If you just bought a printer with wireless capability and still using cable to print because you think that setting up a wireless printer is a complicated task, then you are missing a lot. Being able to print anywhere in your home without the need to carry or move the printer around is a great flexibility and convenience you get from wireless technology. This is especially true if you are using a laptop computer which generally is about portability. This article will show you how to setup a wireless printer in an existing wireless network. (Printer used is HP J4680 All-in-One)

Step 1: Make sure the printer is ON as well as the wireless radio button. On the printer control panel, press the setup button to access the menu. Go to Wireless Menu and press OK. Press the arrow to go to Setup Wizard and press OK so the printer will automatically search for wireless networks in range. If your neighbors have wireless networks, it will be listed as well. So choose the name of your wireless network (SSID) and press OK. If your network has WEP/WPA security key, you will be asked to enter it. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the keys. After the printer confirms the connection, you are half-way done. If there is error message, make sure that the network name and security keys are correct.

Basically, this step is all about acquiring IP Address for your wireless printer from your wireless router to become part of the network.

Step 2: If step 1 is successfully completed, your wireless printer should now have its own IP Address. To check, go to Control Panel then Hardware & Sound then click Add Printer. Choose “Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer” and click Next. If you see the wireless printer and its corresponding IP Address from the list, then its good to go. Another way to check is to open a command prompt and enter “ping” followed by space and type the IP Address and hit Enter. If there is Reply, it means that the printer is now connected to the network.

Step 3: Insert the Start-up CD and on the menu, click “Install Network/Wireless Device” and then follow the onscreen instructions. This is pretty much straight forward installation. If your firewall or anti-virus displays any warning message, choose permit or allow option to continue installation. The last part will let you print a test page.

Step 4: If you encountered problems using Start-up CD, Windows Vista has a huge collection of device drivers within the operating system that you can use to make your device work properly. Go to Control Panel then Hardware & Sound then click Add Printer. Choose “Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer” and click Next. Choose your wireless printer and click Next. Select the Manufacturer and printer model and by clicking Next, Windows Vista will install the driver for you. Print a test page to make sure it is properly installed.

Step 5: After you have completed the above instructions successfully, you can now enjoy the convenience of printing from anywhere in your home. Your existing wireless router serves as the access point between your wireless printer and laptop computer.

TIPS:

*  SSID or Service Set Identifier is the name of your wireless network. WEP/WPA key is the passphrase or passkey that is used to access the wireless network. Both of these information is required when you first try to access the internet. Contact your ISP provider or network admin if you do not know these info.

*  Steel cabinet, walls, microwave ovens, or cordless phones interferes with your wi-fi signal so make sure you put your printer away from these if you’re experiencing low signal strength.

*  Always add WEP/WPA security key to your wireless network for added security.

*  If you do not have wireless router, you can still connect your laptop and printer wirelessly via peer-to-peer network known as ADHOC.

Related Topic: How to print wirelessly from portable devices using Bluetooth

How to share file between phone and laptop using Bluetooth

The Yankee Group 2006 Transatlantic Wireless Business Survey reveals that more than 40 percent of today’s workforce is considered mobile. Increased workforce mobility is attributed to a number of factors, including new tools and technologies in telephony and wireless communications that enable a more remote workforce. The greater demand for work-life balance is also encouraging telecommuting and home-based workers while globalization is necessitating a more flexible workforce that can adapt to changing multi-geographical demands.

The growing mobile workforce is prompting many companies to change the way they build and support IT. Many are redesigning enterprise applications, services and productivity tools to fit the needs of a mobile workforce.

According to Gareth Bellis, Network Services Director for Lanworks Australia, “a wireless infrastructure improves staff performance and efficiency by empowering key users with the ability to move around effortlessly within the enterprise.”

He says that as businesses expand and move, wireless technology enables rapid deployment of temporary locations, such as shop front, construction site or new office. “It also prepares an enterprise for emerging technologies including paperless transactions with digital signatures. This is particularly helpful among customer facing staff (retail, professional services),” adds Bellis.

Another emerging technology is Voice over WiFi (convergence of MobileLanVoIP), which enables staff to seamlessly, and effortlessly transition from mobile telephony to their desk phones.

Challenges

Enterprises must overcome several challenges before making the leap towards the wireless environment. Chief among this is security. Adoption of new standards, such as IEEE 802.11i, also known as WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) offers the most promising protocol in terms of ensuring stability and security of wireless environment.

