Advantages of Wi-Fi

Now that we've covered the basics of the technology, let's check out some of the advantages Wi-Fi has over its wireless (and wired) competition.

The Wi-Fi-enabled Logitech® Squeezebox™ lets you access music files stored on your computer, and play them back through a home audio system.

Unparalleled mobility and flexibility
If you've ever installed a multi-room stereo and had to run wires through a wall, you know the amount of time and effort it requires, not to mention the permanence of your installation. If you want to move the receiver to another room, the wiring has to be completely redone, and the holes patched.

Thanks to Wi-Fi, users are no longer confined by the cords that link their devices, enabling new levels of connectivity without sacrificing function or design options. Many new products, called music streamers, are being introduced that utilize Wi-Fi technology to wirelessly broadcast your music to speakers located throughout your house. Some systems are different than others, but typically you can listen to the same, or different music in each room, play music from the server or any computer attached to the network, and even listen to internet radio.

Quick, easy setup
Setting up a wireless network may sound like a daunting task, but it's actually a pretty straightforward process. Wi-Fi networks don't require professional installation, and, best of all, there are no holes to drill or wires to run through walls. Many new routers are "plug-and-play," meaning you just connect them to a power outlet, plug in an Ethernet cord, and voilà, your network has been created. Unfortunately, wireless security doesn't automatically configure itself, so it's important to remember to enable it via a personal computer once a connection to the wireless network has been established. (We'll touch on this topic more in-depth in the limitations section.)

Fast data transfer rates
With transfer speeds up to 54 megabits (Mb) per second (6.75 megabytes), 802.11g is currently the fastest commercially available Wi-Fi protocol on the market. It is important to note that this is the maximum theoretical transfer rate, not that which one should expect on a daily basis. Nonetheless, typical 802.11g networks are more than capable of handling the demands of streaming standard-definition TV signals, as well as CD-quality audio.

Limitations of Wi-Fi

So far we've covered some of the advantages offered by Wi-Fi wireless technology, but there are some limitations that must be addressed as well. Security and interference are the main issues with current Wi-Fi standards, as well as its inability to reliably stream high definition audio and video.

Security concerns
Though typically very easy to set up, securing your Wi-Fi network requires more effort. Wi-Fi access points do not come with encryption straight out of the box; you have to do it from your computer once the network is up and running. An unsecured wireless network is susceptible to attacks from hackers, potentially giving them access to all of the information stored by the devices on your network. In addition, "friendly," yet unauthorized computers will also be able to connect to your network, occupying the bandwidth and hindering overall network performance.

Interference from other devices
Wi-Fi transmissions take place primarily within the 2.4 GHz spectrum, making them susceptible to interference from Bluetooth® wireless enabled devices, cordless telephones, microwave ovens, baby monitors, and other household devices. The farther your Wi-Fi devices are located from these known interferers—and the closer they are to one another—the more robust your signal will be, so keep that in mind during setup.

If you live in an apartment complex or in close proximity to your neighbors, their wireless network can also be a source of interference. However, many newer routers automatically select the channel with the least amount of interference, ensuring that you get the best possible connection.

Lack of support for high-quality media streaming
Even the fastest current Wi-Fi standards are pushed beyond their limit when trying to handle some of today's high-end media. High-definition audio and video files are bandwidth and timely-delivery-intensive, and typical wireless networks have neither the transfer speeds nor the consistency to transfer them flawlessly. This problem is further compounded if there are multiple devices connected to the same access point because the bandwidth must be divided between all of the equipment.

Securing your Wi-Fi network

The best choice for wireless network encryption is currently Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2). Most newer access points support WPA2 encryption, and it can be configured once your network has been set up. For more security tips, check out our article on creating a home network.

Bluetooth® wireless technology, on the other hand, has security built in, and it automatically requires devices to enter a passkey in order to connect to the network. See our introduction to Bluetooth for more information on how Bluetooth works.