Wireless Networking

Wireless Access Points

There are two parts you need to get a wireless network started. One is a wireless adapter of some sort to be installed in or connect to your computer. The other part, which acts as a bridge between the wireless and the wired networks, is an access point.

The access point hooks up to your normal wired network, or is built-in to a device that also allows wired access, and acts as a bridge, allowing people on the wireless side to be able to access everything as if they were plugged in.

The access point sends out beacon packets that essentially say "Here's a wireless network," and also hold the SSID (station set identifier) of the access point. The SSID is a way of identifying your wireless network so you know you're using your network and not someone else's. All access points have a pre-configured SSID from the manufacturer. It is highly recommended that you change this. See the page on wireless security for more information why.

Linksys Wireless Access Point

Linksys Router with integrated Access Point

Access points can be stand-alone by themselves, or integrated into a router or other network device, as shown above. Integrating the devices makes for one less unit to configure. As far as the wireless side is concerned, both of these devices work the same. Plenty of companies make wireless access points, from the home/small business side (Netgear, D-Link, Linksys, etc.) up to the major corporation side (Cisco, Orinoco/Proxim, 3Com).

Next: Wireless Cards/Adapters