A wireless router is a computer networking device that routes data packets across another computer or across a wireless IP network. The wireless router comes with an 802.11 interface card and antenna. The wireless router antenna is generally what determines the signal strength of the wireless router. If your signal strength is weak, then you may need to replace your wireless antenna on one or both ends. When you buy a router, the antennas that come with it are designed to be omnidirectional. This simply means that they can broadcast Read More

Netgear is a leading manufacturer of networking devices such as modems, wireless routers, and network storage devices. Netgear products can be found in virtually every country and millions of consumers around the world use them for both residential and commercial purposes. Netgear Router Default IP Address As with any router, all Netgear routers include a built-in control panel that allows users to change configuration settings, enable the router to work with other devices, and setup network security. Users can access this control panel by entering 192.168.1.1 into any web browser’s Read More

Over the past decade, WiFi/wireless networking has become very popular. Low cost and simplicity are some of the reasons why WiFi is so popular. Today,  it is almost impossible to buy a laptop that doesn’t have a wireless card built into the screen, which is why WiFi’s popularity continues to grow. What Does WiFi Stand For? WiFi refers to the 802.11 wireless networking standard that is promulgated by the IEEE. Every time a standard is updated, a new letter is added to the end of the designation. This normally equates to an Read More

Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is an upgraded version of the SMS (Short Messaging Service) through which users can send and receive multimedia messages such as texts, pictures, video clips, audio clips, etc. with any compatible cell phone. It is an advanced messaging service that lets users send multiple media in one single message to one or more recipients. How Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) Works How can one create a multimedia message? The answer is quite simple – take pictures with one’s built-in camera phone or upload audio/video clips into one’s Read More

Changing WEP to WPA is a great way to increase a wireless network’s security. These are the two main types of protection available through modern wireless routers: WEP or Wired Equivalent Privacy is a security algorithm that wireless networks use. Hackers can break into wireless networks using WEP very easily with simple software that is readily available online. WPA or Wi-Fi Protected Access is a special certification program that offers a security protocol that makes it much more difficult to break into the network. This security increase is often much Read More

WiFi 802.11 describes a number of radio frequencies that can be used for wireless Internet access. WiFi 802.11 is specifically designed and maintained for the use of wireless Internet and can be found in most residences and commercial buildings in the United States and abroad. WiFi 802.11, which is also known as IEEE 802.11, consists of the 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n sub-standards, each of which is more efficient than the one before it. WiFi 802.11n is currently the most powerful sub-standard available and is backwards compatible with each of Read More

A wireless modem is a network device which connects to a wireless network. Modems are frequently associated with telephone systems, but wireless modems are used with computers to connect to the Internet. Connecting a wireless modem to the computer will directly connect to your wireless ISP (Internet Service Provider). Wireless modems operate at speeds comparable to dialup modems, not anywhere near the speed of broadband Internet connections. Types of Wireless Modem Interfaces Some wireless modems attach directly to your notebook computer or PDA. Wireless modem interfaces include PCMCIA, Compact Flash, Read More

An AirCard is a wireless adapter that allows a computer to access high speed broadband Internet from anywhere within the provider’s wireless network. Sierra Wireless originally designed and manufactured aircards, but they are now available through virtually every major cellular service provider in the world including AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon. AirCards require a data plan with a cellular service provider and may be purchased on a monthly, daily, or prepaid basis.   How AirCards Work AirCards are similar to wireless adapters, but instead of receiving signals from a wireless router Read More

A Cantenna is a waveguide antenna that is directional in nature, and is used to better detect or broaden a wireless network’s range. The original Cantenna was a 50 ohm resistive load that amateur radio enthusiasts used. It is a simple product that can be created with an empty Pringles can (and more recently, wider cans). It can be used to transmit and receive signals. Most users make a Cantenna in order to use a wireless network that is out of their computer’s reach. How to Create a Cantenna Step Read More

A modem is a device that connects to either a cable or DSL line in order to provide users with Internet access. A modem acts as both a receiver and a transmitter as data travels in either direction. Modems are easy to setup and generally only require the user to connect the device to a cable line or DSL outlet and a power source in order to connect to the Internet (a computer and router are also required). Router/Access Point A router is a device that converts the signals from Read More