Friday, June 27, 2008

Broadband : Wireless Broadband Is Here To Stay

By Ray Lam

So you've got broadband. Great! After a while, though, many people find that they've got so used to having broadband on one computer that they want to be able to use it from any other ones they own, too - including their laptop, and computers that are nowhere near the broadband line. Traditionally, the solution to this has been to run expensive network cables through your house, making holes in your walls and restricting the movement of your computers. Recently, however, another option has become available: wireless broadband.

Wireless broadband works by using short-range radio waves to create a small area where your computers can be networked without wires - most wireless networks are no bigger than a house, although larger ones are possible.

In a Wireless network (WiFi) the computers within it can communicate with each other, and a password is set to prevent outside connection and interference. Firewalls are essential, and fortunately they are standard with most wireless routers. A network card fitted to every computer within the network is necessary too, and again, they're usually standard in most newer PC's and laptops. If one PC in your house doesn't have a network card, it can still be connected to the WiFi network by means of cables.

Wireless broadband can be seen as an extension of standard broadband. The provider sets up your regular service through your phone line, but also sets you up for access at special WiFi points outside the home. Similar idea to an internet caf, except you can use your own laptop and settings, and you can find them in places like motorway service stations, airports, train stations, and any other places that travellers frequent.

Wireless broadband can be either paid for monthly along with your standard tariff, or used on a pay-as-you-go basis for periods of up to an hour. It all depends on how much you travel, and how often you would use the service. Wireless broadband and wireless networking are slowly becoming more widely available as more providers catch onto the idea.

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