Billis notes that WPA2 using certificates (encryption level determined by the level of security required) is the only type of wireless security that is not hackable right now. “Logical or physical limitations can also be implemented on the access points and physical network devices they are attaching to in order to increase security levels, for example which protocols to allow to traverse your wireless and physical network. Combining wireless security as well as applying security restrictions across network layers is the most effective way of achieving a completely secure wireless network,” he explains.

Most enterprises have legacy devices that do not support the security standards required by enterprise. Apprehension exists over ineffective security and protection of corporate data particularly among publicly listed companies that must meet certain security and legislative standards. In some conservative enterprises there maybe apprehensions over the use of new security standards such as WPA2, the simple fact is that these standards are often the most secure.

Security is subject to Moore’s Law. We keep building faster and cheaper computers that can then crack previously uncrackable security standards. Therefore security must be reviewed and upgraded as a part of an enterprises IT strategy, or ITIL framework.

Implementing the right security framework, standards, and infrastructure can lead to initial slower deployment timelines and may require additional investment. However it is critical to get it right the first time.

Today’s wireless technologies have a bandwidth limitation significantly more acute than wireline counterpart. An increase in the number of users will result in connection speed degradation, particularly with applications that are not geared to support web connections. When coupled with higher security requirements, the result can be even slower transfer between access points in an organization.

Best practices

It is important for an organization to set up policy as to who can access the network wirelessly and when. Once these policies are in place, stick by them.

Consider performing a capacity planning exercise at the onset to determine the type of bandwidth the organization can sustain.

A site audit or survey prior to installing wireless access points is critical to ensure that the organization provides the connectivity where it is needed. Building materials, environment conditions and interference from other wireless devices and networks influence the design and location of access points. Perform regular audit and penetration testing to ensure the connection remains stable and consistent over the life of the infrastructure.

Most organizations will have wired networks in place. A wireless infrastructure is meant to be an extension of this network, not its replacement. It is therefore important to guarantee that the wireless network is integrated into the existing infrastructure management systems.

In wireless networking a service set identifier (SSID) is a code attached to all packets on a wireless network to identify each packet as part of that network. All wireless devices attempting to communicate with each other must share the same SSID. As a rule, don’t broadcast your SSID. Use MAC filtering as well as encryption for access control.

Reduce the distance the access point transmitter will reach to reduce coverage outside of the office or store location. This is difficult to do and can only be achieved by trial and error. Combine access point restrictions as well as protocol control on the wired network to restrict access to information on the local network based on requirements.

A business case for 3 Australia to go wireless

When mobile operator 3 Australia wanted to migrate its customers from 2G to 3G, it realized that beyond the preparation of a glitzy marketing campaign, it also needed to make sure its 43 retail outlets and 45 dealers would be able to cope with the onslaught of new business. But rather than opening additional store fronts it decided to consider using technology to cope with the new business potential.

Wireless technology was quickly seen as meeting that need. But with a window of less than six weeks to go from concept to deployment, the company turned to outside help. The business of designing and implementing a new solution went to Lanworks, a Sydney-based integration shop.

According to David Bickett, 3’s General Manager of Consumer Sales and Micro-Business Lanworks had to come up with a solution that met specific sales, marketing and compliance requirements, and be responsive to changing customer dynamics.

Lanworks worked within the physical constraints of existing stores and accommodated 3’s shift to retail kiosks. Tablet PCs equipped with 3’s NetConnect Card for high-speed wireless broadband access were selected to create a wireless transaction capability for staff.

“There were a number of complexities in this project, not least of which were scale and time constraints. Lanworks needed to address and manage multiple business issues including security, protecting the integrity of the existing wired retail network; and development of digital signatures to enable the paperless contract solution,” explained Aaron Dormer, Managing Director for Lanworks. “The end solution involved over 200 individual pieces of hardware and integration between multiple enterprise applications and data points.”

The solution rolled out debunks the notion that retail sales need to take place behind a counter. The innovation opportunity for 3 in terms of workforce management, cue busting at peak periods, use of floor space, roaming sales professionals and obviously, ability to service business customers off site and of course, customer service over a coffee at a cafe instead of after a half hour cue at a counter.

3 understand that technology is not just about cost, but it is an investment. The return on that investment will be measured in customer satisfaction.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

GAP WIRELESS to exhibit its wireless technology solutions at the 2008 Wireless & Mobile Expo and Conference

May 15, 2008 – Toronto, Canada – GAP WIRELESS will exhibit its wireless technology solutions at the upcoming 2008 Wireless & Mobile Expo and Conference, scheduled on July 15 & 16, 2008 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada.

