Wireless Networks - FAQs

What is a wireless network?

A wireless network connects computers using radio transmission (also known as Wi-Fi or 802.11b) instead of wires or cables. Radio signals transmit through walls, ceilings, and floors, to connect computers that are in different rooms. Wireless networks equipped with Ethernet ports can support both wireless and wired (Ethernet) connections.

What is a wireless base-station (router or residential gateway)?

A wireless base station (also known as a router or residential gateway) acts as a central point for a wireless home or office network. The computers in the network communicate with the base station through radio waves.

What does "computer as gateway' mean?

A computer acts as a central point for a home or office network, linking several computers together and containing a secure Internet connection that the other computers share. The computer is called a "gateway" because it acts as a gateway to the Internet.

What is a wireless access point (WAP)?

A device that exchanges data between wireless computers or between wireless computers and wired computers on a network.

What is Ethernet?

Ethernet is the most common and fastest wired networking protocol, with connection speeds of 10 megabits per second (Mbps), 100 Mbps, or higher. Computers connect to Ethernet networks using Ethernet cables. Fast Ethernet is a higher-speed version, with a networking speed of 100 Mbps, and is also known as 100BaseT.

What is a wired (Ethernet) network?

A wired (Ethernet) network connects computers using Ethernet cables. This system provides the highest and most reliable data transfer rate, with speeds that can reach up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps).

What is an Ethernet base station?

An Ethernet base station (also known as a router or residential gateway) acts as a central point for a home or office network, linking several computers together and sharing a secure Internet connection.

Sample wireless network

Source: Microsoft Corporation