Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
If you have a Wi-Fi wireless router and a wireless network adapter in the
computer, the computer can connect to the router via radio frequency
(RF) waves, so no cables are required.
Bluetooth Networking
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless alternative to wireless Ethernet
(Wi-Fi), used primarily to connect wireless devices directly to specific
computers. For example, you might have a Bluetooth wireless headset for
your cell phone, or a Bluetooth speaker for your MP3 player. Bluetooth's
limited range (10 meters) makes it impractical as a replacement for
Wi-Fi, but it provides an easy and economical way for one device to con-
nect with another within a limited space without Ethernet hardware.
The Internet
The Internet is the world's largest network. When you use the Internet,
your computer becomes a member of this giant network, and you can
communicate with any other computer on the Internet, to the extent
that its owner has chosen to make it available. For example, you can
exchange email messages, download files, and view web pages stored
anywhere in the world.
Individual computers don't connect directly to the Internet, however;
they go through an
Internet service provider (ISP)
, a company that
provides a connection to the Internet for a fee. Your ISP may be your
local phone or cable TV company, or at work or school it may be a ser-
vice that your employer or school partners with. An ISP provides a device
(a modem or terminal adapter) that translates your computer's requests
into Internet-compatible data.
Internet service provider (ISP)
A company
that maintains a direct connection to the Internet
and leases access to it to individuals and
companies.
Wireless Router Security
A wired router is fairly secure by nature because you have to have physical access to it to plug a cable into it.
A wireless router, however, is not secure because anyone within transmission range can connect to it. Wireless
routers come with optional security features you can enable that will assign a code (like a password) that is required
for a computer to connect to it. The first time that computer connects to the router, a prompt appears for the code;
after the first successful connection, the code is stored and the computer can connect to the router automatically.
If you do not enable security on your wireless router, you should make sure that you do not have file sharing enabled
on any of your computers. Otherwise an unknown person could not only use your Internet connection without permis-
sion, but could also view, change, copy, and even delete your important data files. An intruder might also be able to
gather enough information about you from your data files to steal your identity.
Quick Review
1
What is the most common standard for wired networking?
2
What types of connections are most suitable for Bluetooth networking?
