A Wi-Fi network gives you the power to access the Internet from anywhere in your home without connecting a single cable. However, you’ll want to be sure you’ve got all the right equipment for your needs. Read on to find out more.

A wireless network is easy to set up, and makes it a breeze to get your entire household connected to the Internet. And the best part? Once you’re set up, there are no additional wires to connect – you’ll have the freedom to roam around the whole house and stay in touch with your digital world.

What is a Home Network?

A wireless or Wi-Fi network gives you the freedom to share a high-speed Internet connection with the computers, tablets, smartphones, gaming consoles, and more in your home. It also lets you – and everyone else who’s connected to the network – roam the web and the house completely cable free.

What You’ll Need for a Basic Network

Item	Primary Function
Cable/DSL modem	Connects the Internet to your service network; you’ll need to contact your phone or cable provider for service
Wireless router	Connects wireless and wired adapters to your network

After you’ve set up the modem you get from your service provider, you’ll need to plug an Ethernet cable from your router into the modem. Your router will likely come with a CD or offer a web browser setup making it a cinch to configure. And when everything has been properly connected, you’ll be ready to access your wireless network from your compatible devices.

Think of the router as a hub that takes the signal from your modem and sends it out to your compatible Wi-Fi ready devices. The best thing about having a wireless network is that you can surf the web, access shared media hubs or printers, and game online from any room in the house.

Finding the Right Router

The size of your home and what you want to do online will determine the type of router you’ll need to create a fast, interference-free wireless network.

Single-Band vs. Dual-Band

Wireless communications operate in two bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Single-band routers are designed to be compatible only with the 2.4GHz frequency. The downside is that most microwaves and cordless phones also use this same frequency and if you have a number of devices sharing the same band, you might notice jittery videos and slower web page uploads while you stream content or surf the net.

Choose a dual-band router and you’ll have the opportunity to select either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequency so there’s no interruption and everything runs smoothly. Some models can operate in both frequencies at the same time, so you can set it up and let it do all the work of choosing the right one.

When shopping for a router, the first thing you might notice is the number 802.11. It’s the standard for Wi-Fi connectivity and the letters that follow – G, N or AC – define the wireless protocol.

• 802.11g is an older protocol that is slowly being replaced by 802.11n, which can support much faster speeds. “G” operates within the 2.4GHz band, and can support speeds up to 54 Mbps.
  
  Why you should choose it: For basic web surfing, emailing and sharing devices in your home, a Wireless G router will offer plenty of power to get you connected.

   

• 802.11n is probably the most widely used protocol that has the capability of operating within either a 2.4GHz or 5GHz band, and can support up to 300 Mbps. Keep in mind however that your Wireless N device cannot go any faster than your Internet connection allows.
  
  Why you should choose it: Wireless N is perfect for all your basic tasks, but also gives you the faster technology you need for HD video streaming, online gaming, and other bandwidth-hungry tasks. Most models are also dual-band for an interference-free experience, and are designed to work seamlessly with your Wireless G devices.

   

• 802.11ac is the newest protocol to hit the market and is likely to reside within the 5GHz band, but will also offer dual-band capabilities. It’s reported that this new protocol will eventually deliver break-neck wireless speeds at up to 6.8Gbps, but the first generation of products will likely offer less than that. And just like Wireless N, Wireless AC speeds will be limited to the speed of your actual Internet connection.
  
  Why you should choose it: Wireless AC is purported to be the next “it” protocol. With the power to support unthinkable speeds, you’ll enjoy the smoothest possible streaming for any and all of your digital content. It will also be backwards compatible with your 802.11n devices too.

Security

All routers come equipped with some form of encryption technology, such as WEP and WPA, which scrambles messages over wireless networks so they can’t be read by anyone who might be looking. Most models also feature password-protected setup and guest network access for enhanced security.

• WEP (Wireless Encryption Protocol) technology was the initial standard for wireless devices but offers limited security protection.
• WPA and WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) were created to address the shortcomings of WEP. Both offer stronger wireless data encryption for enhanced security.
• Setting up a password will help prevent outsiders from accessing your network. It’s designed to “lock” your wireless signal and deny those without the password access.
• Guest network access lets you set up an additional network that can be accessed by those visiting your home. Using a separate password, users will have access to the Internet, but will not be able to access shared devices that might contain sensitive information.

Connectivity

The good thing about every wireless router is that each model features Ethernet ports so you can create a wired connection to your devices for a more reliable experience.

What Can I Do With My Network?

Web Surfing

Getting online is perhaps one of the most popular reasons for setting up a wireless home network. Every device that’s connected to your home network will give those in your house the freedom to access a single Internet connection to check email, surf websites, watch YouTube videos, and more without connecting cables.

Video Calls

If your computer, tablet, or smartphone feature an internal or external web camera and microphone, you’ll be able to make use of video calling services such as Skype thanks to your wireless network. And the best part is that in most cases, there are no fees associated with video calling.

Wireless Printing

When you set up your wireless printer as part of your network, every device that’s connected to the network will be able to access and use it. That means, you and everyone in the house can easily print documents from anywhere in the house.

Stream Music and Videos

There are plenty of media streaming devices on the market such as the Boxee Box or the Apple TV that will let you stream your favourite content. They’re designed to wirelessly connect with your computer or just about any other device that you’ve stored content on, so you can enjoy it through your TV and home theatre system.

Smart TV

A handful of “smart” televisions that have hit the market are designed to connect to your home network. Every one offers an intuitive dashboard and apps such as Facebook or Netflix so you can enjoy all the same online content that you’d see on your computer.

Gaming

Today’s gaming consoles offer a more interactive experience than ever before. Get online and battle it out with friends, or surf the web, watch Netflix movies, make Skype calls, and so much more.

Other Features to Consider

Wired Networking

While wireless networking is quickly becoming the norm in most households, wired networks still offer a more solid and reliable connection to the Internet. You can easily set up a network using a wired router in much the same way as setting up a wireless router, but you will need to connect all your devices to it in order to access the Internet and other shared devices.

Range Extenders

If you’re having trouble with the wireless range in your home, you might want to consider an extender like a powerline device. Plug one into an electrical outlet in your home and it will send your Internet signal from the modem to your troubled area, such as a dead zone. These devices can be used with wired or wireless routers.

Other types of range extenders are available in a variety of designs. Most models can be placed in an area between the trouble spot and your modem, and it will pick up and boost the wireless signal that is being transmitted from your router.

MIMO Technology

Short for multiple input, multiple output MIMO technology offers faster speeds and better resistance to interference in routers than those without it. It uses multiple antennae to send out multiple signals for improved performance across greater distances in your home.

Wi-Fi Adapters

If you own a Wi-Fi ready computer, laptop, Blu-ray player, or HDTV that does not come equipped with a wireless network card built in, a Wi-Fi adapter is what you need. These plug right into a USB port so you can wirelessly connect to your network and access the Internet.

Mobile Internet Stick

When you need high-speed Internet access on the go, an Internet stick will give it to you. You simply plug it into a USB port in your laptop or tablet, and it will let you surf the web, shop online, video chat, and more even if you’re unable to find an available wireless network. It does, of course, require a paid subscription from your service provider.

Take the Next Step

Best Buy carries a huge selection of wired and wireless routers, powerline devices, Internet sticks, and networking accessories you need to create the ultimate setup for your home. And with brands such as D Link, Linksys, Netgear, and Cisco to choose from, you’ll always find what you want.