Chapter 7
Networking SOHO with Wireless
In This Chapter
Protocols in this chapter: IP, DHCP, IEEE security protocols (WEP, TKIP, WPA, WPA2)
Plunging into the joys of Wi-Fi
Setting up SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) hardware
Chewing up wireless security tips
Spreading broadband out with WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access)
Wireless networking is networking without using wires, satellite, regular cable, or fiber optic cable. Okay. Of course you know that, but we felt we had to say it so everyone who’s reading this chapter uses the same definition as a starting point. So, the transmission medium is air in this chapter. According to our definition, wireless networking could be semaphore signals or carrier pigeons, but let’s not get too silly.
Aside from computer networking, wireless applications include cell phones, satellite phones, wireless radio, remote controls for TV and other appliances, pagers, point of sale devices, and more. Even if you’ve never knowingly used a computer in your life, you’ve probably got some wireless applications in your house: a baby monitor, security camera, remote controls for TV, video games, cordless phones, printers, and toasters, just to name a few. One of our favorites is the remote control for our ceiling fans.
You’ve probably noticed that we often say “cables or air” when we refer to transmission media. In earlier editions, we simply said “cables” because Wi-Fi (pronounced “why-fye” — the “-” is silent) was not widespread. Wi-Fi ...
