Wireless Network Tips

Read these 30 Wireless Network Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Wireless tips and hundreds of other topics.

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Ihave put new batteries in my wireless mouse and the lights are on however, it still does not work. I also have a wireless keyboard that I have not checked would that make the mouse not work?

Connecting a Wireless Device

Wireless devices come with a USB adapter that plugs into a USB port on your computer. On the underside of this adapter there should be a little button that you can press. Once pressed, your adapter will start looking for wireless signals that are being transmitted by wireless devices. Now, look at the underside of your wireless device as there should be a "connect" button there as well. Once the "connect" button is pressed on the wireless device it will start to send signals wirelessly to the USB adapter letting it know that it is there, and ready to be connected.

   
I’ve configured my access point according to instructions, but it still doesn’t work, what could be wrong?

Trouble with Access Point on Wireless Network

If you are sure that you have configured the wireless access point/wireless router exactly as stated per manufactures instructions, there is a chance the hardware is defective. While this does not happen often, make sure you save all receipts and contact customer service and tech support of the manufacture to attempt to fix the problem.

   
What is a wireless network amplifier?

Wireless Network: Amplifier

A wireless network amplifier is a device you connect to an antenna to increase wireless signal strength and boost the range and stability of your wireless network. Check the specifications of the antenna to make sure it will allow an amplifier to be attached.

   
What is a wireless access point?

Wireless Network: Access Point Definition

An access point is a station that broadcasts wireless internet to other computers in the wireless network. An access point can be a router, computer, or special access point equipment. It can also be called a base station or hot spot.

   
What is a peer to peer wireless network?

Peer to Peer Wireless Network

A peer to peer network is a network where computers talk directly to one another for the purpose of sharing files and resources. This form of network is also known as an ad hoc network. This can be set up on a wireless network without the use of an access point or router. All the computers and devices will need to have a wireless internet card and be configured to run on an ad hoc basis. You will not be able to share an internet connection on a peer to peer network.

   
What is an IP and dynamic IP address?

Wireless Network: IP addresses

An IP address is the numeric address of devices on a network. Static IP addresses means that the IP address does not change. A dynamic IP address means that the device will most likely have a different IP address every time it connects to the wireless network.

   
Is there a kit available I can use to set up my laptop on a wireless network?

Wireless Network Kits

There are several wireless network kits available for setting up computers on a wireless network. These kits include a wireless router and network card.

   
What equipment do I need to set up a wireless network?

Wireless Network Equipment

Setting up a wireless network is simple, and the equipment you will need will depend on the kind of wireless network you decide to set up. For a peer to peer network, you will simply need wireless network cards for all the computers. If you are also sharing a network connection, you will need a wireless router and maybe a wireless hub, depending on the amount of devices on the network. You will also need an access point, which can be a dedicated piece of hardware, or a computer with specific software.

   
What are the benefits of a wireless network if I do not own a laptop?

Wireless Network Without a Laptop

Even if you do currently own a laptop, there are benefits to considering a wireless network in your home or office. It is easy to expand and add additional computers and devices without having to special wire cables. There are no unsightly cables to look at or trip over. If you ever do purchase a laptop, it will be easy to add into the network. There are no holes to drill, no cables to string, and a wireless network can potentially be less expensive to start up and maintain then a wired one.

   
How many devices can share a single access point?

Sharing an Access Point on a Wireless Network.

This depends on the type of access point used and the manufacturer. The typical home wireless network access points recommend no more then ten computers and/or devices. Having too many computers sharing the same access point will affect the performance of the wireless network.

   
Why should I set up a wireless network?

Benefits to a Wireless Network

There are several benefits to a wireless network, the main focus being portability. It is common for notebook computer users to use a wireless network card, which will allow them to access the internet, other computers on the network, devices, etc from anywhere within the range of the wireless network. Wireless network management can be simpler then a wired network, because adding new systems does not require wiring of an office or home, plus there are no unsightly cables to troubleshoot.

   
Can I play computer games over a wireless network?

Computer Gaming Over a Wireless Network

If you have a computer game that supports a LAN mode of play, then you will be able to play the game over a wireless home network. Keep in mind that in some cases the speed difference may affect playing ability, but this is not always the case.

   
I seem to be getting interference on the wireless network, what could be causing this?

Wireless Network Interference

Wireless networks use radio waves to transmit signals. It is possible for your cordless phone, microwave, baby monitor etc to interfere with this signal. Make sure you're wireless network is running on a different frequency and your access point isn't directly near another wireless device which may cause interference.

   
What are the advantages to an office wireless network?

Office Wireless Network

A wireless network is ideal is an office environment. There is no need to worry about running cables, drilling holes, or having large closets or rooms full of cables for the office. It is cheaper to run a wireless network due to lower start up costs. If employees have laptops, it increases productivity as they can work in several locations and clients can easily hook up to the network. An office will also look more professional due to the lack of cables and wires running across the office floor.

   
What is the range of a wireless network?

