The World of Wireless Networking

Deciding on a Desktop or Notebook computer depends on the expectations of the consumer. Whether they are looking to establish an area to create and communicate, or have the mobility to go from home to other destinations, two things come to mind when it comes to connecting to the Internet, a Local Area Network (LAN for short; the ability to connect to a local network or Internet service provider through a wired connection to your computer), or a wireless connection. Depending on the person, the only thing that narrowly competes against these two choices is speed, and the work involved in setting up either one. Speed is really not the issue, since technology is quickly advancing, and making the wireless router and access point devices faster, and is basically an issue for those who download and depend on file transfer points (FTP, usually used in business to copy a file from a computer to another computer, over the Internet, and speed becomes noticeable based on the size of that file, and whether the setup of the network was purposely controlled in regards to bandwidth).

In the home, we have created a small area we declare the office. It is here where we will add on to and include scanners and printers, and other accessories, and it now has its own place in the home. Typically, depending on where the second or more desktop is, wires are run through the walls, ceiling, or floorboards to make a home network, and where everyone can enjoy the use of the Internet through the Internet Service Provider's modem. This is what I meant by established locations; a permanent place for the computer, where it will always be there, in a safe and controlled location. The notebook gives us more flexibility to go from room to room, take with us to work or travel, use for school, and at libraries, and it usually has both options built in. For a desktop, simply purchasing and installing a wireless card is done when running wires throughout certain locations are just not reasonably done, because of a homes structure, but this is rare. For those who own a mix of desktop and notebook, the use of a wireless router or access point sounds more reasonable instead of running more wires to every room, and giving the notebook its use of mobility.

Before acting like this is all simply understood, I think I better go over some of the devices just mentioned, addressing and describing the Modem, Router and Access point. I'll also include the Switch and Hub to also include what is available in computer networking.

Modems are the device that connects the home computer to the Internet, and is typically supplied by your Internet service Provider. It translates and communicates your computers language to the language that runs across the Internet, and the device also identifies who you are to your Service Provider, which is needed for the services they provide, to include troubleshooting when problems with connecting needs to be fixed.

-A Router device is typically connected in between the modem and your computers and has two functions; one is considered like a firewall where even the Internet Service Provider, when analyzing a connection can only see up to the router and not how many computers connect to the router in your home network. The router typically has four computer ports to expand your network to more than one computer. The modem has only one port for one computer. Also note that when your one computer is connected directly to the modem, it can be seen by your Internet Service Provider. The second is to locally assign each computer its own IP Address (to make sense, each computer gets assigned a set of Internet Provided Address numbers, much like house numbers, so that information can flow and be identified keeping the flow of information going to the intended computer, much like getting the mail to your home) to prevent sharing the same address and causing a problem with speed and connection of more than one computer. When starting a network, you want to get a router for these two reasons. You also want to know how to give each computer a different name, whether it be Computer one, computer two, Bobs computer, Mary's computer, kitchen computer, etc. this is done by right clicking on the My Computer icon on your screen, and left clicking Properties; then left click the computer name tab, and click the Change button. This is where you would also include a work group name that would be the same name for all the computers in your network. Wireless access points, switches and hubs do not assign IP Addresses, and even if you know the concepts of Dynamic and Static assignments of IP addresses, the router still holds the purpose of acting as the host of the IP addresses, which means it knows which computer holds what assigned IP Address (like 427 Main Street is where the Jones live). This is what is called a Domain Host Control Point (the Post Office).

-A wireless Access Point can also act like a router, since it can also assign and identify IP Addresses, but is still used secondly to the router, and typically is used in businesses where a secondary network is created. The difference in a router and an access point is the firewall capabilities, and where the router can make and assign one computer to be seen through the Internet, for the purpose of website and gaming capabilities.

-Switches and Hubs do not usually come with wireless capabilities, nor do they assign IP Addresses to each computer by those addresses. These two devices are used to expand wired port connections in the network. The only broad differences between a hub and switch is that when information is passed to an intended computer, a switch recognizes the computers IP Address, where a hub sends information to all computers connected to it, slowing down the traffic, if all computers connected to it are working for different types of information through the Internet and to other networking computers (like a shared P.O. Box). A hub is narrowly useful when all the computers in the network are after the same flow of traffic, such as video conferencing. In short, switches and hubs are used to extend the number of computers in a network, and only when one of the other two devices (Router or Access Point) exists to address the issue of computer identification.

