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WiFi Receiver
If you’re sick of wires or own a laptop, you will need to consider a wireless receiver for your system. Wireless receivers are devices that receive a wireless Internet signal without the assistance of wires. Some of them are plug-and-use, while others require installation of software that comes with the device.
Some wireless Internet receivers are compact and plug into a Universal Bus Cable (USB) port while others resemble a modem and have an antenna sticking out. Range of coverage, computer and operating system compatibility, length of connection cable, and compatibility of additional devices and features are some of the things you want to consider before purchasing a WiFi receiver.
The performance of wireless receivers depends on a number of issues, most notably reception. If you live in heavily wooded areas or have other obstructions, you could experience difficulty when trying to set up a wireless Internet connection. In addition you need to know how long you want your wireless receiver to reach and what kind of computer and operating system you have to ensure compatibility. If you have a computer in a basement or attic that needs the signal, or if you live in a large home or work in a large office, you will need to consider extension devices to elongate your wireless Internet signal.
Below you will find descriptions of a few of the popular models:
- The Philips RFX9400/37 Pronto Wireless Extender doesn’t require any fancy installation to use. The device works out of the box, and up to 16 of these devices can be hooked up to each other. Other features include ABS housing that is dark grey and contains polycarbonate on the front plate; compliance with 802.22 b/g technology; four Light Emitting Diodes (LED) indicators that represent power, WiFi, Busy and Network; four outputs for infrared emitters; an Ethernet connection; a rotatable antenna and the option to either mount the device or allow it to be freestanding. You do not need a router or a Wireless Access Point (WAP) once you have this device.
- The Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter requires a free USB port to use, as well as 128MB of memory. It is compatible with Windows 98, Me, 2000 and XP and you need a working CD ROM to use this device, as well as a computer with a 400MHz processor or faster. Compatible with 802.11 technologies.
- The Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter gives you the freedom to transfer music of videos through Xbox live, and it enhances your game playing experience. Compatible with 5GHz and 2.4GHz home networks and Windows Vista. You also can stream music and photos through Microsoft Windows XP.
- Laptop users should consider the StarTech.com Wi-Fi Detective; the Linksys WPC54G Wireless-G Notebook Adapter; the D-Link DWL-G650 AirPlus Xtreme G Wireless CardBus Adapter; the Proxim Orinoco 11a/b/g ComboCard Gold; the Airport Extreme Card; and the Hawking Tech. Hi-Gain Wireless-G Laptop Card.
Another important thing to consider is what purposes you would like to use your wireless Internet receiver for. Is it just Internet access for your computer, or are their other devices or computers you would like to introduce into the network, such as printers, scanners, handheld multimedia devices and smart cell phones? If so, do these other devices require additional cabling or receivers? Also consider the layout of your house. Look at the layout of your office or home and consider whether you will need a long cable to make your connection work. Also – are there any dead spots to be aware of? Are you wanting wireless Internet access in your car? There are special accessories for that capability as well.
Is there a wireless signal running through the house? While there is a chance you could pick up a neighboring signal, most have password protection now. When you set up your wireless receiver, you will likely be asked to set up a user name and password so that others do not piggyback on your signal. In this case, write down the user name and password and store it somewhere safe in case you need it later. Most mainstream wireless receivers include built-in security features such as encryption in order to protect your data.
Be mindful of the warranty of your device, and keep all original packaging in order to fully benefit from your warranty. Some may only last for 90 days and are unconditional. Other could last for up to two years, but be limited in their scope. You just really need to know what you’re getting into before buying and save everything. This includes keeping the user manual, follow it and call tech support or visit the manufacturer website if you are having trouble with setting up your wireless receiver. Finally, store the receiver in a safe, dry place away from children and pets.
