In our article Internet at home posted on 12th November, we introduced internet as a concept to our readers.

Today we speak about “Wi-Fi” for homes. If you are not aware of this term, this article is just the one for you.

Let us look at the scenario in a typical home which takes a broadband connection.

• The service provider connects the telephone line to a splitter - enabling simultaneous talk and surf.
• One part of the connection is terminated into an ADSL/ADSL2+ modem or router and the other is plugged to your phone.
• The modem/router is then connected to your PC via either an ethernet connection or an USB connection depending on what ports you have on your computer.
• The whole thing is usually a messy affair and gets worse if you have more than one PC at home.

Now let us look at the solution at hand - Wireless technology!

For ages we have been using cordless telephones or infra red remote controls and we are sure that you enjoy their benefits.

Today a similar technology is available for internet too. It is colloquially known as Wi-Fi and in strict terms is based on IEEE 802.11 specifications.

So how does one go about making their home a wireless internet zone? The answer is very simple.

• Try and check with your service provider if they give a wireless router for rent instead of the wired router. You can also consider purchasing it from your service provider as a one time investment.
• If you already have a router at home which you have paid for, then an easy way out is to buy a Wireless Router and install it.

What exactly is needed for enabling Wi-Fi at home?

• If you plan to connect your PC/Desktop to the wireless network, you need to purchase a PCI based 802.11a/b/g card for the PC.
• If you plan to connect only your laptop to the wireless network, chances are that your notebook already has a wireless option built in. If not, you could purchase a USB/PCMCIA based wireless adaptor for your notebook.
• And last but not the least, you need a wireless modem/router or a combination of a regular modem+wireless router.

Image Courtesy : geeksquad.com

Who should go in for making their homes a Wi-Fi Zone?

• If you have more than one PC at home, enabling wireless at home can certainly reduce the cable mess.
• If you have one PC + a notebook(laptop) then the situation is ideal to go in for a wireless network. Point to be noted here is that most wireless routers give you an option to connect upto 4 devices, so sharing the same internet connection is a breeze!
• People having a duplex kind of a home, would find wireless internet to be an awesome experience. You could set the equipment some place at home and surf with your laptop from anywhere within.
• Wireless also gives options to people who are into music and gaming.

More details in the next part.