GAP WIRELESS has partnered with the best of breed manufacturers in the PCS/Cellular Infrastructure, Coverage Enhancement, In-Building, and Broadband Wireless Access space to allow us to focus on and support our key customers in the Wireless Service Provider, Government, Enterprise, Education, and Public Safety sectors with the most up to date solutions for wireless voice, data, and video transport and access solutions. GAP WIRELESS serves both public and private sector clients with Wireless Technology solutions and onsite professionals in support of these main disciplines: PCS/Cellular Infrastructure, Wireless Coverage Enhancement, Last Mile Connectivity, Back Haul, Mesh Networks, and Wi-Fi.

The Wireless Mobile Expo and Conference will bring into light the latest products and solutions that brought appreciable revolution in the worlds approach to the technology in the Wireless and Mobile service industry, such as Enterprise Wireless Networking, Wi-Fi, Mobile Convergence, Bluetooth, WiMax, Wireless Broadband, Mobile Devices, Wireless Security, Mobile Computing, VoIP and much more.

To register for Early-Bird Passes, please visit http://wirelessandmobile.wowgao.com/registration

More details about the event can be found at http://wirelessandmobile.wowgao.com/

About WowGao Inc.

WowGao Inc. is an Event Management Company that organizes and manages internationally renowned conferences and expositions focusing on latest innovations and developments in Information Technology Industry since 2003. We have been honored with an award for our excellence. Our featured events are:

- 2008 Government & Health Technologies Conference and Expo, April 15 & 16, 2008

- 2008 Wireless & Mobile Expo and Conference, July 15 & 16, 2008

- 2008 RFID Forum, July 15 & 16, 2008

For more information about the events, please visit http://www.wowgao.com/

For any media queries:

Director of Marketing,

416-292-0038 ext 812

attendee@wowgao.com

Obtaining and connecting to wireless Internet access is rather simple and can be easily accomplished by both the residential and business user.  The result is well worth the effort and will become the biggest advantage to using your laptop PC.

To set up a wireless connection, you must have a broadband Internet connection.  This service can be obtained from your local cable company at a monthly cost.  The service is provided to you through a high speed cable connection set up in your business or residence.

Once your broadband Internet connection is installed, you will need to purchase a wireless router and a wireless network adapter.  The wireless router acts as a base for your broadband Internet connection and converts the connection into wireless access.  The wireless network adapter is needed if you have an older computer that does not have wireless capability. The adapter will assist your computer in connecting with the router.  If you have a newer computer with built-in wireless capability, there is no need to purchase a wireless network adapter.

When connecting the wireless router you will need to disconnect the DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) modem that was installed with your broadband Internet connection.  Connect the router to your DSL modem by disconnecting the network cable from the back of your computer and connecting it to the Internet port located in the back of the router.

Reconnect the DSL modem and wait until it connects to the Internet before engaging the wireless router.  You will know when your router is functioning properly when the light is on signaling an Internet connection.

You will need to configure the wireless router through Internet Explorer.  This is easily accomplished by typing in the URL address and identification number of the router.  This information can be located in the instructions that are included with the purchase of the router.  You will need to read the instructions due to the fact that the configuration settings procedure will vary according to the brand of the wireless router you purchased.

If your computer has built-in wireless capability it should automatically locate the wireless connection.  If it is necessary to go with the network adapter, you will need to connect it to an available USB port on your computer.  For Windows XP and higher, it will automatically find the adapter and then walk you through the configuration.

For best results, the wireless router should be placed in a central location and away from metal objects that could potentially interfere with the wireless signal.  If the signal tends to be consistently weak you can always employ a wireless repeater to extend the range and strengthen the signal.

If you have cordless telephones in your business or residence, be sure to set your wireless router on a different channel for wireless Internet other than the channel used by your telephone.  If you omit this step, your Internet connection will pick up the telephone signal and constantly disconnect every time the telephone rings.

Wireless connectivity means greater mobility and flexibility when it comes to your computing experience and expansion of your computer’s capabilities thanks to high speed wireless.

I. INTRODUCTION

In our present electricity generation system we waste more than half of its resources. Especially the transmission and distribution losses are the main concern of the present power technology. Much of this power is wasted during transmission from power plant generators to the consumer. The resistance of the wire used in the electrical grid distribution system causes a loss of 26-30% of the energy generated. This loss implies that our present system of electrical distribution is only 70-74% efficient. We have to think of alternate state – of – art technology to transmit and distribute the electricity. Now- a- days global scenario has been changed a lot and there are tremendous development in every field. If we don’t keep pace with the development of new power technology we have to face a decreasing trend in the development of power sector. The transmission of power without wires may be one noble alternative for electricity transmission.

