What do I need for Wireless Internet?

Hey guys,

I'm sort of new to the internet scene (lived in dorms, etc so I didn't have to worry about this kind of stuff). I'm moving to a new apartment and I have no clue where to begin.

After getting an internet service provider, what would I need to get wireless internet running through my apartment?



Thanks

 

That depends on an ISP you choose. If you end up with an ADSL service (the one using phone line) you will need a device that incorporates an ADSL modem- whether a modem and a separate wireless router or a combo device (both modem and wireless router in one device).
If you choose an ISP that in the end provides just an Ethernet cable (regardless of whether you get a cable modem to which you connect an Ethernet cable or just a cable sticking out of the wall)- all you needs is a wireless router.

There is a twist to the second option. Your ISP may provide you with a cable modem and new cable modems often incorporate wireless capability- in this case you don't need a thing.

So when you will have chosen the ISP we will be able to be more specific with our recommendations.

 

Your ISP will install service to their modem or modem/router or modem/router/wireless access point. You then connect your computer (do not install their software on your computer... it's not required).

You can wire one computer to a modem. You can wire several computers to a modem/router, assuming the router has multiple Ethernet RJ-45 LAN ports. You can connect many computers wirelessly to a modem/router/wireless access point WLAN.

Ultimately, you want the modem to interface with their service; the router to provide a hardware firewall for security from the Internet and around which to construct your LAN; and the wireless access point to establish a WLAN for connecting your wireless devices.

If your ISP does not install a router/wireless access point (wireless router), you will need to buy one and connect it to their modem. Then configure it and begin using it. The configuration bit is done via a web browser interface over a *wired connection* to firmware running on the router. And mostly pertains to setting up the wireless security... simple but deserves care to ensure your WLAN is secured.

Once the wireless router is set up, you define a matching connection on each wireless client (notebook) and away you go.

First, find out what equipment your ISP will install. And identify the wireless adapter(s) in your computer(s). This will determine if you need to augment or improve upon the ISP equipment with your own wireless router, and what wireless standard you can configure your WLAN for... ideally 802.11n with WPA2 + AES encryption.

GK