by Helium01

Created on: December 19, 2009

If you have a computer or a laptop chances are that you have a wireless card installed inside of it. Most computers sold within the last three years have come equipped with network wireless cards. These cards allow the computer to connect to the Internet in a wireless connection. This means that if you have a cable modem or broadband in your office or residence you can pick up the signal via the wireless card without having to actually connect to the modem with a cable.

With the advancement of wireless networking technology also came what is known as free WiFi or “hot spots”. These are signals broadcast from a router or modem that is not security enabled and can be picked up by any computer with a wireless card that is within range. Some businesses such as public libraries and some coffee houses offer Internet to their customers for free. This is called free WiFi.

Some businesses or residential users simply don’t have their Internet connection enabled for security so people passing by or within range can connect to their system for free and these are referred to as “hot spots”.

You can also boost the range your wireless card can detect a signal from through the use of a peripheral device known as a signal booster or USB wireless adapter. You can purchase units that contain a wireless card inside with an external antenna which is stronger than the card and antenna your computer came equipped with.

Many of the USB wireless adapters that have signal booster antennae have interchangeable antennae depending on the strength of signal you wish to receive. These external signal boosters can come in several different styles depending on the strength of the receptor.

Two terms associated with signal boosters are the mW and the dbi. The mW is the megahertz or power of the wireless card itself. The higher the number the stronger the wireless card is. Generally you will find this number to be 500 or 1000.

The dpi comes in a much greater range. You can get antenna with anywhere from 2 dpi to 50 and more. The dpi refers to the strength of the antenna, the higher the number the stronger the signal and the further away the computer can be and still receive. Having a strong signal is beneficial to people who may travel a lot and need access to the Internet wherever they may be.

This is a simple introduction to wireless technology. If you are still not sure what sort of equipment or connection you need in order to access wireless Internet on your computer, it is best to visit your local computer store. Explain what your needs are and you are sure to find the peripherals that will help you to achieve your wireless goals.

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