Wireless Network Installation and Configuration

You might just be at that point, where the small, wired home network you created a few months ago just is not doing it for you anymore and you want to extend it with a wireless network. Of course, you might as well be at that point, where you want to build a completely new network. Whichever the reason may be, the problem is the same - you need to know exactly how to do a wireless network installation.

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Most of the time, you will find it necessary to install a wireless router. Now, you will only need to install one of these if you either are building your first home network or simply want to keep the wireless network installation at the simplest level as possible. Remember to install the router in a somewhat central location in your home so this way all receivers will be almost in the same line of sight. You see, with wireless Internet, the speed depends on the distance from the router to the receiver. All you have to do now is connect your router to a power source, and of course an Internet source. Nowadays many routers support broadband modems and even dial-up connections. Still, when you buy a router make sure that it has an RS-232 serial port if you need the dial-up connection, because otherwise you will find yourself having a useless router. Last, but not least, you can also connect a wired router (called a switch or a hub) because wireless routers generally do contain built-in access points.

Now choose the name of your network. Often with Wi-Fi the network names are generically called SSID. Of course, this SSID has to be identical with all computers that are sharing the same wireless router. For your own protection, it is recommended that no matter what name your router manufacturer set to change it to something else. In order to find a network name for your router all you have to do is consult the product documentation. Finally, read the documentation to find out how to handle WEP security and also how to turn on firewall features and how to set other options.

Wireless Access Points

One wireless type network connection is supported by only one access point. It is very important to remember this further on. It is recommended to use this type of access point only if you indeed need the features that only a wireless router can provide and also you want to have more than three or four computers around the house that will be connected to the Internet. You can read more at http://www.howtosetupwirelessnetwork.com

The positioning rule is the same as with wireless routers - access points have to be placed in a central location so that all receivers will be in the same line of sight. Plug in the power cord and if necessary the dial-up Internet connection as well. Now cable the access points to your hub or switch. In this case, you will not have to configure any firewalls at all, yet you will still have to set a network name and enable the WEP function.

Giving these two options of installing a wireless network in your house, from this point on, all you have to do is install them in your own operating system and you're good to go.

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TOP 5 Providers for Making Free VOIP Calls

#1) VOIPcheap:

This is the original VOIPcheap and not the UK version of this company. Although VOIPbuster, voipcheap.co.uk uses the same software, I found this software to be more reliable and the voice quality is of very high level. This is a straight winner when it comes to making FREE calls worldwide. You can virtually call more than 50 countries on normal PSTN land lines and mobiles in Singapore, USA, HK & Canada. With some tricks, you can call from countries which are not listed in FREE list but you have a work around but that's beyond the scope of this article. 

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Benefits: Clear voice, You can make calls from your PC. No need to buy any credits from them before making free calls. Allows PC or Phone to initiate call (via Directdial)

Drawbacks: really none.

#2) Jajah:

I tried Jajah about 1 month back and with their FREE minutes I made calls to India. The difference between JaJah and other VOIP providers is JaJah only allows you to make calls from your phone. That means you need to give your phone number and your calling party number before you can make a call. When you initiate a call JaJah first connects to your phone and rings you. You pick up the call and then JaJah connect you to the other party.

Benefits: No software download needed. Just visit their site. No credits needed for free calls.

Drawbacks: Have to use a legitimate number before calling. Cant use PC to make call.

#3) Gizmo Project:

Popularly known as " Skype Killer". This software lets you call anyone in more than 60 countries. The only downside is that you and other party both should be registered with Gizmo and should also register your numbers. I am sure that this project will be successful and in short time the database of people will be built and then its a FREE calling world.

Benefits: Making calls is easier than ever, Killer Application interface

Drawbacks: Requires both parties to register their numbers with Gizmo.

#4) Raketu:

Pretty decent service which offers FREE calls to 42 countries. I am rating it higher than VOIPbuster/Discount for the very reason that it's not a clone and it uses a different technology than Skype. Skype uses Supernodes which can be vulnerable to hacking. Additionally it integrates with Yahoo, MSN messengers etc.

Benefits: Better technology, Clear Voice, 42 countries FREE, Integrate with other messengers

Drawbacks: None found yet.

#5) VOIPBuster/VOIPDiscount:

Both these companies are a total rip-off from VOIPcheap. Even their software is identical and I wonder if they are all one company with different web sites and company name. But sorry to say they suck at delivering voice quality. They offer the same service as VOIPcheap.

Benefits:1 or more additional countries (Thailand + mobile) on Voipdiscount.

Drawbacks: Low voice quality

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