Tell me about wireless connections

I am totally in the dark about using wireless. I have heard the term "router" and a few other terms. Please tell me about this as if I had never heard of it. What are the parts I need; is there a monthly cost to something like an isp, etc.? I have a new laptop that has the software to use wireless so that part should lessen some of the complicated things, I guess.

I am using XP Home.

Thanks!

 

see if this article helps at all
http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/homenetworking/a/homenetguide.htm

 

Boradband internet comes to your house through either DSL (phone lines), Coaxial Cable, or Satellite. In order to translate these various signals to something your computer understands, those direct lines pass through a Modem.

the modem translates the data, but must be connected to a computer to maintain a connection with your service provider.

A Router is simply a mini computer whos job is to always be on and allow sharing of 1 internet connection with more than 1 computer. A standard home router has a built in 4 or 5 port switch which is simply a number of ethernet ports that allow the internet bandwidth or 'speed' to be accessed equally by each computer connected.

A wireless router, in addition to having wired ports on the back, broadcasts a signal (like a cordless phone) than can be recieved by a wireless device such as your laptop.

Since you already have a wireless capable laptop, all you would need is a Wireless Router to broadcast the internet signal in your house. There is no extra charge from your ISP.

Once you have a router broadcasting the signal (which is called an SSID and carries a changeable name, as well as optional security features), Windows XP has a built in Wireless Zero Configuration Utility-- simply software that uses your wirless capability to find the SSID and allow you to connect. Its not as complicated as it sounds and should connect on its own in most cases.

For ease of use, I recommend a Linksys wireless router. There are different capabilities of wireless, Wirless B (802.11b) and Wireless G (802.11g). G carries a better transfer rate for your network, however both B and G will be more than capable to carry your internet speed. a nice Wireless G Linksys router shouldnt cost you more than $60 or $70, and is often on sale for under $50.

 

Thanks for the response and the full explanation. There will only be me using the connection. I am now using dial-up. Are you saying that I will still use the same isp and I will be enjoying the faster internet access?

 

Whoops, dial-up explains why you havent been familiarized with networking.

There are available wireless routers for Dial-Up, however they are double the price of a high-speed router and you would be using the same ISP and have NO increase in speed.

have you looked into what kinds of High Speed internet are available in your area, and their relative cost to what you're paying now for dial up? In many places, high speed is hardly more expensive and very much worth it for most users.

 

Thanks for your time - I am now more enlightened than before. I will research this furher on my own.

 

Go to www.dslreports.com and read the FAQ posts in the wireless networking and networking forums. There's a whole new language to learn. I got into it as cheaply as possible, with equipment bought on ebay. Eventually upgraded to newer hardware, but only after a year or so of learning.