by Jade Stephen

Created on: October 08, 2008   Last Updated: November 13, 2008

On a daily basis wireless networks are becoming a more powerful norm. A wireless network provides convenience, and the technology is available and easy to use. So why not? Wireless networks can sometimes be very unreliable, and can also be a major cause of frustration. Routers may crash or become inoperative and send you on a wild goosechase to discover how to fix it. There are so many routers to choose from on the market, it can be hard to choose the right one for your uses. There are also many security risks involved in using this networking type! Any user who comes into contact with an unprotected signal can access your network, and your personal files. That means anything you send over the wireless signal could be read by anyone who is close enough to recieve your signal! Luckily, there are methods to ensure that your wireless network is safe and functioning correctly.

The first thing to consider in your quest for PC health with your wireless network is what router is best for me? This will determine the reliability, and quality of your signal. In many cases it will even help you prevent intrussion on your system. The key thing in looking for a router is making sure that the signal strength suggested on the box is appropriate for you, and that it has the security features required to keep you safe. The most commonly used router is the Linksys WRTG54, which is a basic two antenna wireless g router. It offers very reliable signal, and a very easy to use security features, that can be set up at the click of a button right out of the box. If you are concerned about your wireless security, Linksys is always a name that can be trusted. If this is not the router you are using don't despair! Most router companies will be happy to guide you through setting up their product and security features.

The next major concern in setting up your wireless network is choosing a wireless encryption type, which will provide you with a password for your router, and hopefully lock others out! There are two types of encryption being widely used currently, one is WPA the other is WEP. WEP can be very easily cracked due to its relatively short and static security codes, so its best to use a WPA type. Why? The answer is simple, WPA changes keys frequenlty with your system so that its not always the same, and difficult to decode. This means that people will have a much harder time cracking it and as of right now, it is your safest bet.

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