The Book of Wireless, Second Edition

The Book of Wireless, Second Edition

Released January 2008
Publisher(s): No Starch Press
ISBN: 9781593271695

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Book description

Broadband wireless networks bring us closer to the Internet's ultimate destiny of interconnecting everyone, everywhere. But wireless networking can be a bit geeky and nerve-wracking without a proper guide. Let's face it: Networking can be hard.

If you're one of the last holdouts still connected to the Internet by a wire, The Book of Wireless, 2nd Edition is the book for you. You'll learn how to set up your own home (or small office) wireless network and how to use public wireless networks, safely and securely. This plain-English guide demystifies configuring and using wireless networks-everything from shopping for parts to securing your network. Learn how to:

  • Select and configure hardware and software for your Wi-Fi network and configure access points to minimize interference

  • Discover open networks and maintain your privacy while surfing in public

  • Use VoIP over a wireless connection to talk on the phone for next to nothing

  • Evaluate wireless data services based on cost, speed, and coverage

  • Extend your network to give your neighbors free wireless Internet access

You'll also learn about new and forthcoming broadband wireless standards and how to choose the right service provider and equipment. With up-to-date information on wireless routers, network interface cards, antennas, security, and software, The Book of Wireless, 2nd Edition will help you navigate the confusing wireless landscape to find the perfect solution.

