Beginner's guide to wi-fi wireless networking

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Beginner's guide to wi-fi wireless networking

Absolute Beginner's Guide to Wi-Fi Wireless Networking About the Author Acknowledgments We Want to Hear from You! Introduction How This Book Is Organized Conventions Used in This Book Let Me Know What You Think Part I: Why Wi-Fi? Chapter 1. Entering a World Without Wires What Is Wi-Fi? Why Wi-Fi Is Important Understanding Wi-Fi Networks Using Wi-Fi on the Road Chapter 2. Understanding Wi-Fi The Free Spectrums The 802.11 Standard and Its Variations Related Wireless Standards Transmission Speeds The Future of Wi-Fi Chapter 3. Hitting the Road with Wi-Fi The Equipment You Need Finding Hotspots Paying for Your Fun Surfing While You Sip Chapter 4. Networking Without Wires Understanding Home and SOHO Networks Different Ways to Use Wi-Fi in a Network The Equipment You'll Need What's It Going to Cost? Part II: Setting Up Your Computer for Wi-Fi Chapter 5. Buying a Wi-Fi Laptop Getting to Know Your Future Wi-Fi Laptop Trade-Offs To Mac or Not To Mac? Buying a Mac with Wi-Fi Buying a Windows Notebook with Integrated Wi-Fi Chapter 6. Buying a Wi-Fi PDA Understanding Handheld Computers Handhelds and Wi-Fi Accessing Wi-Fi Chapter 7. Playing with Wi-Fi Gadgets The Future of Wi-Fi Transmitting Photos with Wi-Fi Other Nifty Gadgets Playing Games and Having Fun with Wi-Fi Chapter 8. Adding Wi-Fi to a Mobile Computer Choosing a Wi-Fi PC Card Installing the Card Configuring Your Card for a Wi-Fi Network Making Sure the Card Works Other Options Chapter 9. Wi-Fi on Your Desktop Buying a New Computer Adding AirPort to an Apple Desktop Adding Wi-Fi to a Windows Desktop Using a USB Wi-Fi Adapter Part III: Going Mobile with Wi-Fi Chapter 10. Tools for the Perfect Road Warrior Loading Software Before You Go Taking Hotspot Info with You The Best of the Best Keyboards, Mice, and Other Devices Chapter 11. Where Can You Wi-Fi? Where Is Wi-Fi Likely to Be? Using Wi-Fi Directories Tricks and Techniques I Want to Be a Hotspot Working with a Wi-Fi Finder War Driving and War Chalking Chapter 12. Working with National Wi-Fi Networks Wi-Fi Networks Special Pricing, Good and Bad What the Networks Charge Comparison Shopping Part IV: Creating a Wi-Fi Network Chapter 13. Buying a Wi-Fi Access Point or Router Understanding the Different Pieces of Hardware Wireless Networking Kits Choosing a Wi-Fi Access Point The Best of the Best Chapter 14. Setting Up Your Access Point Preliminaries Plugging in the Hardware Configuring Your Access Point Chapter 15. Configuring Your Wi-Fi Network Ad-Hoc Networking Troubleshooting a Network Using Ipconfig Advanced Networks: Topologies for Larger Networks Setting Up a Hotspot with a DMZ Connecting Pitcairn Island to the Internet with Wi-Fi Chapter 16. Sharing an Internet Connection Sharing a Connection through a Computer Connecting to a Cable or DSL Modem Understanding Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) DNS More About Mixed Wired-Wireless Networks Chapter 17. Adding Wi-Fi Antennas to Your Network Why Use an Antenna with Wi-Fi? Antenna Basics Different Kinds of Antennas Using an Antenna with a Wi-Fi Card Adding an Antenna to an Access Point Where to Buy Your Wi-Fi Antenna Part V: Securing Your Wi-Fi Computer and Network Chapter 18. Protecting Your Mobile Wi-Fi Computer "Social" Engineering Physical Lockdown Using Password Protection File Sharing Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) Personal Software for Protection Chapter 19. Securing Your Wi-Fi Network How Real Is the Threat? What Steps Should You Take? Understanding Firewalls Setting Up a VPN Using MAC Filtering Part VI: Appendixes Appendix A. Wireless Standards Understanding 802.11 Wireless Standards The Flavors of 802.11 Appendix B. Finding Wi-Fi Hotspots Online Directories Wi-Fi Networks Retail Locations Hotels Airports Free Public Networks Glossary Symbols A B C D E F G H-K L M N O P-Q R S T-V W-Z