Connectivity For The Wireless Computers example essay topic

WIRELESS COMPUTER NETWORKING Jennifer Velasco ERA Abstract Computer technology and use is more in demand today then ever. In an attempt to accommodate computer users, the amount of computer peripherals and accessories is on the rise. This paper will discuss a particular hardware that is on the market today, which is computer wireless networking. Moreover, it will go in depth as to what exactly wireless networking entails, how to configure your computer for wireless networking and some advantages and disadvantages associated with wireless networking so potential users could possible determine if this type of hardware is one that would be suitable for their use.

Computer Wireless Networking With computing technology on demand today, there is a wide variety of computer hardware on the market to select from, depending on needs of the user. A specific type of hardware that is of special interest to me is wireless computer networking. I would like to discuss what wireless networking entails, how it works and some advantages and disadvantages associated with the hardware. To begin with, computer wireless networking is basically the ability to link multiple computer systems in a household together without any wires. One may wonder how this could be possible, and this will be discussed later on in this paper.

At any rate, this type of technology could be proven useful in a household with a lot of computer users to even a single household user with a desktop PC and a laptop. It all depends on frequency of use for the system, which now and days majority of households depend on computer technology in one way or another. Currently there are four types of wireless networks available: Bluetooth, IrDA, Home RF (SWAP), and WECA (Wi-Fi). The difference between them is the range from slow and inexpensive to fast and expensive.

Bluetooth is not readily available on the market and WECA (Wi-Fi) is mostly used in offices instead of homes because it is expensive and complicated to set up (How wireless networking works). The efficiency and speed of the system is not solely dependant on the system itself but it also dependant on the system configuration. If a user decides to use a wireless network, it is important to use and practice safe computing methods because once networked the computer systems would become vulnerable to the network. Essentially there are two ways to configure a wireless network. What is referred to as peer-to-peer networking is one and a network access point is another. Peer-to-peer is where a number of computers are each equipped with a wireless networking interface card.

This allows each computer to communicate directly with all of the other wireless enabled computers. In doing so, this gives the computers the ability to share files and printers. However, to access the internet one computer needs to be configured as a bridge to the wired LAN using software. This is also referred to as "bridging". In networking access point the computer would act like a hub, providing connectivity for the wireless computers. It can connect (or "bridge") the wireless LAN to a wired LAN, allowing wireless computer access to LAN resources, such as file servers or existing internet connectivity.

Keep in mind that that software access points do not limit the type or number or interface users, so a firewall should be established to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the computer system. The range of the wireless network varies depending on the environment. Most systems will be accessible within a reasonable distance, both in and outdoors. It is important to keep in mind that the greater the range use, the performance will tend to drop and the quality connection will also deteriorate. Typical ranges are between 150 and 300 feet indoors, but can be shortened depending on the building structure. Outdoor ranges have been known to reach up to 1000 feet, but once again it is dependant upon the environment.

There are ways to extend the range by using more than a single access port or a wireless relay. Consequently some of the advantages of disadvantages associated with computer wireless networking will be overall dependant on the need of the user. Although I have briefly mentioned a few that should be considered by any user. Once again, the cost factor and efficiency and speed of the system could be the driving factors for some as they were certainly for me. In conclusion, as a wireless network user I enjoy the freedom of being able to use my laptop at various locations throughout my household. Once again, wireless technology is made possible by radio waves in between the different computer terminals.

Thus the hassle wire connections have become a thing of the past. When considering a wireless connection, one must keep in mind that there are a few technologies available to select from. They essentially vary from different speeds and price range. Regardless of what system is used safe computing is a must.

Bibliography

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