William C. Brown, the leading authority on wireless power transmission technology, has loaned this demonstration unit to the Texas Space Grant Consortium to show how power can be transferred through free space by microwaves. A block diagram of the demonstration components is shown below. The primary components include a microwave source, a transmitting antenna, and a receiving rectenna.

Fig.1 Block of wireless power transmission

The microwave source consists of a microwave oven magnetron with electronics to control the output power. The output microwave power ranges from 50 W to 200 W at 2.45 GHz. A coaxial cable connects the output of the microwave source to a coax-to-waveguide adapter. This adapter is connected to a waveguide ferrite circulator which protects the microwave source from reflected power. The circulator is connected to a tuning waveguide section to match the waveguide impedance to the antenna input impedance.

The slotted waveguide antenna consists of 8 waveguide sections with 8 slots on each section. These 64 slots radiate the power uniformly through free space to the rectenna. The slotted waveguide antenna is ideal for power transmission because of its high aperture efficiency (> 95%) and high power handling capability.

A rectifying antenna called a rectenna receives the transmitted power and converts the microwave power to direct current (DC) power. This demonstration rectenna consists of 6 rows of dipoles antennas where 8 dipoles belong to each row. Each row is connected to a rectifying circuit which consists of low pass filters and a rectifier. The rectifier is a GaAs Schottky barrier diode that is impedance matched to the dipoles by a low pass filter. The 6 rectifying diodes are connected to light bulbs for indicating that the power is received. The light bulbs also dissipated the received power. This rectenna has a 25% collection and conversion efficiency, but rectennas have been tested with greater than 90% efficiency at 2.45 GHz.

II. THE TECHNOLOGIES AVAILABLE

In this remarkable discovery of the “True Wireless” and the principles upon which transmission and reception, even in the present day systems, are based, Dr. Nikola Tesla shows us that he is indeed the “Father of the Wireless.” The most wellknown and famous Wardenclyffe Tower (Tesla Tower) was designed and constructed mainly for wireless transmission of electrical power, rather than telegraphy [1]. The most popular concept known is Tesla Theory in which it was firmly believed that Wardenclyffe (Fig.2) would permit wireless transmission and reception across large distances with negligible losses [2]. In spite of this he had made numerous experiments of high quality to validate his claim of possibility of wireless transmission of electricity (Fig.3). But this was an unfortunate incidence that people of that century was not in a position to recognize his splendid work otherwise today we may transmit electricity wirelessly and will convert our mother earth a wonderful adobe full of electricity.

Fig.2. The 187-foot Wardenclyffe Tower (Tesla Tower)

The modern ideas are dominated by microwave power transmission (MPT, Figure 3) called Solar power satellite to be built in high earth orbit to collect sunlight and convert that energy into microwaves, then beamed to a very large antenna on earth, the microwaves would be converted into conventional electrical power.

Fig.3. The basis for Tesla’s system for the wireless transmission of electrical

power[3].

III. MERITS, DEMERITS & ECONOMICS OF

WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES

3.1 Merits

An electrical distribution system, based on this method would eliminate the need for an inefficient, costly, and capital intensive grid of cables, towers, and substations. The system would reduce the cost of electrical energy used by the consumer and rid the landscape of wires, cables, and transmission towers.

There are areas of the world where the need for electrical power exists, yet there is no method for delivering power. Africa is in need of power to run pumps to tap into the vast resources of water under the Sahara Desert. Rural areas, such as those in China, require the electrical power necessary to bring them into the 20th century and to equal standing with western nations. The wireless transmission will solve many of these problems The electrical energy can be economically transmitted without wires to any terrestrial distance, so there will be no transmission and distribution loss. More efficient energy distribution systems and sources are needed by both developed and under developed nations. In regards to the new systems, the market for wireless power transmission is enormous. It has the potential to become a multi-billion dollar per year market.

The increasing demand for electrical energy in industrial nations is well documented. If we include the demand of third world nations, pushed by their increasing rate of growth, we could expect an even Faster rise in the demand for electrical power in the near future. These systems can only meet these requirements with 90–94 %efficient transmission [3, 8].

High Transmission Integrity and Low Loss: – To transmit

wireless power to any distance without limit. It makes no difference what the distance is. The efficiency of the transmission can be as high as 96 or 97 per cent, and there are

practically no losses.

 

3.2. Demerits

 

Biological Impact: – One common criticism of the Tesla wireless power system is regarding its possible biological effects. Calculating the circulating reactive power, it was found that the frequency is very small and such a frequency is very biologically compatible [3, 8].