Table of contents

  1. The Book of Wireless
    1. THE BOOK OF WIRELESS, 2ND EDITION
    2. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
    3. INTRODUCTION
    4. 1. INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKING
      1. Moving Data Around
        1. Bits and Bytes
        2. Error Checking
        3. Handshaking
        4. Finding the Destination
      2. The ISO OSI Model
        1. The Physical Layer
        2. The Data Link Layer
        3. The Network Layer
        4. The Transport Layer
        5. The Session Layer
        6. The Presentation Layer
        7. The Application Layer
      3. Summary
    5. 2. INTRODUCTION TO WIRELESS NETWORKS
      1. How Wireless Networks Work
        1. Radio
        2. Wireless Data Networks
          1. Unlicensed Radio Services
          2. Point-to-Point
          3. Spread Spectrum
          4. Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum
          5. Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum
          6. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
          7. Why This Matters
      2. Benefits of Wireless
      3. Wireless Data Services
        1. Wi-Fi
          1. Metropolitan Wi-Fi Services
        2. Cellular Mobile Wireless Services
        3. WiMAX
        4. What About Bluetooth?
        5. Frequency Allocations
          1. Wi-Fi Services
          2. Other Broadband Services
      4. Choosing a Service
    6. 3. HOW WI-FI WORKS
      1. Wi-Fi Network Controls
        1. The Physical Layer
        2. The MAC Layer
        3. Other Control Layers
      2. Wi-Fi Network Protocols
      3. Wi-Fi Radio Frequencies
        1. Wireless Channels
        2. Reducing Interference
      4. Wireless Network Devices
        1. Network Adapters
          1. Adapters for Multiple Network Types
        2. Access Points
        3. Building a Network
        4. Public and Private Networks
      5. Putting It All Together
    7. 4. THE HARDWARE YOU NEED FOR WI-FI
      1. Everybody Speaks the Same Language (More or Less)
      2. Network Adapters
        1. Form Factor
          1. Internal Adapters
          2. PC Cards
          3. USB Adapters
          4. Expansion Cards for Desktop Computers
        2. Internal vs. External Antennas
        3. Interoperability
        4. Finding Drivers for Your Adapter
        5. Ease of Use
        6. Securing Your Network
        7. Documentation and Technical Support
        8. Reputation
      3. Adapters for Ad Hoc Networks
      4. Dual-Purpose Adapters
      5. Access Points
        1. Operating Standards
        2. Pure Wireless LANs
        3. Wireless Access to a Wired LAN
        4. Combining the Access Point with a Wired Hub
        5. Broadband Gateways
        6. Multiple Access Points
        7. Enhanced-Performance Access Points
      6. External Antennas
        1. Antenna Characteristics
          1. Coverage Pattern
          2. Gain
          3. Form Factor
          4. Weatherproofing
        2. How to Choose an Antenna
        3. Rolling Your Own
        4. Where to Use a Directional Antenna
          1. On an Access Point
          2. On a Network Adapter
          3. On Both an Access Point and a Network Adapter
        5. Antennas Are a Whole Other World
      7. It's Time to Buy
    8. 5. MANAGING YOUR WI-FI CONNECTIONS
      1. Installing PC Card Adapters
      2. Installing USB Adapters
      3. Installing an Internal Adapter in a Laptop Computer
      4. Installing an Internal Adapter in a Desktop System
      5. Loading the Driver Software
      6. Choosing a Control Program
        1. The Microsoft Wireless Network Connection Utility
          1. Connecting to an Access Point in Windows XP
          2. Connecting to an Access Point in Windows Vista
          3. Making an Automatic Connection
            1. Setting Up a Preferred Network in Windows XP
            2. Setting Up a Preferred Network in Windows Vista
          4. Disconnecting from an Access Point
          5. Viewing Technical Details
        2. The Intel PROSet/Wireless Program
        3. Other Wi-Fi Adapters and Control Programs
      7. Status Information
      8. Changing Your Adapter's Configuration Settings
      9. Configuring a Network Connection
        1. The Mobile Life: Moving from One Network to Another
      10. Beyond Windows
      11. Signal Strength vs. Signal Quality
    9. 6. WI-FI FOR WINDOWS
      1. Windows Network Configuration in General
        1. IP Addresses
          1. Assigning Addresses
        2. The Subnet Mask
        3. Gateways
        4. Domain Name Servers
        5. File and Printer Sharing
        6. Network Interface Adapter Options
        7. Naming Your Computer
      2. Configuring Windows
        1. Do You Have the Latest Firmware?
        2. Using the Windows Wireless Tools
          1. Making a Connection
          2. Network Configuration Settings
          3. File and Printer Sharing
        3. Network Interface Adapter Options
        4. Naming Your Computer
          1. Selecting a Network
          2. Connecting to an Encrypted Network
      3. Troubleshooting the Connection
    10. 7. WI-FI FOR LINUX AND UNIX
      1. Drivers, Back Seat and Otherwise
        1. Where to Find Drivers
        2. Linux Drivers
        3. Unix Drivers
      2. Wi-Fi Control Programs
        1. Using Built-in Software
        2. Add-on Wi-Fi Programs
        3. Looking Under the Hood
        4. Wireless Tools
          1. /proc/net/wireless
          2. iwconfig
          3. iwspy
          4. iwpriv
        5. Programs Based on the Wireless Tools
          1. netcfg
          2. wavemon
        6. Status Display Programs
          1. WMWave
          2. GKrellMwireless
          3. xwipower
          4. Remote Monitoring
      3. Configuring an Access Point
      4. Wi-Fi for Unix
        1. Configuration Tools
        2. wiconfig and wicontrol
    11. 8. WI-FI FOR MAC
      1. AirPort Components
      2. Setting Up an AirPort Network
        1. Installing the Hardware
        2. Running the AirPort Setup Assistant
        3. The AirPort Utility
        4. The AirPort Status Icon
        5. Using an AirPort Network
      3. Connecting Macintosh Clients to Other Networks
      4. Using Non-Apple Adapters with a Mac
      5. Connecting an AirPort Card to a Non-AirPort Access Point
      6. Connecting Other Wi-Fi Clients to an AirPort Network
        1. Network Properties
      7. Configuring an AirPort Extreme from Windows
      8. Is AirPort the Answer?
    12. 9. INSTALLING AND CONFIGURING WI-FI ACCESS POINTS
      1. Installing Access Points
        1. Configuring the Access Point Through a Browser
        2. DHCP and Other Distractions
        3. DNS Addresses
        4. Configuration Commands and Settings
          1. Passwords
