Question

Hands-On Project 14-4 Research a Wireless LAN

Suppose you have a DSL connection to the Internet in your home and you want to connect two laptops and a desktop computer in a wireless network to the Internet. You need to purchase a multifunction wireless router like the one you learned to configure in this chapter. You also need a wireless adapter for the desktop computer. (The two laptops have built-in wireless networking.) Use the web to research the equipment needed to create the wireless LAN and answer the following
1. Save or print two webpages showing two different multifunctional wireless routers. What are the brand, model, and price of each router?
2. Save or print two webpages showing two different wireless adapters a desktop computer can use to connect to the wireless network. Include one external device that uses a USB port and one internal device. What are the brand, model, and price of each device?
3. Which router and wireless adapter would you select for your home network? What is the total cost of both devices?

Answer 1

To create a home wireless network using a DSL connection, you would need a multifunctional wireless router and a wireless adapter for your desktop. Consider features such as dual-band capabilities, coverage, number of supported devices, security, and whether the adapter supports the latest WiFi standards when selecting these devices.

Step-by-step explanation:

Congratulations on planning to set up a home wireless network! To establish a wireless local area network (WLAN) using a DSL connection, you would indeed require a multifunctional wireless router and a wireless adapter for the desktop computer. While I cannot provide real-time web research or display/save/print webpages, I can describe what to look for when selecting these devices.

Wireless Routers

Wireless routers come in various brands and models, and the prices can vary significantly based on features and performance. A router's functionality may include dual-band or tri-band capabilities (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output), and guest networking options. Prominent brands include Netgear, TP-Link, and ASUS, each offering diverse models that cater to different networking needs. When comparing routers, consider the coverage area, the number of connected devices it can support, security features, and of course, the price.

Wireless Adapters

Wireless adapters also come in various forms, like external USB adapters and internal PCIe cards. The choice between an external and internal wireless adapter should be based on your comfort with hardware installation and the availability of USB ports or internal expansion slots. Brands like Linksys, D-Link, and TP-Link provide a variety of wireless adapter options at different price points. An important feature to consider is whether the adapter supports the latest WiFi standards, such as 802.11ac or 802.11ax, to ensure compatibility and performance with your router.