still have to have a means to get the signal from its source to your router, hence, the modem. And it is best to put this in the center of your domicile, so the signal will get the best reception wherever your are.

the router must be hardwired to the modem - but on my PC - I am wireless in another room, because we did not want to run the wire to it!

hope this helps

Happy New Year

Answer 7

Get yourself a WiFi or Wireless card: these are not too expensive and once you have your transmitter/router working, you can sit in the loo for all it matters, and still be connected.

Of course, if only you had bought an Apple Mac, you would have had the Airport as a built-in thing, and that would have been that much easier!!

Answer 8

Wireless is used with a local network. You can set one up in your house or go somewhere that offers the service such as a coffee shop or bookstore. In your house you will have to pay for broadband service and transmit it through a router. Anywhere else it may be free or not depending on who is offering it.

Some people here a recommending to just turn it on and see if you can steal a signal from your neighbor. That is illegal.

Answer 9

you just need to connect to a wireless network. it is very important that you have a firewall because a lot of people can connect to your computer without you knowing about. and dont steal other peoples internet it is a felony. if it has a lock on it and its not yours dont try to acess it. just get your own internet and set up a wireless network using a router.

Answer 10

Wireless means your not tied to a land line(phone) or cable hookup. If you are wireless sometimes you can steal a signal from a neighbor that's wireless and get on line that way.