'Fresh Gear' shows you how to share a broadband connection while shedding the wires.

Page 1  2  3
If you connect to the Internet through broadband and have multiple computers in the house, sharing the connection is a necessity. A router lets you share files and a connection, but wireless provides freedom beyond the capabilities of just a router. This week on "Fresh Gear," we'll show you how easy it is to get wireless broadband in your home.

Why wireless?

With wireless, you get so much more flexibility:

  • Place your computers anywhere in the house without having to install extra cables or be restricted to a specific location.
  • Roam freely around the house with your notebook and stay connected.
  • Share a connection with your neighbors and subsidize the cost of your broadband.


Which wireless standard?

There are a slew of options out there and more on the road map. Today, HomeRF, 802.11a, 802.11b, and Bluetooth are here in various forms. 802.11b, or Wi-Fi, is the most effective option to consider for various reasons:

  • Most prevalent

    Notebook users may find wireless Internet access points at airports, cafes, and unofficial locations.

  • Wide compatibility

    The technology allows you the freedom of selecting different network cards vs. being restricted to a specific brand.

  • Cheapest currently available

    PC cards or desktop USB antennas run as low as $40 to $50. Wireless routers can be found as low as $100.

  • Fast

    Wi-Fi hits 4 to 5 Mbps, though we've seen as high as 7 to 8 Mbps at times. The theoretical maximum speed of 802.11b is 11 Mbps. Considering that most broadband connections top out at 1.5 Mbps, there's plenty of speed for around the home.

Page 1  2  3