I plan on getting a wirless adaoter installed into my computer, and I already have a internet provider, so before I install the adapter, I need to know if it will be compatible with the wirelss router I have, and if install any software or programs to get it to work.
2007-01-18 02:50:04 · 4 answers · asked by Naomi R 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
Wireless computer networks use the same band (frequency range) that 2.4 GHz cordless telephones use. The communications are Full-Duplex (communication is possible going both ways simultaneously). This technology also allows for encryption, similar to that used by banks for their online services. This technology is reasonably secure when properly configured. Wireless networks have different speeds, a, b, and g - each are a different standard by the IEEE (a body of engineers who examine the capabilities and set the standards for manufacturers to follow).
The radio frequencies are part of the public use airwaves that do not require a license as long as the transmission does not exceed a certain strength. Be aware that Wireless networking uses microwave transmission and long term exposure to the router can lead to health problems if you have it too close to where you sit while working on the computer. The wireless router should be at least two feet - three feet or more is highly recommended - away from your body at all times. (Many FM radio stations also use microwave transmission - don't worry too much about this)
Most wireless routers "out of the box" still do not have encryption turned on by default, so if you have a wireless router, read your manual and make sure that your network is secure, especially if you use online banking, make credit card purchases, or type in a password for any online service over the internet.
The only compatibility problems I have seen is that some routers (i.e. the brand) will accept a passphrase and an adapter of a different brand may not be capable of connecting due to special characters being used (this has to do with unicode compatibility - look for this on the box for the adapter). Try to get the same brand if at all possible, or use UPPER and lower case letters along with numbers 1,2,3, etc in the passphrase. Also make certain that the encryption technology you want to use is supported on both the router and the adapter (WPA-2, for example).
Choose the longest and most complicated passphrase possible - you will only have to type this a couple of times - thankfully! You can also save your wireless configuration to a flash drive if you choose, or you can just pound on the keyboard (in notepad), then copy/paste your passphrase - its what I do!
2007-01-18 03:33:54 · answer #1 · answered by Wire Tapped 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only thing you have to worry about is making sure that the standards are compatible. There are 4 standards of wireless. 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11b/g.
The only thing you have to do is determine what the router is and get the card that is compatible. b and g are the two most common, g begin the fastest of the two. So get just get the card that is the same standard as your router. Also, it doesn't matter the brand typically, BUT, it helps to try to get the same brand. They work better together.
As for software, it may come with drivers already, otherwise, there is no third party software you have to buy.
2007-01-18 02:58:41 · answer #2 · answered by geigan1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They use radio waves, very much like a walkie-talkie or CB radio. Wireless networking is standards based, any manufacturer's equipment will work with any other's. You don't need any special software other than the drivers for the wireless NIC.
2007-01-18 02:57:18 · answer #3 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they work well without wires
2007-01-18 02:52:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