The key hardware components of awireless computer networkinclude adapters, routers and access points, antennas, and repeaters.
Separate add-on adapters must be purchased for older laptop PCs and desktops.
These are available in eitherPCMCIAcredit card orUSBform factors.
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Wireless Routers and Access Points
Wireless routersare the heart of a wireless online grid.
These routers function comparable to routers for wiredEthernet networks.
You’ll need a wireless router when you build an all-wireless online grid for your home or office.
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The current standard for wireless routers is 802.11ax, which delivers smooth video streaming and responsive online gaming.
However, an AC router is dozens of times faster than the 802.11n version that preceded it.
The AX and AC routers also handle multiple devices better than the older router models.
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The wireless router usually connects directly to the modem supplied by your high-speed internet service provider by wire.
Everything else in the home connects wirelessly to the router.
Similar to routers,access pointsallow wireless networks to join an existing wired web link.
This situation occurs in an office or home that has wired routers and equipment installed.
In home networking, a single access point or router possesses sufficient range to span most residential buildings.
Businesses in office buildings often must deploy multiple access points and routers.
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These antennas are built in to most routers but are optional and removable on some older equipment.
It’s possible to mount aftermarket add-on antennas on wireless clients to increase the range of wireless adapters.
Add-on antennas are usually not required for typical wireless home networks.
However, it’s a common practice forwardriversto use these antennas.
Wardriving is the practice of deliberately searching a local area looking for available Wi-Fi wireless online grid signals.
Repeaters allow equipment that is otherwise unable to receive a web connection’s wireless signal to join.
Mesh Networks
Mesh Wi-Fiisn’t new, but it’s becoming increasingly popular at home.
This is due to the ever-expanding number of connected devices people have.