Something tells me I best make the next statement obvious. By describing IP Addresses and how each device works with multiple computers that make up network using the analogy of the Unites States Postal Service and house numbers was just an example to help explain IP Addresses in a network. There is no comparison to computers and the USPS. To those who find it humorous, by all means laugh. To those who this statement was intended for laugh with us, as if you already knew this, and the rest of us will be none the wiser.

It almost looks like this should have been an article all by itself, but then referring back and forth from article to article would be a book of chapters spread across a web site. Besides identifying the purposes of each device was to help you be able to go to the store and know your options.

School is out, lesson over. Let's get back to some easy reading and understanding of the Wireless network. If you live in a city or suburban area, and are attempting to connect wireless, there may be a whole host of wireless connections found (this is done by enabling your wireless card, right clicking on the wireless icon found in the bottom right of your screen, and left clicking "View Available Wireless Networks". In the window that opens next one or more available wireless networks will pop up, or it will state "No wireless connections found"), and in the list of wireless availability, some will see a picture of a padlock, symbolizing that it is a secured network. Adversely, no padlock, no secured wireless connection. And this is who this article is intended for.

Although wireless networking has created a form of freedom to be mobile, and connect to the Internet from room to room, and even in the backyard, not reading the manual of how to setup your wireless router means your privacy to those computers on you network is vulnerable. If you're using a wireless router, and desiring to hold my explanation of a firewall, it still holds true. The Router acts like a firewall to the Internet, protecting your network from being seen, but the wireless connection is part of your network (behind this firewall), and where every computer can see each other on the network, so can those who connect wireless. When they connect wireless, they become part of your network. And, it is through this wireless connection that they also have the ability to see your computer. Typically seeing one wireless computer and accessing its shared and non-shared files directly depends if you have setup your computer to connect by a setting known as "ad hoc - computer to computer". This setting was designed for other portable devices like the pocket PC, but can be used to connect two wireless computers to share and swap information. By default your wireless computer will be set to look for a wireless router or access point, by default.

There are three types of situations where you usually will find an unsecured wireless network:

- A public office, or place of social gathering, such a library, but even libraries are learning to direct their unsecured connection to a website front page that asks you to sign in. These libraries find it useful to do it this way, so to give you access, and limit your time on their network, and it now offers some way of identifying you as a person, along with being able to know your computer by the hard coded Ethernet card. Many Hotels offer unsecured network connections as part of their service, but again, they are starting to direct new connections to a front page that requests you to sign in.

- Local stores such as restaurants and diners. Even some fast food places make wireless connections accessible, but like the above example, you are directed to a front page, where you agree to sign in, and pay for the connection. Have a credit card ready.

- The local home owner who bought the wireless device, and was told it was ready to use, from the box, but was either never told to read the manual on how to setup a secured wireless network, or the customer decided to put it off and just use it as it is. As long as their networks of computers are connected to the Internet, they are happy.

So what is the cost of someone connecting to your network wireless? Privacy. Sure, it sounds like there is no harm to running the wireless routing device unsecured, since the Internet Service Provider is charging you a flat monthly fee, but again, the wireless connection is inside your network, along with all the other personally owned computers that may be running. That should be all that has to be said. Legally, unless you can get physical proof that information was stolen, by obtaining access to the stranger's computer there is no legal issue. It's like undressing in front of your living room window, with no shades or curtains, people are going to watch.

Well, I made my point. Yes, hook up your wireless router, and get your network going. Once you know your network is running like it should, read the manual. Learn how to secure your network, and each computer that connects to it. Although the instructions are broad, and not as explanatory, there are books, and Internet self help articles that will help you better understand how to configure your wireless router or access point. If you still do not understand, or have not had you questions answered call technical support for your device. As their new purchaser, they will work with you. And, when all else fails, use Google search. The answers are out there.

In the manual, it will also tell you how to setup an administrative access password to gain access to the router or access point. This is to prevent any unauthorized changes, which could mean that the person who gains access could lock you out of these configurations. This would not usually happen, except by some prankster not staying long in your area.

The router is best described as a hardware firewall. There are also many software firewall products that offer individual computer protection. In the Windows operating system, you also can control access to your individual computer ports. Again, much of the understanding can be obtained through the Microsoft website, and lastly Google.

The router can also be configured to limit access to your network computers individually or by groups, done by time and date frames, should you be one of those parents looking to control your child's access to the Internet. Keep accessible the name of the wireless connection and key established for your wireless connection so to share with visiting family, friends, and guests, and this way they also can enjoy your hospitality and use of the Internet from their own laptop they brought with them.

Like many devices and machines, wireless does enhance your networking when it comes to mobility, and accessibility, but understanding its security features is necessary to maintain privacy.