Wireless Internet - Is Wireless Internet the Same as Wireless Networking?

Wireless Internet is not the same as wireless networking. Wireless Internet refers to the "signal" between your wireless Internet service provider and your rooftop CPE (communications equipment that resides on the customer’s premises. The CPE for Wireless Internet Services is an antenna, radio and cables).

The wireless router is a component of wireless networking. (A router is the device that connects multiple computer networks by reading the address information on all data packets. The packet information is read, and the packets are then forwarded to the appropriate end station. Routers provide more functionality than bridges, which simply connect dissimilar networks.)

The wireless router has four wired ports, which can be used to connect computers directly to the router. A typical setup is where one desktop is connected directly to the wireless router while other desktops / laptops are connected via a built-in or wireless card (laptops) or internal or USB network adapter (desktops).

Since there are no cables, wireless networks are very easy to install and offer something other network solutions do not offer—portability. Like a cordless phone, laptops on a wireless network are free to roam the house.

Wireless networks are not without their problems. Wireless networks operate on Radio Frequencies or RF. Each NIC or Network Interface Card has a Radio Transceiver attached to it. Because wireless networks operate on Radio Frequencies, they are subject to the same interference as a radio. Heavy walls, large metal objects near a transceiver, even fish tanks can all interfere with radio signals. When examining wireless speeds, realize that performance will vary. Wireless insiders say they rarely expect more than 1/2 of the rated maximum speed out of a wireless network.