Teach Yourself VISUALLY Wireless Networking

by Tidrow, Rob

• ISBN13: 9780470072691
• ISBN10: 0470072695
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-10-02
• Publisher: Visual

Summary

* Wireless networks continue to gain popularity because of their convenience and flexibility; this full-color guide explains how to create a small network in a home or office, all without the expense and hassle of stringing cable or paying a network administrator * Focuses specifically on the popular 802.11b wireless networking standard, better known as WiFi * Covers everything from the basics of "What is WiFi" to administering and securing a wireless network, connecting on the road, and troubleshooting problems before they arise.

Author Biography

Rob Tidrow is a technical writer and has authored or co-authored over 30 books on a wide variety of computer and technical topics, including Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Outlook 2003, Windows 2000 Server, and Microsoft Internet Information Server. Some of his previous works include Master Visually Windows XP Service Pack 2 Edition, and Wireless Networking Quick Tips. Rob currently is a Technical Communicator for Ontario Systems in Muncie, Indiana. He lives in Centerville, Indiana, with his wife Tammy and their two sons, Adam and Wesley. You can reach him via e-mail at [e-mail].

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Introducing Wireless Networking.

Discover Wireless Networks.

Understanding What a Network Is.

Discover the Benefits of Wireless Networking.

Understanding the Disadvantages of Wireless Networking.

Discover the Types of Wireless Technology.

Discover Applications for Wireless Networks.

Review System Requirements.

Consider Your Networking Requirements.

Discover Wireless Standards.

Discover Network Configurations.

Discover Networking Speeds.

Estimate Coverage Range.

Chapter 2. Setting Up Wireless Network Hardware.

Understanding Wireless Hardware Installation Issues.

Select Wireless Hardware.

Configure Broadband Modems.

Configure Network Bridges.

Configure Residential Gateways.

Understanding Access Points.

Set Up a Wireless Gateway.

Set Up an Access Point.

Download Firmware.

Upgrade Firmware.

Introducing DHCP.

Chapter 3.Installing Wireless Hardware in PCs.

Discover Wireless Adapters.

Using Wireless Adapters.

Install and Configure a Network Adapter.

Confirm Driver Installation.

Update Adapter Firmware.

Chapter 4. Configuring Wireless Networks.

View Available Networks.

Configure an Available Network.

Add a Preferred Network.

Remove a Preferred Network.

Move a Preferred Network.

View Signal Strength.

Confirm Zero Configuration Is On.

Disable and Enable Automatic Configuration.

Create a Wireless Bridge. 

Chapter 5. Creating Computer-to-Computer Networks.

Understanding Computer-to-Computer Considerations.

Computer-to-Computer versus Infrastructure Networks.

Configure Host PCs.

Configure Client PCs.

Enable Internet Sharing.

Chapter 6. Software for Wireless Computing.

Discover Office Suites.

Understanding E-Mail Applications .

Discover the Benefits of Web Browsers.

Transfer Files Using FTP.

Synchronize Files.

Chapter 7. Communicating with Wireless Computers.

Understanding the Types of Communication Software.

Configure Outlook Express E-Mail Software.

Using Outlook Express E-Mail Software.

Set Up Web Mail.

Using Web Mail .

Chapter 8. Using Wireless Computers for Business Presentations.

Discover the Benefits of Powerful Presentations on the Go.

Create a Slide Show.

Preview a Slide Show.

Discover Presentation Mechanics.

Chapter 9. Using Wireless Computers for Entertainment.

Register for Online Music.

Download the Yahoo! Music Engine.

Using Yahoo! Music Unlimited.

Discover Weblogs (Blogs).

Discover Streaming Radio.

Discover Online Gaming.

Chapter 10. Working on Wireless Networks.

Understanding Wireless Network Services and Resources.

Connect to a Wireless Network.

Browse a Network.

Share a Folder.

Monitor Shared Folders.

Assign a Letter to a Network Folder.

Add a Network Printer.

Chapter 11. Administering Wireless Networks.

Establish User Accounts.

Add a User Account.

Delete a User Account.

Assign a User Password .

Activate a Guest Account.

Change a Workgroup Name .

Share Information on a Wireless Network.

Share a Printer on a Wireless Network.

Chapter 12. Securing Wireless Networks.

Understanding Network Security.

Discover the Benefits of Security.

Understanding Disadvantages of Security.

Understanding Threats to Network Data.

Enable WEP Encryption.

Change a Network Name.

Manage a Hardware Access List.

Configure Windows Firewall.

Manage Windows Firewall.

Disable Windows Firewall.

Chapter 13. Connecting on the Road.

Discover the Benefits of a Mobile Computer.

Buying a Mobile Computer.

Discover Value-Priced Laptop Computers.

Discover High-Quality Laptop Computers.

Understand Battery Life for Laptop Computers.

Connect Away from Home.

Wireless Service Providers.

Find Wi-Fi Hotspots.

View Available Networks.

Set Up a VPN Connection.

 Chapter 14. Improving Network Performance.

Understanding Factors Affecting Wireless Range.

Increase Wireless Range.

Monitor Radio Signals.

Chapter 15. Troubleshooting a Wireless Network.

Troubleshooting Overview.

Troubleshoot with the Diagnostics Tool.

Renew DHCP Lease with ipconfig.

Show Network Connections with netstat.

Confirm Connection with pathping.