PANetworks

Wireless networking is a relatively new concept for many homes and businesses, but it is certainly one worth exploring. With the addition of affordable wireless routers, systems that come equipped with wireless adapters, and more and more wireless devices such as printers and cellular phones coming out each day, the advantages of setting up a wireless network in your home are stacking up. However, there are still some drawbacks. Here are the ups and downs of this networking alternative.

On the “good” side of the scale . . .

The mobility of the network allows anyone to access it from anywhere inside your home, or even immediate outside of it.

You don’t have to be right next to a printer or other device to tap into it as a resource.

You can reduce the number of cords you need to purchase, set up, and have around.

Setup is relatively simple when compared to a wired home network. You can simply plug into the router or other wireless station and use the wireless installation wizard that comes with your computer in order to create a fundamentally sound network.

On the “bad” side of the scale . . .

The speed of your network will be lower when compared to a fully wired network. While wireless is getting faster, it’s not “there” yet.

Wireless networks are far less reliable than wired networks, and you can get spots, downtime, and other errors more easily in a wireless network.

Wireless networking won’t work very well for specific tasks such as gaming, where the lag that occurs can create significant problems.

The cost of a wireless network, while decreasing, is high when compared to a fully wired network. In addition to the cost of the router and adapters for computers, wireless versions of printers or other utilities are more costly.

Neither wired nor wireless home networks are a bad idea, and each provides certain opportunities and drawbacks. The best approach is to evaluate your home, your priorities for mobility, cost, and ease of setup, and make the best decision to suit your particular situation.

The term “smartphone” seems to be on everyone’s lips. Whether it’s the rumors spiraling about as to whether Verizon will finally provide service for the iPhone or the Droid versus the iPhone debate. A smartphone comparison is needed to know which phone would be the right one.

But what exactly is a smartphone? Simply it is a cell phone with a lot of additional features. These features may be found on PDAs (personal digital assistants) or computers. These features include email, web surfing, and document editing.

A little history may also help understand smartphones. Cell phones and PDAs were the first so-called mobile devices. Phone calls were the main function of early cell phones; they did not have any other function. PDAs were portable organizers. Basically these devices stored contacts and lists and would connect with personal computers. Later these PDAs were given wireless connectivity access and could start using email services. Cell phones also began using email capabilities. This was followed by cell phones adding the services of PDAs and vice versa. And hence the smartphone was born.

There is really no industry-wide definition of a smartphone. But there are some general similarities including:

• Smartphones use an operating system. This allows the use of applications. These systems include Palm OS, Windows Mobile, and BlackBerry OS.
• Smartphones use richer software than cell phones. Most cell phones will include applications such as a contact manager; but smartphones do more. They can edit and create documents. You can download applications including management software for business and finance, and you can even get travel directions using GPS software.
• Smartphones have the ability to access the Web. High-speed Web access is growing allowing Web access at high speeds on these mobile devices.
• While all cell phones have text messaging capabilities, smartphones can communicate and synchronize with your email accounts. Some can even handle multiple accounts.

There are many situations in which lag can create significant problems. Voice over internet protocol use, video chatting, and gaming are the most common. While the amount of lag you have will often make doing these things either viable or totally impossible, there are still ways you can fine tune your bandwidth use in order to make the lag as marginal as possible. Some of these are tricky, some of them you will need to be cautious about – but all of them have a chance to decrease that threatening ms latency that threatens to disrupt your audio conversations, or lose you your next game of Counter Strike.

Thing #1: Focus Bandwidth

This is a commonly known way to increase your internet oomph, but it’s also the best place to start. Your latency, unless you’re using satellite internet or have a shoddy wireless router, is probably due to a bandwidth issue. If you are using too much compared to how much you have available, lag will happen. Make sure that you don’t have extra computers running internet software during your gaming time, save piracy for afterward, and otherwise reduce the number of devices connecting to your internet.

Thing #2: Reduce System Processes

Your computer isn’t just running your game. In fact, it’s probably running a few dozen processes, which all take their share of computer resources. Maximizing computer resources will, in and of itself, increase your game performance. However, it should be noted that many of these processes also take some small degree of your internet space. Background applications that check for updates, communicate to online servers, or otherwise tap into the power of the internet, all have the potential to slow you down. Close as many as you can, either using the extended services panel or MSConfig startup options for your computer. NOTE: Don’t do this if you’re clueless as to what you’re doing.

Thing #3: Disable Your Antivirus

ONLY do this if you are confident in your ability to protect your computer, and you understand the risks. Understanding that, your antivirus is one of the biggest bandwidth drains running in your background.

