Wireless Broadband

Wi-Fi, also know as 'wireless broadband', 'wireless networking' or 'wireless fidelity', simply means broadband without the wires.

The advantage of small, portable devices like laptops and PDA's is that they can be used anywhere around the house, but if you want to access the internet on them too you'll need a Wi-Fi transmitter.Once you've got Wi-Fi, you can access the web anywhere in the house on any computer. Wi-Fi has become very popular because once you have a base station or router, any number of computers can be connected to your broadband service without the need for any cables or installing extra phone lines.

So if you have a second computer in an upstairs room, or a laptop as well as a desktop, the same broadband service will be available on all your machines at the same time. You can even use your laptop in the garden!

If you already have broadband and want to add Wi-Fi then you will need a wireless router. This is sometimes known as a Wireless Access Point (WAP). Typically it's is a small box which plugs into your computer and has one or two short antennas. Each computer in the house will then need a Wi-Fi adapter to receive the signal. These receivers are small plug-in devices which look like a stick of chewing gum and fit into a spare USB port. Most laptops now have Wi-Fi receivers built in (or Airport Extreme on Macs) so won't need any additional hardware. It is commonly known on laptops as 'Centrino'.

The best wirelss deal out there at the moment is AOL. For a limited period they are giving all sign ups their first month and Netgear Wireless Router absolutely free. This is a top offer as the router alone would cost you £55 in the shops.

	Monthly Price	Free Wireless Router	Free Connection	Speed	Monthly Usage
	£14.99			2MB	Unlimited	More