Wireless Network Card
Until a few years ago, many computer owners had to buy and install a wireless network card that would let their computers access a wireless network. But today, most major computer hardware manufacturers are installing network cards in the computers since the process has become fairly standardized. However, with some computers you can still buy these for less than $100 in some cases, although there are others that run well beyond this price. A peer-to-peer wireless computer network provides ad hoc linkage between various types of computers using the same wireless (without cables) network. These computers can share files and some technology, like a printer. But they may not be able to access a wired LAN unless one of the computers serves as a bridge. Another possibility is that the wireless network can use a base point with either hardware or software access as a hub to provide access between the wireless computers and the wired LAN. The wireless hardware makes use of radio frequencies for transmission of data. The widest ranging standard is 802.11 produced by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. Wireless connections range between 150 to 300 feet indoors. Outside, the connection may extend to 1,000 feet. Both areas are