If you remember we had a look at wireless adapters in Wireless Networking Part 1: Wireless adapters. In that post we looked at buying a wireless capable computer and what you might need to make an older device wireless capable. Now that you have your wireless capable device we need to create or find a wireless network to connect to. You can find wireless access at many hot spots around the country, although often you may have to pay for the privilege. However more and more restaurants, cafes and pubs are starting to provide free access to their customers so it is worthwhile getting to know the places near you.

Wireless Network

The true power of wireless though is best appreciated when you create a wireless network at home. This will allow you to share your internet connection with everyone else in the house and to provide access from anywhere within range of your access point. This means you should be able to connect to the internet, from in front of the telly, at the kitchen table or even out in the garden.

Wireless Access Point

To create your wireless network you need to have a wireless access point. The access point will connect to your broadband modem. In some cases the access point can also act as a firewall providing increased security. All access points will allow you to restrict access to your wireless network and provide encryption of traffic. More about security in a future post.

Access points are available in a range of prices, but for home use something like the NetGear WG602 should provide perfectly good coverage in the average UK home. An alternative for someone who is looking for more functionality such as the firewall capability mentioned above might something like the D-Link DIR-655 Wireless Router.