Wireless Networking

So you’ve decided to set up a wireless home network but feel intimidated. However, with just a basic knowledge in networking, you could have those wireless networking devices working together harmoniously.

Previously, building a computer network requires using lots of cable wires to establish network connection to all network-enabled devices. Nowadays, technological advancements have paved the way for the establishment of network connections without messy cable wires running on the ceilings and walls. You can now move around your network-enabled devices within your home or office with the aid of wireless networking devices. These devices may cost a bit more, yet the convenience that goes with them is more than enough to use them in your home or business network.

Different Types of Wireless Networking Devices

Networking devices come in wide variety. Let us consider some of them as well as their respective functions.

  • Wireless Access Point
    WAP devices are widely used in homes and businesses to create WLAN or wireless local area network. They are able to supply wireless capability to your present wired network as well as extend wireless network coverage.
  • Wireless Router
    This particular wireless network device routes or directs all traffic to and fro between your computer network and internet. Thus, sharing files between wireless devices like printers and multiple computers is made a whole lot easier. Wireless routers come in three types, namely, wireless-n, wireless-g and dual-band.
  • Wireless Network Adapters
    These devices let your computers gain access to your wireless network. Some computing devices are pre-installed with network adapters. Wireless network adapters come in different types such as PCI, PCMCIA (card bus), Mini PCI, USB, Ethernet Port and compact flash.
  • Wireless Gateway
    Wireless gateway device allows multiple computing devices to connect to the internet wirelessly. It’s a router and WAP in one device that also provides network security by means of its firewall feature. Wireless gateways monitor and regulate incoming and outgoing traffic and keep your network safe from malicious network activity.

Top Vendors of Wireless Networking Devices

As technology keeps on advancing, so do manufacturers of wireless network devices.  They have not stopped upgrading their gadgets to provide better and reliable network capabilities. Here are the top vendors or manufacturers of wireless network devices.

  • Linksys by Cisco 
    Linksys is a subsidiary of Cisco and offers a complete line of networking products for home and business use such as routers, modems/gateways, adapters, access points, switches and many more. It is among the reliable names in wireless network devices as Cisco is a famed for making a wide range of products from networking and consumer electronics to communications and voice services.
  • D-Link
    D-Link is renowned for designing and making network devices for home and business purposes which include security devices, switches, broadband devices as well as Digital home devices.
  • NetGear
    Their products are marketed towards home and business networking needs under the ProSafe brand name. They also manufacture other computer hardware and sell them through online and traditional retailers, resellers and wireless service providers across the globe.

When purchasing wireless networking devices, it is best that you get them at the same vendor or brand to avoid compatibility issues.