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October 15, 2002
Nothing But Notebooks (con'td)
Wireless FAQ
Ready to roam with your laptop while staying connected to the network? Start by getting some basic questions answered.
Q. When PC laptop manufacturers describe products as "wireless ready," what does that really mean?
A. "Wireless ready" means the machines include a built-in antenna for wireless networking. However, to connect to a network, the laptop will also require a receiver, which is usually optional and costs about $150.
Q. How does wireless work for Macintosh users?
A. Apple has built AirPort, a short-range network that transmits data about 11 Mbps over a distance of 150 feet. AirPort uses radio frequencies instead of infrared technology, making communications possible through walls. An AirPort Card, which costs $99, must be installed in each laptop to access the network.
Q. How are Wi-Fi, 802.11b, 802.11a, and Bluetooth wireless technologies different-and what do they do, exactly?
A. Also known by the more technical name of 802.11b, Wi-Fi allows multiple devices to share a single high-speed Internet connection over a distance of about 300 feet. The technology, which can transmit data at speeds of 11 megabits per second, is catching on in homes, offices, and public places like schools, hotels, and airports. A new version called Wi-Fi 5, known among techies as 802.11a, can transmit data as fast as 54 megabits per second. Look for the next generation of laptops to use Wi-Fi 5 technology.
Bluetooth is the other short-range wireless network. But with a limit of about 30 feet, the technology is used primarily to replace cables that connect devices, such as a printer to a PC or a cell phone to a laptop.
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