by Jennifer Claerr

Created on: July 26, 2009

There are many benefits to having a wireless home network. To take advantage of these benefits, you have to install the right equipment. A wireless local area network (LAN) requires a wireless router and access points to function properly. Many newer computers come with wireless access points already installed. However, if your computer is more than a few years old, you will need to install a wireless access point manually. It's also important to choose a wireless access point that is compatible with your router.

In order to choose the right wireless access point for your router, you'll need to understand wireless standards. Wireless-A operates at 54 megabits per second (Mbps). Although it's fairly fast, it has a range of only 75 feet. Wireless-A is incompatible with any other wireless standard because it operates at a different frequency, so you must purchase a Wireless-A access point and ensure that it's within the range of your Wireless-A router. Wireless-B is a slow standard, transferring data at only 11 Mbps. It has a range of up to 150 feet. Wireless-G transfers data at 54 Mbps, has a range similar to Wireless-B. Wireless-B and G are mutually compatible.

Wireless-N is the most sophisticated wireless networking technology. Although Wireless-N has not yet been ratified by the IEEE 802.11 Task Group N, Wireless N products are readily available on the market. Wireless-N devices can transfer data at speeds of over 100 Mbps. Wireless-N is compatible with itself, as well as Wireless-B and Wireless-G. Dual-band Wireless-N devices are also compatible with Wireless-A. Wireless-N also has a very wide range of up to 350 feet. It's always a good idea to buy ahead of the market, because computer equipment becomes obsolete so quickly. Thus, if you plan to be networking at home for many years to come, Wireless N is a wise investment.

Types of wireless access points include USB and PCI devices. USB wireless adapters usually used with laptop computers, but are also useful with desktops. They're also very convenient, because you don't have to open your computer to install them. PCI wireless access points are best for adding desktop computers to your wireless home network.

When setting up a wireless access point with your router, you have to keep in mind the limitations of the access point. If it's slower than your router or has a shorter range, this will place limits on your network. For that reason, it's best to always buy access points that have the same wireless

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