In the world of wireless internet communication, there are four letters that have some significance: B, G, and N. However, despite the fact that most people realize that these make for a difference of some kind, only the more educated internet users have any idea what that difference is. Prepare to join the “more educated” group.

Unlettered wireless, the original wireless format, provided the baseline for the wireless field. It could transfer a data bit rate of up to 2 bits per second, and had an indoor range of up to 66 feet. It functioned on a 2.4Ghz frequency – the same as just about everything else that’s wireless. Luckily, the wireless technologies have moved forward.

Wireless B came next, with up to 11 megabits per second, or just over five times the maximum transfer rate of original wireless. The maximum indoor range also exploded, reaching up to 125 feet with a relatively clear signal. Wireless B came about in 1999, two years after the invention of the original wireless cards, and still functioned on the 2.4Ghz frequency. It didn’t stop there, however.

Wireless G was dropped off by the stork in 2003, and sported connection rates of up to 54 megabits per second. The range didn’t change much, and the frequency didn’t change. Still, the speeds were becoming pretty decent. 54 megabits per second equates to a maximum download speed of about seven megabytes per second.

Wireless N started to change things in 2009, and it is currently the reigning champion of the wireless world. Its maximum transfer rate reaches 150 megabits per second, or almost twenty megabytes per second, when it is functioning on a 5Ghz frequency. This versatile network can function on either 5Ghz or 2.4Ghz frequencies, allowing for maximum compatibility with older devices. With either 5Ghz or 2.4Ghz, the range is double that of B/G wireless. The 5Ghz frequency, however, is more resistant to wireless interference.

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In the modern world, mobility is a buzz word that gets as much action as the secret word on Pee Wee’s playhouse. Everything now seems equipped with wireless capabilities, including computers, printers, hand held devices, and much more. However, the real benefits of WiFi aren’t visible if you’re only using it in your own home. To really tap into wireless power, you will want to develop a unique skill set: that of finding free WiFi networks.

Skill 1: Know Common Hotspots

There are many locations that will provide completely free wireless internet as a part of their business. These includes bookstores, cafes, and even many public parks. While they may require that you create a login with the company, these networks are great for any basic activity. If your favorite cafe or store doesn’t have an open network, see if they have a secure one that you can get the password for.

Skill 2: Get a List

There are some great websites that have been created to help people track down wireless access locations. For the United States, the most comprehensive list can be found at wififreespot.com, which allows you to find and suggest locations by state, or even by company.

Skill 3: Start the Free Access Efforts

There are many ways you can try to build free wireless in your area. Start petitions or attend city council meetings in order to suggest free wireless networks for parks, public locations, or even the city itself. If the Government lets you down, don’t give up on your community. There are many neighborhoods that have successfully banded together to create a free wireless zone. By splitting the cost with everyone, the bottom line decreases dramatically.

Whether you choose to track down existing wireless networks, request access to secured networks, or spearhead the free WiFi battles in your region, the important part of the equation is remembering that wireless mobility means more mobility than just “anywhere in your house.” Plus, the more that public locations are used and businesses that provide networks receive attention, the more these networks are formed – so you’re doing us all a favor!

Latency, more commonly known as “lag,” is the worst enemy of PC gamers worldwide. It can also interfere with accessing websites, using real time internet services, and provide general annoyance worse than hairballs in your spaghetti. Most people know that internet latency is this bad, but these people frequently aren’t aware of the exact definition of latency. So, what is latency, and what causes it?

What is latency?

Latency is the delay between sending a request to your internet network and receiving a response. It covers a huge variety of potential kinds of delays related to hardware and internet service. “Low latency” is the qualification given to a network with minimal delays, but can vary greatly in actual technical abilities. Latency is measured in milliseconds, and what is “bad” or “good” latency will vary dependent on your activity. For internet gamers and real-time application users, a latency of less than a hundred ms is generally required. For many others, a latency of 200 to 800 is acceptable.

What isn’t latency?

It is important to clarify that latency is not the same thing as bandwidth. Bandwidth is the amount of data that you can transfer at a time from your internet service provider. As such, slow download rates, page load times, and internet streaming are not due to latency, but bandwidth issues, in almost all cases.

What causes latency?

There are many different sources of latency, but they all have to do with not receiving or sending data to your internet service provider as quickly as possible. The first major cause is computer based. If your computer doesn’t have up to date hardware, software, or firmware, you may be bottlenecking your internet access on your computer. The second major cause is home hardware based. If you have an out of date router or modem, a wireless connection from a long distance away or that has to deal with large amounts of interference, you will be creating additional unnecessary delays. The third major cause is service based. Some cheap internet providers have latency issues, and some internet types, like satellite internet, come with built in high latency.

