The Wi-Fi Experience: Everyone’s Guide to 802.11b Wireless Networking

Chapter 2. Setting Up Your Personal Wireless Network

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In this chapter

• How Much Does It Cost? 14

• Benefits of a Home or Small Office Wi-Fi Network 16

• Understanding Range 17

• Measuring Data Rates: How Fast Is Fast Enough? 18

• Installing a Simple Wi-Fi Network 21

• About the Four-Step Installation Process 23

• Step 1: Attaching the Hardware 25

• Step 2: Driver Installation Under Windows 98 25

• Step 2 Continued: Driver Installation Under Windows 2000 30

• Step 3: Using Utility Software to Define a Wi-Fi Connection Under Windows 98 or Windows 2000 32

• Step 4: Setting Up a Peer-to-Peer Network 35

• Sharing: It’s a Good Thing 40

• Providing Printer Permission 44

• Testing Your Connection 46

• What to Do If All Else Fails 49

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This chapter explains how to ...