Wireless broadband is high-speed internet service available in public places, businesses, and homes. A wireless adapter is needed for laptops to connect to the signal. Security measures are important to prevent unauthorized access. Hardware includes a modem, router, and switch.
Wireless broadband is high-speed Internet service using wireless technology. It is available in Internet cafes, local “hot spots” in many cities, in private businesses and in many homes. The advantage of this type of Internet connection is that the computer receiving the signal does not have to be connected via an Ethernet or network cable to the modem or broadband router. The modem receives the service and broadcasts it over radio waves to the immediate area. Any wireless-capable computer within range can pick up the signal, making the Internet portable.
The most common way to take advantage of wireless broadband is to use a laptop. Your computer will need a wireless adapter, commonly available in a portable computer (PC) card format. This is a small credit card style device that plugs into an external port on your laptop. With a little software configuration, the laptop will start looking for a wireless signal. Once detected, a handshake is required between the laptop and the network. If the network is not protected by a strong password or other firewall protocol, the laptop will be able to connect to the wireless broadband signal.
In Internet cafes and other public access areas, a fee is sometimes required before wireless laptop access is granted. However, many cities have installed wireless broadband as a courtesy to their citizens, and public access is free. A user may need to find the right spots within the city to gain access, as the signals weaken the further they get from the source.
Because wireless broadband is transmitted over radio waves, secure passwords and firewalls are used on private networks to ensure that unauthorized people cannot connect to the network. Unwanted users can slow down network traffic by using up valuable bandwidth resources and can create other, more serious problems. Home users with wireless networks are also advised to install security measures. Unknown users who can connect through a personal network could download illegal material or commit other online crimes which, if investigated, would point to the person sending the wireless signal. Taking the proper precautions will help ensure that only you and those you have authorized are able to use the wireless connection.
To set up hardware for a wireless network, you need a wireless broadband modem, router, and switch, all of which can be combined into one inexpensive device. A telephone line is required for Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service, and cable television is required for cable broadband. A desktop usually serves as the primary computer that devices are connected to. There may be physical cables that need to run from your modem to your desktop, but the Internet signal itself is transmitted wirelessly and can be picked up by remote computers or laptops within your home or office.
Wireless broadband makes the Internet more convenient. When purchasing PC cards, consumers should be sure they support the speed of the wireless network as cheap cards may only support slower speeds.
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