Wireless Networking
In a wireless network, computers broadcast their information to one another using radio signals. Not having wires makes networking easier. It also makes it simpler to move computers around. For example, a laptop with a wireless network adapter is completely portable throughout the broadcast area!

In wireless networking, a peer-to-peer (or point-to-point) wireless network means that each computer can communicate directly with every other computer on the network. Wireless networks may also be controlled by an access point, which is a wired controller that receives and transmits data to computers with wireless adapters.

The original Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers wireless-Ethernet specification, known as IEEE 802.11, designated two ways of communicating between devices and allowed for speeds up to 2 Mbps.

Wi-Fi
The Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA) is targeted for higher-speed networks; Wi-Fi (for "wireless fidelity", like Hi-Fi for "high fidelity" in audio equipment) is essentially a seal of approval that says the manufacturer's product is compliant with a variation of the IEEE 802.11 specification known as IEEE 802.11 G and N. The 802.11n standard is quickly replacing 802.11g (up to 54 Mbps) but also allows older 802.11g devices to work.  Under 802.11n, devices communicate at speeds up to 600 Mbps whenever possible. If signal strength or interference disrupts data, the devices will reduce to the speed necessary for a stable and reliable network.

Wi-Fi advantages:

• It's fast (up to 600 Mbps) and fairly reliable.

• It's quick, easy, and inexpensive to set up compared to installing wiring.

• It has enough coverage area (up to 600ft/200m in open areas or 300ft/100m in closed areas) for most homes or small business offices.

• It's easily integrated into existing wired-Ethernet networks.

• It has security available using Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2). WPA is based on the exchange of encrypted keys. WPA provides a mechanism for user authentication: when two machines exchange their strongly encrypted keys, they also ask each other for identification.

Disadvantages (compared to wired networks):

• There is no security unless the installer implements it.

• It can be difficult to diagnose why a connection is unreliable.

• Distance and speed can fluctuate significantly.

Wi-Fi transceivers are available in PCI or USB form. The cost per card ranges from $50 to $200. Wi-Fi access points range in cost from about $100 to $300. Access points have an integrated Ethernet controller to connect to modems or a wired-Ethernet network. They also have an omni-directional antenna to communicate with wireless adapters anywhere within their range.