Wireless Network Range

This depends on indoor or outdoor use, but most indoor networks have a range of 150-300 feet and outdoor can be up to 1000. This can change however based on the environment of the network. It is possible to extend the range of a wireless network by adding extension points or using another access point in the wireless network.

   
Do I need to have both a wireless router and an access point?

Wireless Network Equipment

Many wireless routers can act as an access point on a wireless network. You may want to add additional access points to increase the range or to add additional devices to the network.

   
Our office is currently running a wired network, why should I switch to wireless?

Switching to Wireless Network

There are several benefits to running a wireless network. You do not have the costs of running and maintaining cables and you do not need to worry about cables when designing the layout of an office area. Wireless network equipment is comparable in cost to wired equipment. Changing from a wired to a wireless network will give your employees greater freedom and can increase productivity. Clients can stop by the office and access the network, making transfer of files and data easier. Finally, wireless network management can be less complex and costly then that of a wired network.

   
What is a wireless antenna?

Wireless Antenna

A wireless antenna is used to boost the increase the range of a wireless network. However, be sure to check the hardware of the wireless router or access point that you have, because not all are compatible with a wireless antenna. An alternative to boost the range is to add additional access points to the network.

   
What are the benefits of Bluetooth technology?

Wireless Network: Bluetooth Technology

Bluetooth technology is built into cell phones, laptops, PDA's, and other wireless devices. If you have a device that Bluetooth is not built into, it is easy to purchase a wireless adapter. Bluetooth allows data exchange without the setup of a wireless network. You can easily transfer pictures to from your phone to your computer, schedules from your PDA to your laptop and more.

   
Can I have more then one access point?

Wireless Network and Access Points

You can have several access points in a wireless network. When setting up a wireless network, you may determine that you need a longer range then one access point can offer, or you may need to add more equipment then one access point can handle. In this case, you can attach several access points, either as separate hardware or by using a computer with special software.

   
What is DNS?

Wireless Network: DNS

DNS stands for Domain Name System and its job is to translate an IP address into a language, such as English. DNS is crucial to the internet's functioning. When you are setting up a wireless network, you will need to specify a DNS if you are using a static IP address

   
Where should I put my access point for my wireless network?

Where to Put Wireless Network Access Point

Physically speaking, your access point should be placed within range of the other computers on the network and away from objects which may interfere with transmissions, such as cordless phones and microwaves. Place the access point off the floor and do not cover it with bulky objects, as this can interfere with the transmission of the wireless internet signals. There is no need to place two access points right next to one another, and doing so can also interfere with signals.

   
I cannot seem to share files on my wireless network, what could be wrong?

Wireless Network File Sharing

If you are having difficulty sharing files on another computer on the wireless network, check the computer settings on the specific computer in question to make sure that file sharing is turned on under the system preference control panel.

   
What is a wireless hot spot?

Wireless Network: Hot Spot

A hot spot is essentially the same as an access point, but is usually found in restaurants, stores, etc, where people with Wi-Fi laptops can access the internet. Sometimes this service is free, but sometimes it is a paid service.

   
Are wireless signals a hazard to my health?

Wireless Network and Your Health

There have been no scientific studies to indicate that wireless signals can affect your health in a negative manner. A wireless network uses radio waves to transmit information and transmit less then an average cell phone.

   
What is Wi-Fi?

Wireless Network: Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi, short for wireless fidelity, is the term given for the wireless standard used by wireless networks. The standard is 802.11. Many times you will see ‘wi-fi offered here' by restaurants, etc, which means that there are hot spots available for wireless internet.

   
I’m currently running Windows XP and I keep getting dropped by my wireless network, what could be wrong?

Running Windows XP on a Wireless Network

If you are running Windows XP and having issues with your wireless network connection, check to see what service pack you are running. Most problems can be fixed by upgrading to service pack 2. Service pack 2 addressed an issue with it's Wireless Zero Configuration, which affects your wireless network connection ability.

   
My wireless network is currently acting sluggish, what could be wrong?

Trouble Shooting Wireless Network Problems

If your wireless network is acting sluggish or not working properly, check to make sure that all batteries are charged and working properly in your wireless devices. This includes laptop computers as well. Next, check to make sure you are within range of the access points and/or wireless router and that it is not covered with unnecessary objects. Check to make sure that all configurations are set properly and that there are no objects, such as cordless phones or microwaves in the area that can interfere with the signal.

   
WLAN vs. LAN, what’s the difference?

Wireless Network: WLAN vs. LAN

A LAN is also known as a local area network. A WLAN is a wireless local area network. If your home or office currently uses a LAN, it can easily be converted over to a wireless network, or a wireless network can be added onto the LAN to increase portability, functionality and productivity.

   
What is a wireless network?

Wireless Network

A wireless network is any network which does not require the use of cables to connect computers and devices. A wireless network can connect computers to one another, share devices and internet connections. Wireless networks, as with traditional networks, can be simple or complex. The network topology can be suited to meet the physical needs of the network

   
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