802.11 seems to be the buzzword these days. More people are using it in their daily conversation. It refers to a new wireless technology that will revolutionize the way we use computers, access the Internet, and communicate.

Intel recently introduced the Centrino processor that enables notebook computers to easily link with 802.11. Apple has been marketing their 'Airport' enabling their computers to network wirelessly. Starbucks and McDonalds have initiated programs that allow customers with 802.11 enabled computers and PDAs wireless access to the Internet. Cities all over the country and around the world are developing the infrastructure to enable wireless connectivity. It's a process in development that's ready to be enjoyed right now.

Coupled with 802.11 are two other popular terms - WiFi and Bluetooth. WiFi deals with the ability to access and use the Internet without needing any wire connections. Bluetooth is associated with helping make hardware and peripherals operate without wires.

The ability to communicate without wires uses a relatively older and common technology - FM Radio Waves. You're probably familiar with cordless telephones. They use FM frequencies. The most popular one is 2.4GHz but some are using a newer frequency band, 5.8GHz.

A wireless adapter is connected to your computer or pocket organizer. It's essentially an antenna that sends your computer's output to a wireless receiver (i.e. a router) and receives input from the router, as well. It's easy and simple.

The recognized standard used for wireless networking is IEEE 802.11. IEEE is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, an organization, founded in 1963, that is involved with setting standards for computers and communication devices. Many interface ports meet IEEE standards (i.e. IEEE-1394 is a Firewire or iLink port).

The current IEEE standards are: 802.11 - RF Signals use 900MHz wireless band. Speeds are up to 2 million bits of information per second. This first system is very affordable and is popular for home use. 802.11a - RF Signals use new 5.8GHz wireless band. Speeds can reach as high as 54 million bits of information per second. This also has the most possible channels, offering greater security and protection from interference. 802.11b - RF Signals use 2.4GHz wireless band. Speeds tend to reach up to 11 million bits per second. This is currently (2002) the most recognized standard being used to meet WiFi requirements. 802.11g - Anticipated for release in early 2003, this is designed to produce data transfer speeds greater than 20 million bits per second. Several manufacturers that are preparing hardware for 802.11g are touting a 54 million bit per second maximum speed. This standard will be using the 2.4GHz wireless band and will also be backward compatible to 802.11b protocols.

802.11b is currently the most common wireless standard though the faster 802.11g is eagerly awaited. You may be wondering, if 802.11g, at 54 million bits per second data transfer, is as fast as 802.11a, why do you need both? The answer is bandwidth and that translates to how effective a frequency might be as the number of users grow. For the reasonable future, 802.11g compatible wireless adapters offer an affordable means of achieving faster data communication along the same frequency used by the more common 802.11b.

Devices associated with your computer are connected with wires to various ports. Bluetooth is a standard that aims to get rid of those wires. For now, several new wireless keyboards and mice are Bluetooth compatible. Printers, Monitors, and Scanners are also beginning to incorporate Bluetooth.

These are 'antenna' cards that are connected to a computer or computer device to allow wireless capability. Some are installed internally into a computer. Most connect externally through a USB, Firewire, or PC-Card port. That's useful because it helps make it easier to adapt notebook computers.

Like all wireless devices, signals may weaken within a certain range. A wireless router is used to help extend the strength of that signal. The router may also be used to capture and transmit Internet and other information from/to various computers.

There are many wireless adapters, routers, and other devices available. We carry many from major leading brands - Linksys, Netgear, D-Link - and others.

Adding an adapter to a notebook computer, a Pocket PC, or a Palm PDA is very easy and you'd be surprised at how many public spaces allow wireless connectivity to the Internet. Most major airport terminals, hotels, Universities and major cities have 802.11 WiFi compatible areas. San Francisco is almost completely set-up for wireless use and New York City has begun installing routers in parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Almost all Starbucks Coffee and McDonalds stores have (or are installing) 802.11b WiFi capabilities.

Without a doubt, there is much ahead in the advances that 802.11 Wireless has to offer. It's really nice that you can start using it now, if you're not already doing so.