Wireless home networks are a very popular networking option.  Because they minimize the amount of wires and connections, a wireless home network is perfect for a household with a mix of computers and laptops.  This kind of network makes it possible for one person to work on a desktop in the office, while someone else catches up on the latest news and gossip from Yahoo on their laptop by the pool.  Setting up a wireless network is probably much less complicated than you might think.

Whether you use Windows, Apple or a combination of the two, the first step in creating a wireless home network is buying a wireless router.  A wireless router works like any other router, allowing multiple computers to function from one internet connection.  However, a wireless router eliminates the need for the clutter and confusion of multiple cables and cords.  Most new wireless routers run on the 802.11g wireless standard, which allows them to deliver data at a much faster rate than the previous standard.  However, they are still compatible with 802.11b products.

When selecting a wireless router, there are a few important factors to look for.  The first is the range of the router.  Most routers provide between one hundred and two hundred feet of wireless access.  The next consideration is cross product compatibility.  If you are planning on running a wireless network with a mixture of Macs and PCs, make sure to purchase a router that can handle this task.  Finally, you need to consider how devices will be running off of the router.  Many wireless routers allow you to connect a printer, which can then be used to anyone connected to the wireless network.

Once you have selected a router, it is time to plan out and setup your wireless network.  A basic home network may consist of an internet connection, a wireless router, a desktop, a laptop and a printer.  To begin with, the router is hooked up to the internet connection, whether it is a dial-up, DSL or cable connection.  Once the router is attached to the internet connection, you can begin adding other devices to your network.  For many networks, the router is setup near the desktop computer.  This allows the desktop to be connected to the router via a cable.  However, this is not always necessary.  Many newer desktops (such as Apple�s iMac line) feature built-in wireless cards, which allow them to be setup independent of the router.

Printers are normally also attached to the router by a cable or cord.  Once the printer is attached, it can be used by anyone in the network.  Once you have made all the physical  connections to the router, you can use a setup utility (normally included with the router) to create your wireless network.  Once this simple process is finished, any computer within your network that has a wireless card will have a fast and reliable connection to the internet.

The most important, and often overlooked, step in setting up a wireless home network is making sure it is secure.  If you fail to take the time to secure your network, you are making your personal information very vulnerable.  It is important to assign a secure password to your wireless network.  If your network doesn�t have a password, anyone within range can use your network and possibly access files and documents within your computer.

Wireless home networks are a very popular networking option.  Because they minimize the amount of wires and connections, a wireless home network is perfect for a household with a mix of computers and laptops.  This kind of network makes it possible for one person to work on a desktop in the office, while someone else catches up on the latest news and gossip from Yahoo on their laptop by the pool.  Setting up a wireless network is probably much less complicated than you might think.

Whether you use Windows, Apple or a combination of the two, the first step in creating a wireless home network is buying a wireless router.  A wireless router works like any other router, allowing multiple computers to function from one internet connection.  However, a wireless router eliminates the need for the clutter and confusion of multiple cables and cords.  Most new wireless routers run on the 802.11g wireless standard, which allows them to deliver data at a much faster rate than the previous standard.  However, they are still compatible with 802.11b products.

When selecting a wireless router, there are a few important factors to look for.  The first is the range of the router.  Most routers provide between one hundred and two hundred feet of wireless access.  The next consideration is cross product compatibility.  If you are planning on running a wireless network with a mixture of Macs and PCs, make sure to purchase a router that can handle this task.  Finally, you need to consider how devices will be running off of the router.  Many wireless routers allow you to connect a printer, which can then be used to anyone connected to the wireless network.

Once you have selected a router, it is time to plan out and setup your wireless network.  A basic home network may consist of an internet connection, a wireless router, a desktop, a laptop and a printer.  To begin with, the router is hooked up to the internet connection, whether it is a dial-up, DSL or cable connection.  Once the router is attached to the internet connection, you can begin adding other devices to your network.  For many networks, the router is setup near the desktop computer.  This allows the desktop to be connected to the router via a cable.  However, this is not always necessary.  Many newer desktops (such as Apple�s iMac line) feature built-in wireless cards, which allow them to be setup independent of the router.

Printers are normally also attached to the router by a cable or cord.  Once the printer is attached, it can be used by anyone in the network.  Once you have made all the physical  connections to the router, you can use a setup utility (normally included with the router) to create your wireless network.  Once this simple process is finished, any computer within your network that has a wireless card will have a fast and reliable connection to the internet.

The most important, and often overlooked, step in setting up a wireless home network is making sure it is secure.  If you fail to take the time to secure your network, you are making your personal information very vulnerable.  It is important to assign a secure password to your wireless network.  If your network doesn�t have a password, anyone within range can use your network and possibly access files and documents within your computer.