Updated: 05/14/2006
Happy Computers make Happy Users
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What is Wi-Fi? Wi-Fi or Wireless Fidelity is networking without wires. A great advantage to Wi-Fi is the freedom to move anywhere with in the range of your access point or AP. Just like wired networks you can network to access files, applications or internet access across the network. I have found that wireless networks are much easier to setup than its wired counterpart. Wireless is based around what is called the 802.11x protocol. This comes in several versions. The most popular today is 802.11b. 802.11b has speeds up to 11 mbps. Most of what are called "Hotspots" are setup with is version. Just emerging the summer of 2003 is 802.11g. This version is able to achieve speeds of up to 54 mbps. Most of the newer Wi-Fi capable laptops have the 802.11g wireless cards. 802.11g will work on 802.11b networks. "Hotspots" As wireless has become more and more popular businesses have setup Wi-Fi networks for customers to use. One of the more popular is Starbucks. They use T-Mobile for their provider and it is a subscription service. Several motel chains also offer wireless access. There are also many free Wi-Fi Hotspots around. Check the links below for sites to search for "Hotspots". |
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Spokane Hot Zone is Free WiFi in downtown Spokane. It covers a 100 square block area of the central business district of downtown. Coverage area map can be viewed here. You get 2 hours of free wireless per day. If you have a wireless laptop of pda you can get connected when you are in downtown Spokane. Please visit the website by clicking on the Spokane Hot Zone logo above. Wi-Fi News and Information More Hotspots in the Seattle Area |
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Setting
up a home Wi-Fi Network |
