Wireless Transmitters

By Joshua Erdman
Digital Foundation, inc.

It is amazing how so much convienience and freedom comes from such a little accessory. Unfortunately without a little knowledge you could be spending your money on the wrong wireless technology and find yourself alone, without a wireless network to connect to while sitting in those Internet cafés.

Wireless Protocols

In short the 802.11g wireless standard will give you the most access to locally available wireless networks. It has the benefits of the high-speed 54mbps transmission rates and is backwards compatible with 802.11b. 802.11a operates on the less popular 5.8GHz frequency; which offers less transmission distances resulting in less interferences, a great alternative for a wireless network that needs a lot of privacy.

Buying a wireless card for your laptop

Since there is nothing you can do about the quipment or wireless standards used at the Internet cafes, we must focus on the transmitter in your laptop to ensure the greatest compatibility and speed.

Cards from NetGear, intel, or Linksys will most likely work fine. But there is much to be said about the more expensive cards (such as the Cisco Aeronet) which provide much more sensitivity and can pick up weaker signals (these cards also cost five times as much and consume much more battery power).

Cost

Expect to pay at least $50 for a wireless card.

Manufacturer	Average Price
D-Link DWL-AG650	$90	802.11a/g/b
Linksys WPC54G	$70	802.11b/g
NetGear WG511NA	$80	802.11b/g
NetGear WPC54G	$50	802.11b

All Prices taken from:

Click the links above for more information.

Article last reviewed: 12/20/2003

Created by: Digital Foundation, inc.

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