How Does a Wireless Network Work?

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Sending and Receiving Data




A wireless network
begins with the sending and receiving of data. Any data that your
computer intends to share over a network is first sent to the network's
wireless adapter. This information can be anything from sending and
receiving large files to simple text instant messages from one computer
to another. The adapter translates this information into a radio
signal, which it then sends over an antenna either directly to another
computer or to a router.


The
other computer (via another wireless adapter) or the router receives
the radio signal and converts it back into a format that computers can
understand. Once this has happened, the information can be accessed by
all computers on the network if made accessible to everyone, or just to
individual computers if the specification was made. This entire process
can happen quickly for small files, or can take some time depending on
file size and speed of antennas and routers.


Connecting to the Internet



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Connecting to the Internet works in much the same way as the sharing of
information over a network. The wireless router or antenna (depending
once again on the number of computers connected to this network)
receives information from the Internet via a modem in the form of a
radio signal. The wireless adapter or modem then allows the computers
connected to them to use this information in any way they see fit.


How to set up a wireless network at home.



By

MrHuguley















Rate:

(21 Ratings)



Nowaday’s
many people are setting up wireless networks at home or at the office.
It is pretty simple to do yourself. Just follow the steps below.






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Difficulty: Moderately Easy














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How to Secure a Wireless Internet Connection



By
eHow Computers Editor







Rate:

(12 Ratings)



Though
wireless networks provide increased mobility to users, data security is
one of the key concerns. Data transmitted in a wireless network is more
susceptible to being tampered with than a wired Internet connection.
Easy availability of wireless hardware and software has made it
effortless for hackers to hack into unprotected networks. Here is how
you can secure a wireless Internet connection.




Step1

Change default login information soon after setting up and configuring the wireless connection.




Step2

Change the Service Set Identifier (SSID) and access points immediately after configuring the wireless network. The default SSID for ease of configuration is a simple name, typically that of the manufacturer.




Step3

Disable SSID broadcast. Generally, routers and access points regularly
and automatically broadcast the SSID making it useful in mobile
hotspots where consumers come, use the service and move on. Disabling
SSID, particularly in home offices hides the network from prying eyes
though it can still be detected by other means.



Step4

Use devices that support at least WPE, data security protocol in wireless networks.
WPA and WPA2 provide enhanced security. Maintain data security level by
using equipment conforming to the same security protocol. Even a single
device following a lower level of security measures makes an easy
target for cyber attacks.



Step5

For advanced security, setup a firewall on all hosts. This should be in
addition to the firewall that routers anyway support.



Step6

Minimize leakage of wireless signal by placing the router or access
points in a central location within the premises. Setting up these
devices in a balcony or near a window/door sends the signal outside,
where it can be easily used by other suitably configured devices. In
this respect, some routers even give users the option of reducing
signal range to ensure signal reception within the building.



Step7

Feed MAC addresses, unique identifiers of networking devices, into the
router and access points to restrict hosts communicating with each
other in a wireless network. This is particularly useful in small
wireless networks like those set up in homes and home offices.



Step8

Avoid using DHCP to assign IP addresses
dynamically. Instead, use static IP addresses for all hosts in a
wireless network. Dynamic IP addresses are easy to use but also easy to
hack into.



Step9

Restrict devices from connecting automatically to a wireless network.




Step10

Shut down all hosts and networking devices if they will not be in use
for several days particularly when you are traveling.



Step11

Ensure that remote administration feature of the router is turned off.
If the router is configured for remote management, anyone can have
access to it