 

3.3.Economic Impact

 

The concept looks to be costly initially. The investment cost of Tesla Tower was $150,000 (1905). In terms of economic theory, many countries will benefit from this service. Only private, dispersed receiving stations will be needed. Just like television and radio, a single resonant energy receiver is required, which may eventually be built into appliances, so no power cord will be necessary! Monthly electric utility bills from old-fashioned, fossil-fuelled, lossprone electrified wire-grid delivery services will be optional, much like “cable TV” of today. In the 21st century, “Direct TV” is the rage, which is an exact parallel of Tesla’s “Direct Electricity.”

IV. ADDITIONAL REMARKS

Many concepts, research papers, patents are available on wireless transmission of electricity but most research work were carried out in isolation, so it needs a joint collaborative efforts to get a very useful results on this advanced technology on power transmission for the benefit of mankind globally in future. Whatever the future may bring, the universal application of these great principles is fully assured, though it may be long in coming. With the opening of the first power plant, incredulity will give way to wonderment, and this to ingratitude, as ever before.

The world is still not able to achieve the benefit of the God gifted potential of Dr N.Tesla. People neglected him and his good work. He deserved much better treatment from the tycoons of his age, than to spend the last 40 years of his life in abject poverty. However, he was too much of a gentleman to hold a grudge. Instead, regarding the magnifying transmitter, Tesla wrote in his autobiography, “I am unwilling to accord to some small-minded and jealous individuals the satisfaction of having thwarted my efforts. These men are to me nothing more than microbes of a nasty disease. My project was retarded by laws of nature. The world was not prepared for it. It was too far ahead of time. But the same laws will prevail in the end and make it a triumphal success.” [3, 8-9]. If this has had not been happened, then today we will be in a wonder world of plenty of power using the technology of wireless transmission of electricity.

V. CONCLUSION

The transmission of power without wires is not a theory or a mere possibility, it is now a reality. The electrical energy can be economically transmitted without wires to any terrestrial distance. Many researchers have established in numerous observations, experiments and measurements, qualitative and quantitative. Dr.N.Tesla is the pioneer of this invention. Wireless transmission of electricity have tremendous merits like high transmission integrity and Low Loss (90 – 97 % efficient) and can be transmitted to any where in the globe and eliminate the need for an inefficient, costly, and capital intensive grid of cables, towers, and substations. The system would reduce the cost of electrical energy used by the consumer and get rid of the landscape of wires, cables, and transmission towers. It has negligible demerits like reactive power which was found insignificant and biologically compatible.

REFERENCES

[1] Nikola Tesla, “The Transmission of Electrical Energy Without Wires as a Means for Furthering Peace,” Electrical World and Engineer. Jan. 7, p. 21, 1905.

[2] Nikola Tesla, My Inventions, Ben Johnston, Ed., Austin, Hart Brothers, p. 91,1982.

[3] Thomas F. Valone, “ Tesla’s Wireless Energy… For the 21st Century!!! One Step Beyond Direct TV!!!” Extra Ordinary Technology, 1, no. 4, Oct / Nov / Dec 2003.

[4] James O. McSpadden, “ Wireless Power Transmission Demonstration”, Texas A&M University, June, 1997.

[5] Thomas W. Benson , “ Wireless transmission of power now possible”, News Letter, pp1118 – 9, March , 1920.

[6] Charych Arthur (Setauket, NY), “ System and method for wireless electrical power transmission”, Patent No. 6,798,716, September 28, 2004.

[7] Joe T. Howell, et. al , “Advanced receiver / converter experiments for laser wireless power transmission”5th. Wireless transmission conference, pp 1-8, Garanda, Spain,2004.

[8] Nikola Tesla, “ The true wireless”, Electrical Experiments ,May, 1919.

[9] Toby Grotz,” Wireless transmission of power”, Courtesy of the Tesla BBS at 719 486-2775, August 28, 1990.

