Building a Wireless Network - Part 2

In Part 1, we discussed some basic equipment to help you build your wireless network.  Now here's a quick overview of some of the terminology:

The Internet Protocol Address is a unique number used to refer to a specific device.  The IP address can be static or dynamic, depending on the situation.  You can manually assign each device an IP address, but normally you will use Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol to automatically assign the addresses and prevent assignment conflicts.  Think of the IP Address as a PO box, and DHCP as the local postmaster.  The main thing you need to know here is to enable DHCP for automatic IP address assignments when setting up your router.

A Domain Name System is a database that cross-references a domain name (i.e. www.yourname.com) with its related IP Address (i.e. 151.162.160.205), making it easier for you to type the Uniform Resource Locator address in the address box of your browser.  Network Address Translation can be enabled, if available, in your router to add an additional layer of security.  A NAT basically reassigns the device address broadcast to the web, making it harder for someone to gain unauthorized access to your device.

Wired Equivalent Privacy is another way to help secure your wireless network.  This encryption method has been superseded by Wi-Fi Protected Access, and eventually by WPA2, but it is still widely used and may be the first encryption method offered for you to secure your network.  Be sure to enable at least WEP on your router when you set it up.  You will have to establish a Service Set Identifier for your network (give the network a unique name via the router interface), and set up a network key -- essentially a network passcode -- that the router and the network device (a computer, for instance) will exchange.  The router will generate an encrypted code based on the passcode you enter.  You will enter this encrypted code in the network setup interface on your computer or other device.  Devices that cannot give the router the correct code will be unable to access the network.  This helps prevent someone from sitting on the street and using your network and Internet connection.  This may sound a bit confusing, but it will make more sense as you follow the wizards to set up your router and configure your computer for access.  A lot of the setup is handled by the computer wizard simply by asking you to respond to a series of questions.  Of course, you can set the network up manually for extra control.  In fact, you may find that you manually fine-tune your network once in awhile after you have it set up and begin to get comfortable with the process.

802.11 is the primary communication standard currently in use for wireless networks right now.  It comes in several flavors, but you will normally want 802.11g at a minimum.  This allows you to communicate at speeds of 54 Megabits per second.  As a frame of reference, Ethernet (wired) network connections usually transmit and receive at speeds of 100 Mbps.  In actual fact, the speed designations are there primarily for reference.  Most technicians will tell you that your network speed is affected by many factors and may not normally attain the speed designation assigned.

Let's review.  Be sure to get a router with 802.11g capability and preferably a NAT.  Enable WEP and DHCP when you set up your network.