Follow these five steps to setting up your Wireless Network

But the relentless collection of numbers and acronyms can be confusing

With the help of our tech support team, we've created a glossary of wireless terms. Use this resource to educate yourself, your business associates and your customers. A little knowledge about current -- and future -- solutions can open doors to the growing number of wireless sales opportunities.

802.11 | One of the hottest wireless technologies around, 802.11 powers today's WLANs in offices, homes and public hot spots. The moniker 802.11 refers to a family of specifications developed by the Institute for Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) for WLAN technology. 802.11 refers to an over-the-air interface between a wireless client and a base station or between wireless clients. All standards ratified by the IEEE, whether they be for speed or security, fall under the 802.11 banner.

A Few Words About Security   Worried about wireless security? Knowing the basics can keep connections safe. read more

802.11a | This standard operates on the 5-GHz band at speeds of up to 54 Mbps. The standard has been eclipsed in popularity by the 802.11 b/g standard with its cheaper costs and wider range. But because the protocol operates on a different band than b/g, users are less likely to encounter interference from other radio frequency devices, such as cordless phones. Walls, however, can obstruct the signal fairly easily, so access points should be installed every 50 feet. Another benefit of 802.11a: It gives system administrators more control by letting them assign user groups to 13 channels, as opposed to four for 802.11b/g.

802.11b/g | These two versions of the technology operate on the 2.4 -MHz frequency (the same as cordless phones and microwaves). The b standard lets users access the internet at up to 11 Mbps (compared to typical DSL or cable access of 1 Mbps). The g standard dramatically increases speeds to a maximum of 54 Mbps. And g is backward-compatible with the b standard. The signal of b and g can travel up to 300 feet, but walls tend to reduce the range. Access points should be installed every 200 feet.

802.11n | Currently in development, this standard will eventually supersede the a and b/g standards, boasting speeds of anywhere from 100 Mbps to more than 500 Mbps. The standard has yet to be ratified. Corporate electronics manufacturers and industry advocates are still hashing out such details as backward compatibility. (Compatibility with current 802.11 equipment would ensure that current investments in wireless infrastructure weren't in vain, but it could water down connection speeds.)

Bluetooth | While 802.11 drives wireless LANs (WLANS), Bluetooth complements that technology by powering devices that talk to each other, such as a laptops, cell phones and PDAs. A Bluetooth-enabled headphone, for example, lets cell phone users talk hands-free without wires. Bluetooth products, which also include printers and optical mice, must pass interoperability testing by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group prior to release. Members include Sony-Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia and Toshiba.

Hot spot | Public places, including coffee houses, convention centers and airports, that offer wireless web access. A laptop or PDA equipped with a WLAN can instantly access the service for free or a small charge.

Router | A key wireless infrastructure device. Wireless routers typically connect two networks, such as a LAN and ISP, and forward data packets along that network.

Tri-band products | WLAN cards and routers that allow laptops and PDAs equipped with any combination of 802.11 a/b/g technology to access the web using whichever standard is available. These products are Wi-Fi compatible.

Wi-Fi | Short for wireless fidelity, this term refers to any 802.11 technology sanctioned as interoperable by the Wi-Fi Alliance industry group. Products approved by the Alliance, including 802.11 a and b/g routers, access points and WLAN cards, receive the official Wi-Fi seal.

WiMax | A new technology that takes advantage of the emerging 802.16 standard for wireless metropolitan networks, WiMax will route wireless signals to multiple users within a 31-mile radius. The approach will help solve the so-called "last mile" problem that corporate users face when installing a T-3 line or other major web pipe into an office building. Those installations often require digging up nearby streets to link with available fiber optics. 802.16, under the commercial name WiMax, will let businesses tap the highest-speed access wirelessly, without facing hefty construction costs. Expect to see mass deployment of WiMax boxes by early 2006. Products from Intel and Proxim are slated to appear beginning early next year.

Wireless Access Point | A key component of the wireless infrastructure for 802.11 WLANs. These hardware devices provide network security and extend the physical range of wireless coverage.

You can also find useful information at a number of web sites that specialize in wireless technology. Start your research at Wi-Fi Planet, and Wi-Fi Alliance.