17875

If you've got more than one computer at home, you may be thinking about setting up a wireless network. It can make file-sharing a breeze, with no more having to burn data onto a CD-ROM or trying to fit it all into a memory stick (or -shudder- a floppy disc!) to get it across the room. And going wireless lets you position the router in a convenient central location, without having to run wires along the baseboards or under carpets.

But setting up a wireless (or 'wi-fi') system can be a daunting task if you've never done it. Or is it? With technology today, firing up a wireless router and adding a few access points has never been easier. Many of the setup routines are automated, with your input limited to thinking up a few passwords, or typing in some information off the label on a piece of hardware. Let's take a quick look at some of the hardware common to any wireless setup.

The core of any network is the router. If you already have a broadband/ADSL/cable modem, it's best to get one with the modem function built-in, and replace your existing one. If you don't want to do that, make sure the router you decide upon can be plugged into your modem. The router transmits and receives the signal to your computers. Almost all of them have several Ethernet ports to connect devices with a cable. This is handy if you have a computer or network-accessible printer nearby, and don't need a wireless connection. The important thing to remember when purchasing a router is to make sure it's 802.11g compatible. The 'g' means it's faster than the older 'b' standard. You may see references to an upcoming 'n' standard as well. The final requirements for this standard have not been fully decided as of yet, so if you get a 'pre-n' piece of hardware, the standards may change, leaving your device unable to function properly.

Your computer will need a wireless access point to communicate with the router. There are two main types. The first is the PCI wireless network card. This is an internal card, like many modems, and must be installed inside the computer in an empty card slot. These will have an antenna that sticks out of the back of your PC, which may not give you the best signal if the antenna is hidden away. Some models have a short cable for the aerial, so you can mount it somewhere to improve reception.

The second type of network connection is a USB adapter. This attaches to an open USB port on your computer, and has either a built-in antenna, or a cable to a separate aerial, like the PCI card. These are portable between computers, but may not receive as well as a built-in card. Also, they can be bumped if they stick out of your computer.

If you have a notebook computer, many of them now have wireless access built in. Older models can use a notebook card, which slides into the PCIMCA slot.

With this basic knowledge, you may find that configuring your own wireless network is amazingly easy. In no time, you can be surfing from anywhere in your house, or passing files back and forth effortlessly from one computer to another. Many other devices can now also access your home network, such as game consoles, cameras and cell phones. Unplug yourself, and see how much fun it can be to go without a wire.

For more information about setting up a wireless home network, go to Wireless Access Points and Routers

Bluetooth Basics

Bluetooth technology is nothing new, but in many respects it still seems to be more of a buzz word rather than a well understood, commonly accepted technology. You see advertisements for Bluetooth enabled cell phones, PDAs, and laptops, and a search of the Geeks.com website shows all sorts of different devices taking advantage of this wireless standard. But, what is it?

History

Before getting into the technology, the word Bluetooth is intriguing all on its own, and deserves a look. The term is far less high tech than you might imagine, and finds its roots in European history. The King of Denmark from 940 to 981 was renowned for his ability to help people communicate, his name (in English)... Harald Bluetooth. Perhaps a bit obscure, but the reference is appropriate for a wireless communications standard.

Another item worth investigating is the Bluetooth logo. Based on characters from the runic alphabet (used in ancient Denmark), it was chosen as it appears to be the combination of the English letter B and an asterisk.

Capabilities

The FAQ on the Bluetooth.org (https://www.bluetooth.org/) website offers a basic definition: "Bluetooth wireless technology is a worldwide specification for a small-form factor, low-cost radio solution that provides links between mobile computers, mobile phones, other portable handheld devices, and connectivity to the Internet."

Just like 802.11 b/g wireless networking systems and many cordless telephones, Bluetooth devices operate on 2.4 GHz radio signals. That band seems to be getting a bit crowded, and interference between devices may be difficult to avoid. Telephones are now being offered on the 5.8 GHz band to help remedy this, and Bluetooth has taken its own steps to reduce interference and improve transmission quality. Version 1.1 of the Bluetooth standard greatly reduces interference issues, but requires completely different hardware from the original 1.0C standard, thus eliminating any chance of backwards compatibility.

The typical specifications of Bluetooth indicate a maximum transfer rate of 723 kbps and a range of 20-100 meters (65 to 328 feet - depending on the class of the device). This speed is a fraction of that offered by 802.11 b or g wireless standards, so it is obvious that Bluetooth doesnt pose a threat to replace your wireless network. Although it is very similar to 802.11 in many ways, Bluetooth was never intended to be a networking standard, but does have many practical applications.

Practical Applications

There are a variety of products that take advantage of Bluetooths capabilities, from laptops and PDAs, to headphones and input devices, and even wireless printer adapters.

Many Laptops include an onboard Bluetooth adaptor to allow the system to connect to any Bluetooth device right out of the box. For laptop or desktop systems that do not have an adaptor built in, there are many USB Bluetooth adaptors available.

Bluetooth enabled PDAs allow for convenient wireless synchronization and data transfer.

Headphones can take advantage of Bluetooth for two purposes audio playback and mobile phone communications. Using something a mobile headset with a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone allows anyone to go hands free, as well as wire free.

Logitech, and other manufacturers, also produce input devices that eliminate wires thanks to Bluetooth. You can add a Bluetooth mouse to your system, or both a mouse and keyboard. One advantage that Bluetooth wireless keyboard/mouse combinations have over the standard RF wireless keyboard/mouse combinations is range. Where most standard RF keyboard/mouse combinations have a range up to 6 feet; a Bluetooth keyboard/mouse combination will usually have a range of up to 30 feet.

Bluetooth printer adaptors make sharing a printer extremely convenient by eliminating the need for any wires or special configurations on a typical network. Printing to any compatible HP printer from a PC, PDA or mobile phone can now be done easily from anywhere in the office.

Final Words

At this point the popularity of Bluetooth might not be as large as some proponents would have hoped, but many devices are available for those interested. The cost and competition from other standards have hindered the widespread acceptance, but Bluetooth does offer a viable solution to many devices that might not have wireless connectivity without it.

Computer Geeks tech tips and computer advice