More and more home offices are turning to wireless solutions. After all, this once expensive category of devices is now becoming very affordable, and the additional mobility, the lack of clutter, and the chance to network in other devices more easily, all lead to great appeal. So, what wireless devices should you consider getting?

Wireless Mouse and Keyboard

The wireless effort can start right at your computer. A wireless keyboard and mouse are two of the most simple and affordable components, but they are highly advantageous. You will be able to remove the clutter around your desk, increase your ergonomics and general comfort, and easily move your work station. This includes moving your work station to other locations such as wireless hot spots. A portable mouse can network with whatever computer you choose to use for the day.

Headphones and Speakers

There are many business applications that require sound in order to provide their maximum benefit. These include VOIP programs and any program with audio instructions or elements, but the importance of music at work shouldn’t be discounted either. Wireless components here will allow for a full surround sound experience and the chance to walk away from your desk without disrupting your task.

Printer and Office Devices

A wireless printer is one of the best items to get in your home office, partially because it will allow anyone else who needs a printer to get their task finished without too much interference with your work flow.

Phones and Headsets

If phone calls are any major portion of your work day, then getting a wireless headset will make work a little more sanity friendly. Getting up to stretch your legs in the middle of a phone call may also give you a hidden opportunity for increase fitness!

Webcams and Microphones

Do you do video conferencing? Use a VOIP program? If so, you’ll get tons out of wireless webcams and mics, due to the simplicity of installation and how easy it makes your desk organization.

Remember, that any other devices that access the internet, including mobile phones, tablets, and other computers, can also become a part of your home office wireless network!

There are many forms of internet these days. Broadband connections in the form of DSL, Cable, and Satellite Internet can be found almost anywhere, and even Dial-up is hanging on like a mutant zombie. However, the advances in internet connection types and speed have made understanding the data transfer speeds more complex. Here is a brief guide on understanding the applicable terms.

Bits vs Bytes

All internet services will brag about their speed, and will let you know the maximum rate of transfer for data. This is frequently displayed in the X mbps form, where X indicates the number of “megabits per second.” This is confusing for many users, since “bits” are not the same as “bytes.” The term is no longer used frequently in other computer based technologies, and the exchange rate between bit and byte are no longer memorized. The simple story is that, before there were bytes, there were bits. This was when kilobytes were still a distant dream. A bit is just one-eighth the size of a byte. In order to find the maximum rate of transfer for your provider, all you have to do is divided those mbps by eight. The result is the maximum speed that a file can upload or download onto your computer, in megabytes.

Up vs Down

While your internet provider will brag about very high maximum speeds, it’s important to understand that this isn’t the speed for everything you do. Generally speaking, it’s the maximum speed for downloads, and uploads will be significantly slower. There is no set rule for how fast your downloads will be compared to your uploads, such as to FTP servers, in networking, or to voice chats. You will have to contact your ISP directly for the information.

Bandwidth vs Lag

Another common mistake that standard internet users make is to confused latency with bandwidth limitations. Latency, or the amount of time it takes your data to transfer to and from your ISP and/or router, creates an initial delay known as “lag.” Bandwidth limitations create ongoing slowness due to a lack of data streams from your internet provider.

With the vast majority of United States citizens having internet access, partially thanks to recent advancements in Satellite and Wireless internet technologies, it should be obvious that the web has vast appeal. You may already know exactly what you want the internet for (and shame on you!), but you should consider some other great activities on the web.

#5: Getting a New Job

The internet is an amazing resource for finding a job. With sites like Monster, Jobs.com, and even Craigslist, you can easily find more job opportunities in your area than ever before. The internet’s uses for finding a new job extend beyond that as well, though. You can educate yourself on putting together a resume, filling out applications, and acing the interviews, too.

#4: Advanced Chatting

Yes, email is spiffy, and instant messaging with groups like MSN can also be fun, but chatting has evolved. There are many free services, including Skype, Gmail chat with integrated voice and video, and more, all of which will allow you to chat with your friends in ways that strongly resemble what we saw in classic episodes of The Jetsons.

#3: A Free Word Processor

Google is the noble King of the internet world, and they’re also the first group that allowed for high-quality, free, online word processing and spreadsheet creation. You don’t need to download any software, install anything, or store any files. Everything is taken care of online through this completely pro bono service.

#2: Getting an Education

While it may not be as established as physical colleges, which go back a couple thousand years, online Universities are a very viable solution. They tend to be more affordable than physical colleges, provide more degrees and focuses, give you flexibility with your time, and provide a fully accredited and valued degree.

#1: Killing Time

This is the broadest and most common use of the Internet. There are unlimited time sinks on the internet. Some of the best of these are: social networking, online games, reading random Wikipedia topics, getting addicted to eBay, starting your own website or blog, and goofing off on Google Earth.