Network Type

Speed

Frequency

Advantages

Disadvantages

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IEEE 802.11g

54 Mbps

2.4 GHz

■

Compatible with

■

Possible

 

 

 

 

IEEE 802.11b

 

interference from

 

 

 

 

networks

 

cordless

 

 

 

■

Longer range (100

 

telephones and

 

 

 

 

to 150 feet) than

 

microwaves

 

 

 

 

IEEE 802.11a

■

Not compatible

 

 

 

 

 

 

with

 

 

 

 

 

 

IEEE 802.11a

 

 

 

 

 

 

networks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Important The speed of a wireless network is related to signal strength. Signal strength is affected by the distance between your wireless network devices, by radio interference, and by interference from natural obstructions such as walls, floors, and doors.

The most common way to set up a wireless Ethernet network is Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP) using a wireless access point router. A DHCP network configuration uses an access point router to automatically assign IP addresses to each computer or network device.

Example access point router wireless Ethernet network

By using an access point, you can join a wireless Ethernet network and access a wired Ethernet network.

The following is an example of an access point wireless Ethernet network that shows how an access point also lets you access the Internet. The network is made up of an access point, a cable or DSL modem, and your computers. The access point is the central control point for the network. Attached to the access point is the cable or DSL modem that provides access to the Internet. Each of the computers or Ethernet-ready devices communicate with the access point using radio waves. If your computer does not have a built-in wireless Ethernet emitter, you need to add a wireless PCI card (desktop), PC card (notebook), or USB adapter.

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