Wireless home networks are becoming more and more popular these day. The ease of installation and the practicality of being able to surf the net anywhere in the house makes wireless home networks very attractive to internet users. Setting up a wireless home network is quite easy but you need to know some basic things about wireless networks before attempting to start the set up. You can read up more about the  wireless networking protocols to help you get a better understanding of wireless networking.To set up a wireless home network you need to have broadband internet connection with a cable or DSL modem. The common set up at home is usually that of the desk top computer being plugged directly into the modem. In this tutorial we will assume that you have a laptop that you want to connect wirelessly to the PC that is connected to the internet. You need some hardware to make this possible. First you need to have a wireless router. You also need to add a USB wireless network adapter to your desk top PC and a PC card-based network adapter for your laptop computer. For obvious reasons, it is advisable to choose the same vendor for all the additional hardware you buy. Refer to the documentation that comes with your hardware for the installation process.When you already have all the necessary hardware installed, you can begin the set up. First you need to unplug or turn off the DSL modem then connect the wireless router to the modem. You can check the documentation that came with your hardware for assistance. When you’ve set it up your computer will wirelessly connect to your router. The next step is to configure your wireless router. With Internet Explorer you can go to your router’s configuration page.Most of the default settings there are rather safe left alone but there are some things that you need to configure. You need to choose a unique wireless network name or SSID, this will be the name of your network. Be sure that no one around that is near you is using the same name. The next step is, if your router requires it, to provide a unique passphrase that it will use to generate some keys. Then the last step to do before you are done with configuring the router is setting your administrative password. Choose a password that is not easy to guess and not too short for security reasons. Be sure to save every setting you’ve configured. The actual steps involved in configuring these settings  vary according to the kind of router you have.The next step is to configure your laptop’s network adapter. It is easy to follow Window’s XP’s on-screen instructions for this one. Right-click the icon for wireless network in your task bar and select “View Available Wireless Networks” in the pop up menu that appears. The Wireless Network Connection window will show and there you will see the name you chose for your wireless network listed. Click Refresh network list in the upper-left corner if you don’t see your network. You will then be prompted to enter a key, this is the key that you wrote down in both the Network key and Confirm network key boxes. Click Connect. You will then see connection progress as it connects to your network. When you’re already connected you can close the Wireless Network Connection window. You’re done, you’ve set up wireless connection.

Advantages of wireless internet Wireless internet has many advantages for both the business as well as residential users. Wireless internet provides excellent broadband speeds. Today speeds of over 2 Mbps for commercial use (megabytes per second) are attained using wireless internet. Previously speeds of up to 1 Mbps were acceptable for wireless internet, but with service providers providing speeds of 8 Kbps and above to business and residential customers through cables (fiber optic), expectations through wireless internet too are running high. This could mean just one thing -speeds through wireless internet will sooner or later catch up with speeds offered through fiber optic cables. Wireless internet is more reliable as compared to internet via cable or satellite. Initial costs to the service provider too are reduced as they do not have to lay out expensive cables or pay highly for satellite transmission. All that is required is the setting up of internet towers (very similar to mobile towers). The user will be connected to the internet as long as his laptop / device receives a signal from the nearest tower (again, very similar to using a mobile phone). Comparisons between the workings of a mobile network and wireless internet network can be made to some extent, but the working of a wireless internet network is much more complex in nature. So, how does the wireless internet work? How WiMax works We can single out the WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) technology that is widely used for setting up wireless internet. High speeds can be achieved over a wireless network using this technology. Based on the IEEE 802.16 communications standard, this technology if fast replacing cumbersome cable and expensive satellite networks. The WiMax network consists of base stations (similar to mobile towers) set up by the service provider, and a receiving antenna (similar to a mobile phone antenna) at the user end. The user pays the service provider for wireless internet access, just as they would for a normal internet connection via a cable network. The service provider provides the end user with the software, a login and a password. Most of the laptop manufacturers today equip high-end models with a built in antenna bundled with the required software for the unit to be WiMax compatible. The service provider beams the internet signals from the base station. The antenna at the user end catch the signals, providing uninterrupted internet as long as the signal is available. With a laptop equipped with an antenna you could be connected to the internet wherever the signal is available from the base station. As with mobile phones that catch a signal from the nearest tower of the particular service provider, so is it with new generation WiMax services. One WiMax base station can send signals over distances of several miles depending on the terrain. The more flat the terrain, more the coverage. Once you move from one base station area to another, your laptop receiver will hook up to the other base station (of the same service provider) with a stronger signal. As WiMax service providers spread out their operations, everyone will be connected to really high-speed internet 24X7 wherever they are. Other common uses of wireless internet Wireless internet is not limited to WiMax. Most of us have used some sort of wireless internet some time or the other. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is one such example. When a mobile user subscribed to the GPRS service, the receiving mobile unit could receive voice as well as data signals. In simple terms, the mobile phone could be used as a phone for voice calls and also as a modem to connect to the computer to surf the internet. The only limiting factor here was the speed which was very slow. This technology was gradually replaced by the EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution) technology. EDGE was an enhancement over GPRS, able to provide more capacity for voice traffic and at the same time have high-speed data transfer capabilities. EDGE technology has recently been replaced by the 3G (Third Generation) technology. Speeds of over 2Mbps are attained using 3G technology. These speeds will keep on increasing with advancing technology. 4G (Forth Generation) will be the next main change in this domain. 4G research is being carried out, but no frequencies have yet been allocated for this technology. Estimates are that 4G will be implemented around 2010-2012, but with the speed at which technology is advancing, it could happen earlier. Conclusion Mobile phones have passed the stage where they were used to just make and receive calls. Today one can buy mobile phones that do almost everything that your personal computer or laptop can. Operating systems can be loaded onto mobiles, virtually making them one instrument for all your phone and computing needs. This is where wireless internet will play a major role in the future. It will connect you 24X7 with virtually no breakdowns. Cables will still be used for the internet till the time wireless internet can match data transfer speeds of cables. Once this happens, technologies such as WiMax and 3G will help in making this world a 24X7 connected, wire-free world.

