Chapter 8

Setting Up a Wireless Network

In This Chapter

arrow Looking at wireless network standards

arrow Reviewing some basic radio terms

arrow Considering infrastructure and ad-hoc networks

arrow Working with a wireless access point

arrow Configuring Windows for wireless networking

Since the beginning of Ethernet networking, cable has been getting smaller and easier to work with. The original Ethernet cable was about as thick as your thumb, weighed a ton, and was difficult to bend around tight corners. Then came coaxial cable, which was lighter and easier to work with. Coaxial cable was supplanted by unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable, which is the cable used for most networks today.

Although cable through the years has become smaller, cheaper, and easier to work with, it is still cable. So you have to cut holes in walls, pull cable through ceilings, and get insulation in your hair to wire your entire home or office.

That’s why wireless networking has become so popular. With wireless networking, you don’t ...

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