Networking All-in-One For Dummies, 8th Edition

Chapter 2

Wireless Networks

IN THIS CHAPTER

Working with a wireless access point

Configuring Windows for a wireless network

Securing a wireless network

Nearly all modern networks include wireless access. In Book 1, Chapter 2, you learn the basics of how a wireless network works and how to incorporate wireless access in your networking plan. In this chapter, you learn the basics of configuring and securing a wireless network.

Installing a Wireless Access Point

The physical setup for a wireless access point is pretty simple: You take it out of the box, mount it in its desired location, and plug it in. You can place the access point on top of a bookcase or shelf, or you can mount it to a wall or the ceiling. Many access points come with mounting hardware designed to hang the access point from a suspended ceiling.

The most important part of installing the access point is choosing the location. Ideally, it should be centrally located within the space it needs to provide access to. And it will need to have access to both power and the wired network. That’s why it’s important that you plan for wireless installation when you create the network’s cabling plan.

If you don’t have an electrical ...