Wireless internet connections have many advantages. If you are a businessman and run your own business then WiFi is the best solution to access internet and manage your business when you are away from your desk. Even if you are a common user, wireless connection is a good opportunity to chat to relatives, friends, being able to read your mail letters when you are on your holiday and just surf some interesting sites. Positive and practical sides of wireless networks are mobility, rapidness, security and attainability to distant places.

Over the last years broadband width for Wireless networks has considerably increased. This growth rises due to up-to- date technologies and modern devices like mobile phones, laptops, personal digital assistants, iphones, iPods etc. Network by wireless has become faster and more reasonably priced thanks to progress in the bandwidth arena. Now it can transfer data up to two megabytes per second, as usually in the past it was just one megabyte. Furthermore, wireless broadband connection is more secure than a satellite one due to the fact that the signal does not travel in the process of transfer, but goes straight to the recipient. Also, you are pleased with the wireless connection’s speed while downloading web pages. It is rather easy to check your mail letters as well as send them. Interactive functions. Regarding applications like games, audio-video programs, chats, multimember chats, video-conference calls, local networking or wide area network are rather painless to navigate. On the whole, your computer usage becomes more and more efficient.

Wireless connection for rural users means internet access, high rate and comfort as no need to set up additional wires or lines. By the way, you can install such a wireless internet connection so that you can access it within a one-hundred foot radius. Thus, you can move your laptop freely about the house or have a nice cup of tea in your arbor enjoying internet surfing. Now it is no need to sacrifice internet connection if you want to move to another room. Wireless networks means work well for a businessman. He/she can contact any person anytime and anywhere. This is a big advantage. Almost all new PCs have already installed wireless chipsets that allows you to connect internet automatically. It saves you time and does not involve devices or cables. Also any Bluetooth works simply with the wireless connection. To make our life easier, wireless technology enabled us with a wide range of new and advanced wireless gadgets like wireless microphones, wireless headsets, wireless stereo speakers, computer peripherals, televisions.

The leading UK Telecom company can provide you with a piece of advice on wireless broadband internet connectivity. Certainly, we can say that our generation steps a new era. This era is called Wireless Connection. Wireless connection spreads rapidly and we become a wireless society. Technologies for wireless are improving constantly. These described above advantages of wireless connection make our life less stressful. Moreover, it is very valuable and helpful in both professional sphere and personal life. Apply network by wireless and enjoy your life!

Setting up a wireless network to share Internet access, printers, files and more, can be very convenient and cost-effective. Setting up one in your own home or office is even better as you can surf the web anywhere most comfortable for you. Plus, all you need is a router and it’s easier to install than people perceive it to be.

Windows XP Service Pack 2 is not really needed for wireless networking, but it provides the easiest method for networking. It also helps protect against hackers, trojans, worms, and other potential Internet intruders. Here are the four steps in creating your own wireless network:

1. Shop for your wireless equipment.

Of course, wireless networking presupposes the fact that you have a computer system that has wireless network adapter or a built-in networking support hardware and a broadband Internet connection. The main component to shop for is the wireless router, which is the hardware responsible for converting the signals coming from your Internet connection into some form of a wireless broadcast. The network adapter allows the computer to wirelessly connect to the router. (Note: Make sure that you get a wireless router, and not an access point.)

2. Connect the wireless router.

First, you need to locate your cable or DSL modem and unplug it. Next, you must connect your wireless router to your modem (modem must be stay directly connected to the Internet). Do this by plugging one end of a network cable into the modem and plug the other end to the Internet, WAN or WLAN port on the router. After hooking everything up, the computer will automatically connect wirelessly to the router, and the router will consequently send information through your modem to the Internet.