          2. LAN IP Address
          3. Subnet Mask
          4. Wireless Network ID (SSID)
          5. Channel
          6. Mode
          7. Security
            1. WEP Encryption
            2. WPA Encryption
          8. DHCP
          9. Other Settings
      2. How Many Access Points?
        1. Using Multiple Access Points
      3. Performing a Site Survey
        1. Make a Site Plan …
        2. Testing, Testing …
      4. Interference Problems
      5. Advantages of Mixed Networks
        1. Access Points Combined with Hubs and Gateway Routers
      6. Extending the Network
        1. Legal Issues
        2. Outdoor Antennas and Access Points
          1. Antenna Characteristics
          2. Power
          3. Antenna Height
          4. Cable Attenuation
        3. Campus Networks
          1. Setting Up a Campus Network
      7. Connecting the Access Points to a LAN and the Internet
      8. Networking Your Neighborhood
        1. Keeping Your ISP Happy
        2. Network Security: Everybody Is Your Neighbor
    13. 10. LONG RANGE POINT-TO-POINT LINKS
      1. Extending the LAN
      2. Bridge Routers
      3. Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint
      4. Installing a Point-to-Point Link
        1. Choose a Signal Path
        2. Reaching the Boondocks: Long-Range Links
        3. Aligning the Antennas
        4. Obstructions and Relays
      5. Alternatives to Wi-Fi for Point-to-Point
      6. Antennas for Network Adapters
        1. Build Your Own Antenna?
    14. 11. CONNECTING TO AN EXISTING WI-FI NETWORK
      1. Public Wi-Fi Is Not Secure
      2. Finding a Wi-Fi Hot Spot
      3. Keeping Your Data Secure
      4. NetStumbler and Other Sniffer Tools
        1. Public Hot Spots
          1. Airports and Conference Centers
          2. Hotels
          3. Aboard Planes, Trains, Buses, and Other Moving Targets
      5. Municipal Wi-Fi Networks
      6. "Free Public WiFi"
      7. Unprotected Private Access Points
    15. 12. WIRELESS NETWORK SECURITY
      1. Protecting Your Network and Your Data
        1. Protecting Your Computer
      2. Wi-Fi Security Tools
        1. Network Name (SSID)
        2. WEP Encryption
          1. How Many Bits in Your Encryption Key?
          2. Is Your Key ASCII or Hex?
          3. What Are the Options?
          4. Mixing Hex and ASCII Keys
          5. Is WEP Secure Enough To Use?
        3. WPA Encryption
          1. PSK Passphrases
          2. Using WPA Encryption
          3. WPA Security
        4. Access Control (MAC Authentication)
        5. Virtual Private Networks
        6. Authentication: The 802.1x Standard
      3. Firewalls
        1. Keep Wireless Intruders at Bay
        2. Isolate Your Network from the Internet
        3. Access Points with Firewalls
        4. Firewall Software
      4. Turn Off DHCP
      5. Turn Off the Power
      6. Physical Security
      7. Sharing Your Network with the World
      8. Some Final Thoughts About Wi-Fi Security
    16. 13. ALTERNATIVES TO WI-FI: WIRELESS BROADBAND DATA
      1. What's Wrong with Wi-Fi?
      2. Broadband Data Services
      3. Comparing Technologies
      4. Choosing a Service Provider
        1. Coverage
        2. Data Speed
        3. Cost
        4. Choosing a Network Adapter
        5. Service and Support
        6. Broadband Wireless Services Around the World
      5. Connecting to a Wireless Broadband Network
      6. Using More Than One Computer
      7. Broadband Security
      8. Clearwire, Sprint, and Other Pre-WiMAX Services
      9. Broadband Wireless in Automobiles and Other Vehicles
        1. TracNet
        2. External Antennas
        3. Safety Issues
    17. 14. SMARTPHONES AND PDAs
      1. Connecting to the Internet Through PDAs and Other Handheld Devices
      2. Choosing a Smartphone
        1. Smartphone Operating Systems
          1. Windows Mobile
          2. BlackBerry
          3. Palm
          4. Apple iPhone
          5. Symbian
          6. Linux
      3. Which Is Best?
    18. 15. VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORKS
      1. VPN Methods
      2. VPN Servers
        1. Configuring a Windows Server for a Wireless VPN
          1. Configure the Connection to the Wired Network
          2. Configure the VPN Connection
          3. Configure the Remote Access Server as a Router
          4. Enable and Configure the Server for L2TP Clients
          5. Configure L2TP Ports
          6. Configure Network Filters
          7. Configure Remote Access Policies
        2. VPN Servers for Unix
        3. Network Hardware with Built-in VPN Support
      3. VPN Client Software
        1. Configuring Windows for VPN
        2. The Microsoft L2TP/IPsec VPN Client
        3. Making the Connection in Windows
        4. Windows XP Options
        5. VPN Clients for Unix
          1. IPsec Clients
      4. Using a Wireless VPN
        1. Making the Connection
        2. Bypassing the VPN
        3. Using a VPN Through a Public Network
    19. 16. USING BROADBAND FOR TELEPHONE CALLS
      1. VoIP over Broadband Wireless and WiMAX
      2. Voice over Wi-Fi
    20. 17. TIPS AND TROUBLESHOOTING
      1. My computer doesn't detect my network adapter.
      2. The wireless control program tries to run, even if I'm not using my adapter.
      3. My computer won't associate with the local network.
      4. My computer connects to the wrong network.
      5. I can see the local network, but I can't connect to the Internet.
      6. I can see the Internet, but I can't see other computers on my LAN.
      7. The signal strength is weak or signal quality is low.
      8. I can't find a public network.
      9. I don't know if I'm within range of a network.
      10. The network is slow.
      11. My computer drops its connection.
      12. My Wi-Fi network has crashed.
      13. Can I improve performance with an external antenna?
      14. What else can I do to improve performance?
      15. When I move to a different access point, the adapter loses the connection.
      16. Where can I find a copy of the Wi-Fi standards?
      17. How can I find out who made my network adapter?
      18. Is the software that came with my network adapter or access point up to date?
      19. I'm having trouble connecting to a broadband network.
      20. I'm having trouble connecting to my VPN.
      21. How can I extend the life of my computer's battery?
      22. Can I use my access point as a network bridge?
      23. I've heard that radio signals from cellular phones might be dangerous. What about Wi-Fi?
    21. COLOPHON

Product information

  • Title: The Book of Wireless, Second Edition
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: January 2008
  • Publisher(s): No Starch Press
  • ISBN: 9781593271695