WiFi Class Notes

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Purpose and Emphasis

Main class topics:

1. Learn how to install wireless networks based on WiFi routers.
2. Learn how to make your WiFi network secure.
3. Learn how to connect to WiFi networks.
4. Learn how to protect yourself at public hotspots.
5. We may set up file and printer sharing on a wireless network.

There are other ways to build wireless networks but we'll use a router. Routers provide a built-in firewall, they are relatively easy to configure, and the total cost is usually less other approaches. That's why they're popular for home and small business networks. :-)

This class is based on the 802.11g wireless network standard: 802.11g accomodates 802.11b units, but they may slow down the network, and many do not offer WPA2 security.

We will not be...

1. Working with 802.11n equipment.
2. Setting up ad-hoc or peer-to-peer mode networks. [figure]
3. Setting up a network using internet connection sharing (ICS). [figure]

Class Resources

We'll rely on information from the Web, much of it from Smart Computing. I'll provide links to the information on the Web in lieu of compiling all the information here. Windows Vista Help and Support is also a good source for WiFi information, and we'll work from that too. (The XP version is not very complete or up to date.)

Use documentation specific to your own equipment if you set up your own WiFi network. It usually comes with the router in one form or another, and there may be more online.

If you want to learn WiFi on your own, it's may be easier to learn about WiFi from a book than by trying to integrate enough information online or by using Windows "Help and Support". Windows Vista®: Home Networking by Joli Ballew looked good to me.