What Is Needed for Wireless Internet?
Wireless Internet is Internet service that can be accessed without having a physical wiring connection to the computer using the Internet. Wireless Internet service is generally provided by an Internet service provider through wireless routers, or locally through the use of a wireless router connected to a cable or DSL modem in the home or office.
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Equipment
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You need certain devices and pieces of equipment to connect to and use wireless Internet. If the computer is going to access a public or non-LAN (local area network) wireless Internet connection, the only thing that is needed is a computer or laptop that has a built-in wireless card. For laptops, nearly all models come with this built-in; for desktops, one can be installed in an available PCI card slot inside the computer. Examples of public, pay-as-you-go, or non-LAN networks include citywide wireless Internet services, coffee shop and dining location networks, and libraries.
To access the wireless Internet locally on a home or office network a wireless router is needed. This wireless router connects via Ethernet cable to a cable modem, DSL modem, or local area network router in the home or office. The connection is then transmitted to the wireless router which than transmits a wireless signal to any computers nearby with wireless cards.
Broadband wireless access offered by cellular phone companies such as Verizon and T-Mobile require a USB modem or PCMCIA card modem specially made to work with the company's broadband internet service.
Access
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For unsecured wireless networks such as a public network like those found in a library, there is often no fee or access password needed to access the network. The wireless card inside the computer is enabled and automatically connects to the unsecured network.
For a secured wireless network in a home or office local area network, if there is an account name and password, this must be entered to access the wireless internet. A paid subscription to a high-speed Internet connection, such as cable or DSL internet, is required in order to access the internet.
For pay-as-you-go networks such as those found in coffee shops that charge fees, you usually have to provide payment information before being issued a temporary user name and password to access wireless internet at that location.
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Misconceptions
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Even if a computer has a built-in wireless card, this does not automatically mean it can get onto the Internet. Wireless Internet is accessed either through a paid monthly subscription that provides wired Internet that a wireless router is connected to or through a service provider that offers "all over" wireless Internet that can be accessed where ever service is available.
A computer with wireless Internet capabilities can, however, scan for nearby wireless networks and can connect to unsecured networks or connect to secured networks if the user has the user name and password for the secured network.
Considerations
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People who own a laptop computer may benefit the most from a wireless Internet connection. In a home or office setting, a wireless router usually offers enough signal range to allow the user to move throughout the building and nearby property and continue to access the Internet without a physical connection to the laptop.
People who travel outside the home with their laptop should consider turning on their wireless card and scanning for unsecured wireless networks or purchase a broadband Internet plan for a cell phone service provider to access secure wireless internet when they are on the go.
Warning
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Accessing unsecured wireless internet connections can increase the risk of personal information such as passwords and financial information of being exposed on the Internet. Also accessing unsecured wireless networks can result in slower Internet connection speeds due to multiple computers accessing the network at once.
When setting up a wireless network in one's home or office the network should be password protected by setting up a secure network under network settings on the computer or by visiting the website indicated in the wireless router's manual for setting up a unique user name and password.
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