How Does Wireless Internet WorkWireless Internet ExplainedHow does wireless internet work? Without wires, d-uh! Just kidding. Seriously, wireless internet service isn't very complicated. In non-technical terms I will explain how wireless works, and how you can get rid of the cords and go wireless! There are basically 4 essentials you'll need to go wireless. Besides your computer, you'll need the right service plan, a wireless router, a wireless adapter, and security. I will explain those four essential items that will get you online without wires and let you experience all the internet has to offer. So, how does wireless internet work? It starts with a plan... The Right Wireless Internet Plan  wireless and wired connections! Having the right plan begins by knowing what you want to do online. If you're using the internet for email and social networking your needs will be different than someone who watches movies and plays games. I've been on basically the same plan for years because it's reliable, and I find the speed adequate for what I do online. No sense in paying more for what I don't even need. In case you're wondering, I have the slowest ATT wireless internet service plan offered in my area. It allows up to 3Mbps downstream speed - they also offer upgrades to 6Mbps, 12Mbps, 18Mbps, or 24Mbps. How does wireless internet work at 3Mbps? Just fine. Unless you don't have patience to wait a few seconds for a page to load you won't need super fast internet. Knowing what you want to do online, you then look at the wireless internet providers offering service in your area. Don't forget to look at wireless bundles. Many providers offer bundled services that can save you money. Look for high speed internet, television packages, and mobile wireless plans grouped together at a savings. I have AT&T high speed internet bundled together with AT&T U-verse Television. Internet service will come into your house connected to a modem. The modem is usually offered by your internet service provider to assure it all works as planned. You won't have to worry about hooking it all up unless you are installing it yourself. If you are doing the install the service provider should have instructions specific to the service you order. Normally you would plug your computer(s) into the modem with an ethernet cable to create a wired network.  To go wireless you will connect the modem to a wireless router...Wireless Internet Router At home you'll need a wireless router. Your router will send a signal (the internet) throughout your house. It works like this, your internet signal comes into your home to your modem. Instead of plugging your computer into the modem (wired network) you will plug your wireless router into that modem to create a wireless network. Side note: Technology is advancing and changing all the time. Today's super sexy top of the line routers may be old news in a short period of time. Not to worry, you can expect many good years from a router before you need to think about an upgrade. Also, you can usually have a combination of wired and wireless on your network. You can plug the desktop in with a wire, and access with your laptop wireless. How does wireless internet work with a wired network? I don't know. Seriously. Non-technical, remember. All I know is that you can have a wired connection and a wireless connection at the same time. Cool. Today's routers make it super simple to get started with wireless internet. I'm talking plug & play technology that anyone can understand. Top of the line wireless routers will set you back 150 dollars or more but should provide many years of service with the best the internet has to offer. Now that your internet is being sent through your router as a wireless signal, you need to receive that signal on your computers. You need a wireless adapter...Wireless Internet Adapter Each laptop or desktop computer you want to connect to your (or anyone's) wireless network needs an adapter that will pick up a wireless signal. If you also (or optionally) want to use your laptop in the local coffee shop or while you travel you'll still need that adapter to pick up the WiFi signal. A wireless adapter comes built into many computers, but that doesn't mean you are stuck with whatever came installed. If you want to upgrade, or if you just don't have a wireless adapter you can easily add a usb wireless adapter to just about any computer. These days you can get a brand new dual band wireless-N adapter (fast) for under 60 dollars - at the moment that's the top of the line choice for the best signal reception. Watch this short 42 second video to find out Now you're connected, and you're wireless! Now you need to make sure you stay safe online, your kids stay safe online, and your information stays yours. Now you need security...Wireless Internet Security If you don't think about security until you need security, it's too late. Identity theft isn't a joke, and it's not the only thing to protect against. How does wireless internet work without security? Just fine, until something bad happens. Are you willing to risk everything? While most people online mean you no harm, there is a small yet dangerous element online you can't ignore. Besides stealing your identity, your money, and destroying your credit (as if that weren't enough) they also spread viruses, malware, spyware, and adware just to name a few. It has been estimated that there are thousands of email messages sent every day, designed to steal personal financial information. Sometimes all you have to do is open the wrong email and it's too late. Internet security protects you against those nasty emails and other threats to your family and information. Good wireless internet security is always updating itself. As new issues are discovered the software is updated automatically to protect you. Good security also includes many layers designed to catch the many different ways your information could be under attack. Many routers include firewall software, but you'll need more than that to be safe. This is one case where it truly is better to be safe than sorry. Which security software should you buy? I personally use, am happy with, and recommend McAfee. It includes Firewall, Virus Scans, automatic updates, and lots more to protect my computer, files, internet & network, plus email and instant messenger protection. There are many good security software packages out there, so do a little reading, ask some trusted friends, and you will find something that you will be happy with. Read more about Internet Security Now that you're online and surfing safe, you might want to try surfing from your favorite coffee shop or while you're traveling. It's time to use WiFi. I like to bring my laptop when going out of town, and around town I use wifi almost every week in various public locations. WiFi is free every place I use it. To use WiFi you first need to find the signal where it is the strongest. You need a WiFi signal finder...WiFi Signal Finder The fast and affordable way to locate the best wifi signal The true freedom of wireless internet is your ability to not only go online from any room, but also from just about any location worldwide. WiFi is quickly becoming more the rule than the exception at many public locations including airports, restaurants, book stores, coffee shops, hotels, libraries, college & university campuses, camp grounds, trains, cruise ships, airplanes, parks, rest areas, downtowns, entire towns and cities, and many more locations. Many, if not most of these, are free. With your laptop or wifi enabled smart phone the world is always at your fingertips. Use a WiFi Signal Finder to locate a wifi signal. Save your computer battery for surfing, not finding a signal. Use the signal finder to not only find a signal, but also find the best location with the best signal. You can get a wifi signal finder for a little as ten dollars so they are very affordable. They are also small enough to store on a keychain or in your pocket, laptop bag, or carry-on bag. Find free wifi hotspots in your area There you have it, wireless step-by-step: the right service plan, a wireless router, a wireless adapter, and security. Once you have the essentials you're ready to start enjoy the internet without wires.In my opinion, internet without wires is how it was meant to be enjoyed - - the world at your fingertips without restrictions! Enjoy! Frequently Asked Questions from Readers: How does wireless internet work outside? As long as you aren't out of range, around 300 feet for wireless-n, it will work just like you were inside. How does wireless internet work in bad weather? Your network should not experience any loss of signal in bad weather unless you have satellite internet How does wireless internet work on desktop computers? The same as laptops. If you have a desktop too far to plug into the network with a cord, wireless is your answer. How does wireless internet work if I don't have a good signal? A low or weak signal will make wireless work slower or not at all. You will have to move closer to the signal source. How does wireless internet work if the power is out at my house? It won't. Your computer will work if you have battery life, but the router needs power to work. How does wireless internet work if I have 3 computers? In general, just fine. Most networks are capable of connecting several computers. If someone is a heavy user you may need an upgraded service plan. How does wireless internet work in public? Public wireless, WiFi, is pretty much the same as home wireless. The signal is provided by whoever runs the establishment as a benefit for it's customers. Your laptop adapter picks up the signal and gets you online. How does wireless internet work in other countries? You can go online anywhere in the world you can find a wireless signal. Did you find this information useful? Contact me with your questions, comments, and suggestions! Home < What is Wireless Internet < How Does Wireless Internet Work < You Are Here New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read!Leave me a comment in the box below. |
Join us:
