Wireless Home Networking For Dummies

Do you need a wireless network? Sure you do, and here′s the easy way to get one

The world′s going wireless! A wireless network is for more than just computers; appliances, game consoles, and even your thermostat may have wireless capabilities. This fully updated version of the number one book on wireless home networking is packed cover to cover with everything you need to know to plan, install, and use a wireless network in your home.

The shopping list find out what equipment you′ll need and what to look for when shopping

You have standards understand industry standards and how 802.11n affects you

It′s in the plan plan your network with an eye to security, the types of devices you′ll be connecting, your Internet provider, and more

Roll up your sleeves follow step–by–step instructions to install your network

Oh, the things you can do share peripherals, use your network for storage, exchange files between Macs and PCs, and more

Now the fun stuff configure your network for gaming or connect devices into a knockout home entertainment system

Get going explore mobile networking, Bluetooth, and how to find hot spots away from home

Open the book and find:

How to wirelessly control your home

Instructions for Windows 7 and Mac OS X Snow Leopard

When you do want to use wires

Suggestions for devices to connect

Where you should (and shouldn′t) install your access point

Important advice on securing your network

Things you can do with Bluetooth

Ten troubleshooting tips

Learn to:

Consider financial and logistical issues when planning a wireless network

Design, install, and use a wireless LAN

Keep your network security up to date

Plan for the Wi–Fi capability of yourmobile devices

Introduction 1

Part I: Wireless Networking Fundamentals 7

Chapter 1: Introducing Wireless Home Networking 9

Chapter 2: From a to n and b–yond 27

Chapter 3: Exploring Bluetooth and Other Wireless Networks 51

Part II: Making Plans 67

Chapter 4: Planning a Wireless Home Network 69

Chapter 5: Choosing Wireless Home Networking Equipment 91

Part III: Installing a Wireless Network 107

Chapter 6: Installing Wireless Access Points in Windows 109

Chapter 7: Setting Up a Wireless Windows Network 125

Chapter 8: Setting Up a Wireless Mac Network 143

Chapter 9: Securing Your Home Network 161

Part IV: Using Your Wireless Network 183

Chapter 10: Putting Your Wireless Network to Work 185

Chapter 11: Gaming Over Your Wireless Network 205

Chapter 12: Networking Your Entertainment Center 225

Chapter 13: Extending Your Mobile Network 245

Chapter 14: Other Cool Things You Can Network 257

Chapter 15: Using a Bluetooth Network 273

Chapter 16: Going Wireless Away from Home 285

Part V: The Part of Tens 297

Chapter 17: Ten FAQs about Wireless Home Networks 299

Chapter 18: Ten Ways to Troubleshoot Wireless LAN Performance 309

Chapter 19: Ten Devices to Connect to Your Wireless Network in the Future 319

Chapter 20: Ten Sources for More Information 339

Index 347

Pat Hurley is a TeleChoice consultant specializing in emerging telecommunications technologies. They are coauthors of Smart Homes For Dummies, Home Theater For Dummies, and HDTV For Dummies.