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Wireless networking (aka WiFi)
By Staff, posted 9/8/2003 4:45:27 PM

Popularly known as WiFi, wireless networking has had a lot of attention lately, thanks to the proliferation of "hotspots" popping up in urban areas.

WiFi networking is starting to appear as standard gear in many new notebooks (especially those using Intel's new Centrino technology) and handhelds. But even if it's not built in, adding WiFi to an computer is as easy as installing a USB, PC Card, or internal WiFi adapter. Handhelds can add WiFi using CompactFlash or SecureDigital adapters.

The catch: to use WiFi, you will need a base station hooked into your office or home network, or you'll have to find a "hotspot" that is a public space with a WiFi base station.

Wireless networking comes in a few varieties as well:

802.11b

The string of numbers and letters refers to a specification approved by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). In this case, the specification is networking (802) wirelessly (11), version b.

It was the first of the wireless networking standards to gain a foothold in office and home environments, and is virtually synonymous with "WiFi" in most people's minds.

It can transfer data at up to 11 megabits per second (22 Mbps using a revised version of the standard). While many devices claim ranges up to 400 m from the base station, it's more realistic to expect ranges of 90 m or less (much less if you're working in an environment with a lot of walls).

802.11g

The 11g standard is picking up steam, and for good reason: it offers a much faster speed of 54 Mbps, but is also backwards compatible with 11b, so you don't have to replace 11b equipment. Keep in mind, though, that in a connection between 11b and 11g devices, you're limited to the slower 11b transfer rate. The range is about the same: 90 m.

802.11a

Released after 11b became popular, 11a is the forgotten child of the wireless networking. It sports a speed of 54 Mbps and bumps the radio frequency up from the crowded 2.4 GHz spectrum (which both 11b and 11g use) to 5 GHz. This, theoretically, eliminating interference from other devices. Unfortunately, the higher frequency means the radio waves have a much harder time getting through solid objects -- like walls -- meaning that 11a has a much shorter range than the other two. Consequently, 11a is mostly found in corporate environments.