Gold Country Computer Learning Center March 2006

Is Wireless for You?Is Wireless for You?

Roger Thornburn

March 2006

2

Gold Country Computer Learning Center

Is Wireless for You?

Roger Thornburn

Today’s DiscussionToday’s Discussion

What is Wireless A connection that doesn’t use wire!! Just like a cordless phone Today – will just touch on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Where is it used? Connect two or more computers together Connect computers to the internet Connect your multimedia Connect your peripherals (mouse, camera, etc.)

Presentation Not too much “techie” talk about wireless More about “where” and “what”, than how

March 2006

3

Gold Country Computer Learning Center

Is Wireless for You?

Roger Thornburn

Bluetooth or Wi-FiBluetooth or Wi-Fi

Bluetooth is short range wireless Most devices have 3ft or 20ft range Typical applications:

hands free mobile phones, keyboard, mouse, cameras, wireless headsets, PDA synchronizing, printers, etc.

Low power and no set up.

Wi-Fi - longer range, higher speed and more security Used primarily to carry high speed data Range to 300ft Typical applications:

connect computers to a central access point, connect computer to computer (ad-hoc), printers, multimedia, etc.

Needs set up, but has high security capability

March 2006

4

Gold Country Computer Learning Center

Is Wireless for You?

Roger Thornburn

Single PCSingle PC

Connecting to the Internet Dial up Broadband

DSL, Cable or Satellite

Basically no difference – just one can carry more information than the other

Your Computer

The “Internet”

Your ISP

Dial up orBroadband

March 2006

5

Gold Country Computer Learning Center

Is Wireless for You?

Roger Thornburn

Broadband – External Modem

DSL, Cable orSatellite

Closer Look - Internet ConnectionCloser Look - Internet Connection

Your ComputerYour ISP

Dial up – Internal Modem

Telephone Line

Both dial up and broadband use a modem Can be internal or external

Dial up normally internalBroadband normally external

Sending you web pages

user name and passwordIP address (unique number)

March 2006

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Gold Country Computer Learning Center

Is Wireless for You?

Roger Thornburn

Two ComputersTwo Computers

Why connect two (or more) computers? Share files – photos, music, files, etc. Play games Backup important files Called a LAN (local area network) Each computer needs an IP address

Connected with Ethernet cable

Connectedwith Wireless

March 2006

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Gold Country Computer Learning Center

Is Wireless for You?

Roger Thornburn

More than Two ComputersMore than Two Computers

We could just daisy chain more computers

But would need multiple adapters on some computersMuch better to use a hub

Just a simple “junction box” – still requires each computer be set it’s own IP address

March 2006

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Gold Country Computer Learning Center

Is Wireless for You?

Roger Thornburn

RecapRecap

Internet connection Needs unique (on the Internet/WAN) IP address Connects through a modem (internal or external) Same concept for dial-up or broadband

Local Area Network (LAN) Connect multiple, local computers together Each computer needs a unique LOCAL IP address Can connect using Ethernet cable or Wireless Best to use a “Hub” for more than 2 computers

March 2006

9

Gold Country Computer Learning Center

Is Wireless for You?

Roger Thornburn

Typical Set-upTypical Set-up

Multiple computers connected to the internet Most common requirement Great if you have a laptop – can access the internet

from the kitchen, deck, bedroom, etc. The set-up is different for dial-up (internal modem)

and broadband (external modem)

Firewall issues Your Internet (WAN) IP is public Without a firewall, the WAN is just like a LAN! True for just a single computer on the internet

March 2006

10

Gold Country Computer Learning Center

Is Wireless for You?

Roger Thornburn

WAN – LAN with Dial-UpWAN – LAN with Dial-Up Set-up local area network

With or without a hub Wired or wireless

Primary computer makes dial-up connection Primary computer has 2 IP addresses, one for

the Internet and one for the LAN Uses “ICS” (Internet Connection Sharing)

Firewall Primary computer must be on

Hub (wire and wireless)Local Area Network

(LAN)

Telephone Line

Internet

Your ISP

Dial up – Internal Modem

Wide Area Network(WAN)

Your “primary” computer

March 2006

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Gold Country Computer Learning Center

Is Wireless for You?

Roger Thornburn

Simple 2 computer systemSimple 2 computer system

Both can access the internet Share files Backup files If one is a laptop – freedom!

Telephone Line

Internet

Your ISP

Dial up – Internal Modem

Your “primary” computer

Your laptop computer

March 2006

12

Gold Country Computer Learning Center

Is Wireless for You?

Roger Thornburn

Set-up, using an External ModemSet-up, using an External Modem Back to the basic internet connection Place a “Router” between the computer and

modem A router is basically a hub + “computer”

Dials the ISP and provides username & p/w Receives WAN IP address Provides IP addresses to the LAN

Provides a firewall

Router

Broadband – External Modem DSL, Cable or

Satellite

Your Computer

Your ISP

Internet

March 2006

13

Gold Country Computer Learning Center

Is Wireless for You?

Roger Thornburn

External Modem/Router NetworkExternal Modem/Router NetworkBasic home network

Router dials up ISP Router “manages” LAN IP addresses

Can be wired and wireless Provides firewall

Security

Router(wire + wireless)

Broadband – External Modem DSL, Cable or

Satellite

Your Computer

Your ISP

Internet

March 2006

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Gold Country Computer Learning Center

Is Wireless for You?

Roger Thornburn

Other Wireless DevicesOther Wireless DevicesMultimedia

Large low cost hard drives can store your: CD’s and MP3 files Video and Slide Shows

But really want to play them on your hi-fi or TV Can connect with a regular audio/video cable But why not use wireless?

Can get special wireless adapters that connect directly to your hi-fi or home theater system

Internet radio 1000’s of stations – great choice

Computer Peripherals Printers, Cameras, etc

Voice Over IP Telephone over the internet

March 2006

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Gold Country Computer Learning Center

Is Wireless for You?

Roger Thornburn

Wireless Jargon & ComponentsWireless Jargon & Components 802.11b/g/a, Super G, Turbo G, etc.

b – 11 Mbps, low costg – 54 Mbps, longer range.Super, Turbo, etc – typically proprietary at more cost

HubConnect multiple wireless devices togetherNo built in connection to WAN (internet)

RouterHub plus ability to “dial” your ISPProvides firewallWired as well as wireless connections

AdapterCard to provide wireless for laptop or pcMedia center extender

Gold Country Computer Learning Center March 2006

Enjoy Your “Wireless” FreedomEnjoy Your “Wireless” Freedom