by Vic Ryan Agot

Created on: September 13, 2009   Last Updated: September 14, 2009

Wi-Fi is rapidly becoming the connection type of choice of most internet savvy consumers. Routers with Wi-Fi capability enhance your local network (LAN) at home by getting rid of Ethernet cables. Do you easily get annoyed with those running cables that could pose danger to people walking around and those cables dangling from your living room to your bedroom that are just eyesores? Without cables, you are not limited to how your computers are setup at home. If you prefer to change the layout of your network, you can easily move your devices without having to do a major overhaul of your connection ports and hardware components. All you need to do is take your wireless devices anywhere you desire, just as long as they are within the signal range of the wireless router (access point), your setup will be just fine. For folks who are not really geeky technical but would love to have a wireless network at home, here are some tips to consider before you shed some dollars for your network.

The Need - Again, Wi-Fi is pretty strange to some and sometimes, troubleshooting Wi-Fi connection can get complicated. If you only have one computer to hook-up to and you don't want to share it to anybody then you better be off with a standalone wired connection. It's cheaper and you are only required to have a modem. Usually, if one wants to setup a Wi-Fi network, a separate wireless router is needed, so that will cost you some extra money. However, there is also a type of modem that is already a combined router and modem, so ask your ISP if they offer that and which is best for you.

The Layout - You need to realize that Wi-Fi data is sent over the air through radio waves and we all know that other electronic devices disrupt wireless signal. Few examples are: microwave oven, electric fan, television, cordless phone, baby monitor and etc. Steel doors and walls are also hindrances, so check where you're going to put what first to make sure your computers and other wireless devices connect to your wireless router will less opposition. The wireless range of a router is limited and the rule of thumb in wireless connectivity is, the closer your devices are to the router, the better data transfer speed will be.

Compatibility - Over the years, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has been modifying the standards of wireless technology to continually improve its capabilities and data transfer speed. You need to be aware of the Wi-Fi standard your wireless device is

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