Wireless Broadband

Wireless broadband is a general term used for the technology that is able to gain access to the internet wirelessly, and at high bandwidth speeds. Wireless broadband is available on virtually any digital device, so long as it has the proper connectivity hardware. Such hardware can easily be attached to most PDAs and laptop computers.

Wireless broadband works by using short-range radio waves to create a small area where your computers can be networked without wires - most wireless networks are no bigger than a house, although larger ones are possible.

In a Wireless network (WiFi) the computers within it can communicate with each other, and a password is set to prevent outside connection and interference. Firewalls are essential, and fortunately they are standard with most wireless routers. A network card fitted to every computer within the network is necessary too, and again, they're usually standard in most newer PC's and laptops. If one PC in your house doesn't have a network card, it can still be connected to the WiFi network by means of cables.

Although WiMAX are networks are available in several major metropolitan areas in the US, base stations are very expensive to build, and aren't cost effective in less densely populated areas. Because of this limitation, WiMAX technology is not yet available in most non-urban regions.

Wireless broadband access is usually no slower than plugging the modem in directly, unless you have very cheap wireless equipment and a very fast Internet connection. It also gives you the added advantage that your computers will be networked together wirelessly, too - so you can easily make your folders shared and access them from any computer in your house using 'My Network Places'.