I want to start the New Year with a short series about wireless networks specifically covering the how your computer communicates wirelessly.

Your may have noticed that your laptop, router, iPhone or other device labeled with something like Wireless 'A/B' or Wireless 'G' or even just 'N'.

To understand what these mean, let’s start with understanding a simple model of a Wi-Fi network like at your home or office (Wi-Fi usually refers to a wireless network that covers a small area like a home or office.  This is different than other types of networks that we will cover in the next Tip).

INTERNET <----> MODEM <----> ROUTER <----> LAPTOP or DESKTOP

1. A connection from the Internet is funneled through the Modem provided by an ISP like: ATT, Time Warner, Cox Communication, etc.  Modems are usually are usually the thin black box, or the box labeled with Westech or 2Wire on your network (ATT combines the Modem and Router into one device).

2. The Modem translates the connection to the Router (usually made by Linksys, Netgear, etc)

3. The Router connects your computer(s) either with a cable or wirelessly.
 
Step 3 is where the A, B, G, and N come into play.

This alphabet soup represents different wireless standards i.e. the way your Router or Laptop/Desktop communicate with each other.

• The A standard communicates at up to 54Mbps (Mbps = Mega bits per second - the higher the number the faster the speed) but has a shorter range
• The B standard communicates at up to 11Mbps and has a longer range, but works as a slower speed
• The G standard combines the benefits of A and B.  It can communicate at up to 54Mbps and has a longer range than A
• The N standard ups the ante with higher speed and range.  It can communicate faster than 270Mbps.  This is faster than most computers that are connected by cable to a router (270Mbps vs. 100Mbps)!

Faster is better, but there are trade-offs.

• First, 'N' type wireless equipment is typically more expensive than the second fastest 'G'. 
• Second, the N standard has not been officially adapted as a standard.  This means that 'N' Wireless equipment from Linksys may not work with 'N' Wireless equipment from Netgear.
• Third, you may not realize a difference with 'N' standard equipment. If you just check emails, surf the web you may not notice a difference.  But, if you find yourself consistently downloading large files playing games, or watching videos then the upgrade will make a difference.

I hope this clarifies some of the mystery for Wi-Fi networks.  Next week we will cover WLAN networks - The Data Cards/USB Adapters from ATT, Verizon, Sprint, etc.

Did this tip work for you? Do you know of a faster solution?  Let us know.  Click on 'Add comment' at the top of this tip.