Providing wireless access to the internet connection as general can be categorized into three. Firstly internet access from traditional broadband internet access (Cable or DSL) which is typically shared with two or more computers in homes or in small offices. Secondly, internet access shared wirelessly using cellular networks. And lastly, internet access in hotspots area. Each of them needs specific types of wireless internet equipment.
There are many types of wireless internet equipment available in the marketplace you can purchase to provide and share internet access to users wirelessly. However, each of equipments depend on the Internet network services, broadband Cable or DSL internet, cellular networks, or other types of hotspots services.
Cable or DSL Services
Wireless internet equipments for Cable or ADSL services include the modem, the firewall / router, and the wireless access point. Generally in some regions, the ISP provides the modem. The modem can be a compact modem function or a modem router (a single device with router and built-in modem).
Depends on the modem types you currently have with you, you need to identify whether the modem includes the router / firewall function or not. Knowing the modem types is very important before you buy the wireless device for wireless access. If the modem does not include the firewall / router function, you require a wireless router for your wireless internet access. However, if you can identify that the modem includes the function of firewall / router, you need the wireless access point to extend the wireless internet access. What the main different between the wireless router and the wireless access point is, check here the wireless access point Vs wireless router.
There are many types of wireless routers that include the built-in modem such as DSL wireless modems (for ADSL services) and the SurfBoard wireless cable modem (for Cable services). These types of wireless modem include the router or firewall function for network protection against any types of internet threats. With these types of wireless modem, you can provide Wireless internet access for users with just a single device.
Which wireless router you need? If you require a wireless router to provide wireless internet access to users, consider the router which is powered by the latest wireless standards 802.11n, if you use the wireless network for gaming and HD video streaming – consider the dual-band version and QoS feature. See also how to choose the best wireless router here.
How to build a wireless network in home? Check the link. Wireless network is susceptible to the eavesdropping by users within the network coverage. Check here how to secure your home wireless network.
The above diagram shows you the wireless internet equipments for home DSL/Cable Internet access which includes the Modem (either Cable or ADSL), the Wireless –n router, and other wireless adapters for network connections such as Wireless Game adapter to allow your XBOX console connect to the wireless network.
Cellular Networks
Cellular networks or 3G/4G networks are nice solutions for mobile users to share the Internet from a single 3g account for special events or impromptu occurrences like natural disasters. 3G networks like EV-DO (see definitions below) use cellular networks that span large geographical areas around cities and highways. Coverage is more seamless and uniform in urban and trafficked areas for this reason. The providers’ cell towers deliver the network connectivity in most of the areas where cell phone voice service is available. The two 3G technology leaders are Verizon and Cingular/AT&T. Each of these companies has rolled out 3G service to a large portion of their network coverage areas. Verizon currently has more comprehensive coverage.
The wireless internet equipment to provide internet access to users is the cellular modem and the cellular router. The modem and the router are different than those used for traditional DSL/Cable broadband Internet. However, the wireless adapters can be used to connect to both broadband router and cellular router networks. There are many cellular routers you can buy such as DIR-450/451 D-Link Cellular routers, CTR500 Cradle Point, or an all-in-one Cellular modem router MEBR3500.
The Cellular or 3g network on the figure below shows common diagram of the wireless internet equipment which includes the Internet Card (with the 3g account number), the cellular router, and other wireless adapters for network connection.
Hotspots Internet Access
Generally Hotspots Internet access are free services in provided in public areas such as in the airports, the campuses, cafes, hotels, etc. The wireless internet equipment you need is your laptop with the built-in Wi-Fi. If your notebook does not have any Wi-Fi adapter, you require wireless notebook adapter such as DWA-140 or DWA-160 D-Link Wireless USB adapters, or any CardBus wireless adapters WPC600N. USB wireless adapter is a perfect choice, because you can use it both for your laptop or desktop easily without you need to open the computer cases.
What if you need to extend your existing network? You require a wireless range extender such as DAP-1360 D-Link wireless range extender. For larger area to cover or outdoor purposes you can consider Wireless Outdoor access point OWL800.
See also:
- Wireless LAN Tutorial – the concept
- Introduction of TEW-657BRM Wireless DSL modem router
- HOWABN1 Hawking wireless access point and bridge
