All wireless devices require an antenna of some sort to function. Although APs and adapters come with antennas, you may wish to install a third-party antenna to improve signal reception, or extend the broadcast range of a device. This isn't possible with all Wi-Fi devices, and even those devices that...

For each client to be able to connect to and communicate on your WLAN, it has to have a wireless NIC or wireless interface adapter. Depending on the device you want to connect, adapters are either internal or external. - USB wireless adapters attach to the USB port on any device and allow it to connect...

Like a dial-up connection, you can share a broadband connection via Internet connection-sharing software. However, this creates a bottleneck when WLAN clients try to access the Internet through the host computer. It's more efficient to share a connection through a broadband router connected to an AP...

When you're choosing hardware, you need to make sure that all the devices you buy support the same standard. Some other factors to consider when choosing hardware are as follows: - Electrical rating: Make sure the device is rated for the job that you want it to do. For example, a 500W lighting controller...

Bridging two networks Normally, when you think about bridging two networks, you think about connecting them through a wired bridge, such as when you hook up an AP to share your broadband Internet connection via a router. Actual wireless-to-wireless bridging is a new thing, made possible by the new Wireless...

Depending on the ISP that you use for your broadband Internet connection, you may be subject to limitations on your bandwidth usage and connection speed. This varies among ISPs as well as types of connection. Most DSL subscribers do not run into bandwidth limiting policies. Because DSL users have dedicated...

Keep in mind some of the following mistakes that people commonly make when designing a WLAN and you will save yourself the headache of repeating their errors. Failing to Plan for Capacity: When you design your WLAN you can't just plan for coverage, you have to plan for capacity as well. If your WLAN...

Adding a game console to your WLAN Game console makers are quickly adding networking to their products' list of features. Leading the way with this was Microsoft's Xbox. Sony's PlayStation and the Nintendo Game cube are catching up, with multiplayer titles and networking support available. Adding your...