Broadband Wireless Internet Access

When people mention "wireless Internet", they are typically referring to one of two things: an actual wireless Internet connection to a mobile device (laptop, cell phone or PDA) or a Wi-Fi network for the home or office. The main difference between these two forms of wireless Internet access is that with a Wi-Fi network, your Internet access is supplied by your DSL or Cable ISP. For wireless Internet on a mobile device outside of your home, you will most likely need to sign up for a special Internet service.

In both cases, you will need different types of computer hardware than you might normally use for standard Internet access. For example, when setting up a Wi-Fi network, you will need a wireless router and one wireless network card for each piece of hardware you wish to connect to your existing broadband connection. To get access to the Internet from your laptop computer, it will need to be equipped with a Wi-Fi 802.11 compatible network card. Even with a wirelessly-enabled laptop, you will only be able to get Internet access within designated "hot spots" that have been established by your wireless ISP.

In this section of Velocity Guide, we will overview the basics of setting up a Wi-Fi network, define the terminology involved, and explain some common issues associated with Wi-Fi networks (security, compatibility, slow downs, etc.). We also have information on WAP, Bluetooth, and other recent advances in mobile Internet technology.

Home / Small Office Wi-Fi Networks

One of the easiest ways to network multiple computers, printers, and other equipment in your home or in a small office setting is through a Wi-Fi Network. This avoids the difficulty of creating a network using several long, troublesome physical connection cables. Instead, the wireless modem you connect to your computer will communicate wirelessly to a nearby router, so you can easily connect multiple computers in several different rooms and even on different floors of your house or office.

Our article, "How To Set Up A Wi-Fi Network", details the process of setting up this kind of network. Another article that you should read on the subject is "Wi-Fi Security For Your Home Network", since unprotected Wi-Fi networks are one of the main targets of hackers, spammers, and other Internet criminals.

Mobile Internet Service Providers

The primary focus of wireless Internet technology is for accessing the Web, checking email, and sending instant messages while away from home. In the past, the traditional mobile devices used for this purpose have been laptop computers and PDAs, but cell phones have recently entered the spotlight as the most highly-used mobile device for Internet access. WAP, or "Wireless Internet Protocol", is the technology which makes this possible and you can read more about it in our article, "WAP: Wireless Internet On Cell Phones."

Most modern cell phones, PDAs and laptop computers come with wireless Internet capability already built in. However, you will still need to sign up with a wireless Internet service provider in order to access the Web. What these providers do for you is to build a network of Wi-Fi hot spots (often referred to as a "global Wi-Fi network") in areas that you are most likely to need Internet access in, such as airports, hotels, malls, convention centers, and cafe chains. Your wireless Internet provider account will allow you to access thousands of these hot spots all across the U.S., as well as in several other countries (availability will depend upon which wireless ISP you choose).

One good example of a wireless Internet service provider is Boingo Wireless. Their global Wi-Fi network consists of over 60,000 hot spots and growing. You pay a low monthly fee for access to their entire network. Whether you need it for VoIP roaming, streaming media, business use, or even multi-player gaming, a wireless provider like Boingo lets you enjoy your favorite high bandwidth Internet activity while away from your home or office.

	Our Latest Wireless Internet Articles		Common FAQs About Wireless Internet
	What Is Wi-Fi? Definition & Overview		What Is A Hot Spot?
	How To Set Up A Wi-Fi Network		What Is Bluetooth Wireless Technology?
	WAP: Wireless Internet On Cell Phones		What Is A Wireless Network?
	Wi-Fi Security For Your Home Network		What Is A Wireless Modem Card?
	Definitions Of Wireless Terminology		What Is A Wireless Router?

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