For your client computers to connect to your Wlan, each of them must have a wireless adapter or wireless Nic. These adapters are small transceivers (radio transmitter/receivers) that allow your Pc to send and receive radio signals. There are three main types of Wi-Fi adapters available for your Wlan: Usb wireless adapters, wireless Nics, and Pcmcia cards.
A Usb wireless adapter connects to your computer straight through its Usb port. It is easy to install and enables you to adjust the location of the adapter to enhance signal reception. You install a wireless Nic in a Pci slot within the computer, just like an Ethernet card; a wireless Nic installed within a computer saves desktop space. For a laptop computer, the best choice is a Pcmcia card adapter that fits in the laptop's Pc card slot
Caution: all the time turn off me Power to your computer when installing internal network adapters. You commonly won't need to turn off the computer to insert Pcmcia cards or Usb devices, but you may have to reboot to end the installation.
Any time you open the case of a computer you need to take special care. all the time turn off the power and unplug the cord. Don't force adapters into Pci slots, and be particular of dropping things like screws into the case. You also should wear an anti-static wrist strap to avoid damaging components with static electricity.
Wireless adapters have two modes of operation, infrastructure and ad hoc. Facility of adapters is commonly very simple. Once you install or connect the adapter to the client Pc, Windows (assuming you are using Windows) commonly recognizes the new hardware and prompts you to insert a disk with the thorough drivers.
Even if you aren't using Windows, the configuration utility that comes with your adapter will lead you straight through the setup process and often automatically detects your access point and the channel that it is using. Manufacturers call the capability to automatically detect and opt the channel frequency-agility.
Normally the software prompts you to opt an Ssid from a list of detected Ssids. Assuming your Ap is the only one in range, this will be a short list. You will then enter any other required information, such as encryption keys.
Note: Windows Xp has a highlight called Wireless Auto Configuration. This is a beneficial highlight if your wireless adapter supports it Wireless Auto Configuration automatically configures your card to connect to a detected preferred network.
This means that you can have any saved configurations (home, work, coffee shop, and so on) and Windows Xp automatically configures your card to connect when it detects those networks. It also can preclude your computer from accidentally connecting with another network (like your neighbor's).
The software also may prompt you to opt a data speed. This is the minimum speed required to connect to your Wlan. commonly your card performs this choice automatically, based on the signal power that it detects. If your signal power fluctuates you can set this speed manually to a signal level that your adapter can reliably detect. There also are good security reasons for setting a high minimum association speed.
Adapter setup should be a relatively painless process. In the event that you do run into problems, recite your documentation and visit the manufacturer's Web site for updates and helpful troubleshooting tips.