3. Configure the wireless router.

Using another network cable, temporarily connect your computer (through the network adapter) to one of the open network ports on your router (make sure the port is not labelled Internet, WAN or WLAN). When turned on, your computer will automatically connect to the router. Afterwards, open the Internet Explorer on your computer and type in the address in order to configure the router. The address (and password in some cases) varies depending on the brand of your router, so you would need to refer to the instruction manual.

When you reach the router’s configuration page, you would need to configure the following:

- The wireless network name (SSID). This identifies your network so try to choose something unique.

- The Wireless Encryption (WEP)/Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA). These two help protect your wireless network through a passphrase that you will provide. You can make the passphrase unique and long, you don’t need to remember it.

- The administrative password. This password controls your wireless network, so choose one that is unique and you will not forget as this is needed to make changes in your router settings.

After filling these up, be sure that you click Save Settings, Apply, or OK to save the information. Afterwards, you may now disconnect the network cable from the computer.

4. Finally, connect your computers.

This method requires Service Pack 2, so if you don’t have it yet, plug your computer into the router and download and install SP2. If your computer runs on a Windows XP SP2, it should directly notify you that a wireless network has been detected. To connect to the wireless network, follow these steps:

- Right click this wireless network icon found in the lower right corner of the screen then click on View Available Wireless Networks.

- The Wireless Network Connection should appear shortly and you should see the network name you specified previously. If you don’t see it, click Refresh network list at the upper left corner of the window. Once you see the name, click on the Connect button on the lower-right.

- You will then be prompted for the password you entered earlier in the Network key and Confirm network key boxes. Type in this key and click on Connect.

- Windows XP will then show connects the computer to your network and you will be connected shortly.

A Note for Computer Newbies

If you are a computer novice, it is best to purchase an ADSL modem with a built-in wireless router to make wireless networking easier and straightforward.

For integrated ADSL modem-wireless router system, network connection can be done in two simple steps:

1. Connect. You first need to connect the Ethernet cable to the router to the PC, the phone cord from the phone socket to your router, and the power supply.

2. Configure. Once everything is connected, switch the unit on, type the IP address of the router into the web browser, select the connection type and enter the username provided by your Internet service provider.

Wireless Routers

Like any other wireless system, a wireless router gives you freedom to free the valuable workspace from the tangling wires. Technically speaking, a wireless router is a special network router that connects different workstations wirelessly and routes network traffic between workstations and an existing Internet connection. Some of the wireless routers are actually wired routers with wireless access points built in so you can have wired and/or wireless at the same time. Another choice is a wireless router with a built-in DSL or cable modem. You can also consider a hardware & software security combo box to connect and protect your home network or office network. The wireless router is capable of sharing Internet connections amongst several computers via 802.3 Ethernet and 802.11b/g wireless data links.

The wireless routers are quite popular among the network users. More so, because it is as good as using the wired networks with absolutely no compromise on the connectivity, speed, and security. A wireless LAN router generally adds a built-in access point function to a multi-port Ethernet router. With this it combines multiple Ethernet networks with wireless connections as well. A typical wireless LAN router includes four Ethernet ports, an 802.11 access point, and sometimes a parallel port so it can function as a print server. This gives wireless users the same ability as wired users to send and receive packets over multiple networks.

There are many manufacturers of the wireless routers, popular of them are D-Link, Netgear, Actiontec etc. Out of these, the D-Link routers is what we find is the popular product amongst the home and commercial users. These wireless routers have an uncanny ability that delivers superior performance capability to transfer large files and handle heavy network traffic. Wireless routers offer many important benefits in the home and small office setting. For instance, you can opt to a cable modem service that provides a single IP address through DHCP to the router, and the router then provides IP addresses via DHCP to clients on your local network. This helps to a great deal whenever that client needs to access the Internet. Wireless routers are very much ideal for wireless networks in commercial or public areas, specially if there are multiple networks that are accessible. The wireless routers if considered in an enterprise environment give network administrators an extra way to monitor and update their networks. As the wireless routers only send packets to specific, directed addresses, they do not forward the broadcast packets that are sent out by other devices. A big advantage of wireless routers is that they provide an added layer of security, both on the wired side and wireless side. The wired side is usually protected by a firewall and has extensive access control filters.

That is why, not only the wireless routers are more user friendly and space saving, they are also great on speed, and have an ability to handle multiple networks with ease and without sacrificing the security.