Wireless Basics

Our network connects your computer to the Internet with a high-speed wireless transmition. The only equipment you need is a WI-FI (802.11b/g) Wireless Adaptor. The wireless adaptor plugs into a standard port on your computer. Most new laptops come with this built in. The wireless adaptor will work with other networks besides ours and is non-proprietary and available at most computer and electronic stores.

- Check your Windows Control Panel or Device Manager to see if there is a wireless adaptor.
- Turn it on (if you have a wireless card make sure it is turned on).
- Use your wireless software to find and select our wireless network.
For your safety and security our network uses WEP (Wireless Encryption Protocol) you will need a key acquired from the office.

Most WI-FI compatible adaptors will work with our network. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your wireless adaptor. There are a large variety of computers. Even though our network will generally work with Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98SE and Macintosh operating systems, there is always the possibility it may not run on your computer.

Range estimates are typical and require line of sight. Basically that means you will need a clear unobstructed view of the antenna from the remote point in the link. Keep in mind that walls and obstacles will limit your operating range and could even prevent you from establishing a link. Signals generally will not penetrate metal or concrete walls. Trees and leaves are obstructions to 802.11 frequencies so they will partially or entirely block the signal. Other factors that will reduce range and affect coverage area include metal studs in walls, concrete fiberboard walls, aluminum siding, foil-backed insulation in the walls or under the siding, pipes and electrical wiring, furniture and sources of interference. The primary source of interference in the home will be the microwave oven. Other sources include other wireless equipment, cordless phones, radio transmitters, generators and other electrical equipment.

All the same factors that affect the range also have an affect on the strength of the signal also including the distance to the signal. 54Mbs is like 56k in the old dial-up world. It is possible in theory. In the real world it is more like 10Mbs – 28Mbs and as low as 1Mbs or 2Mbs is not un-common depending on the range and variety of factors. You may not be able to stream video but that is more then enough to surf the Internet. The main determining factor is the speed of your Internet connection and modem speed. As of now most modems deliver data at a rate of 10Mbs.