Friday, Oct 31, 2003 at 22:32
Hi again Melissa
A wireless access point is basically a box with an antenna (or two) that plugs into a computer network, thus allowing wireless access into the network. It's usually only small; a little smaller than an average clock/radio, and has little flashing lights on the front showing network activity.
In my case, the access point plugs into the ADSL router instead of a network, which connects to the internet. The router is about the same size as the wireless access point, and has the same flashing lights showing network activity.
I bought the access point with my Dell laptop (inspiron 5150), so it is Dell brand as well. My ADSL router is made by Dynalink (RTA300), and has a built-in firewall that I can configure to stop hackers getting into my computer through the internet (something to keep in mind when you're permanently connected). My router also has a built-in network switch that allows other computers to plug into it as well, thus accessing the internet and the wireless computers.
As I said before, I think you may be able now to get a combined ADSL router/wireless access point, but try to get the firewall feature.
Speed of wireless network is much slower than a wired network (11-54mbps compared to 100mbps), but don't let the sales people talk you into spending much more money on faster wireless as the 11mbps is approx 11,000kbps and the fastest ADSL is 1,500kbps download. So if you are using primarily for internet, then it is a lot cheaper to stay with 11mbps.
The only need you would have for faster wireless access, would be if you did lots of transferring of large files between computers over the wireless connection.
I hope this helps.
Roger
PS Make sure you configure your wireless network with data encryption (WEP) so that none of your neighbours can use your internet connection with their computers. Basically this is a password that you put on the access point to stop unauthorised use.
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