There are several things you need in order to set-up a wireless connection:
1) High-speed internet (w/modem)
2) A router
3) NIC's (Network Interface Cards)
There are several different connection speed-type routers you can use: 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g
the 802.11a runs on the 5ghz frequency while the other two run on 2.5ghz, therefore I recommend not using the 802.11a because you'd need to get a dual-band router if you have different types of NIC's (i.e. an 'a' router won't collaborate with a b or g NIC without the dual-band router). I also believe that the 'a' has a shorter range then the other two.
802.11a can run at a max speed of 54mpbs,
802.11b at a max speed of 11mbps
802.11g at a max speed of 54mpbs
The bad thing about wireless networks is that a) someone can hack into your system very easily (they can be sitting in a car right outside your house!
) and b) because they are running on the same frequency as your telephone and microwave the signal can be interrupted easily and often.
Speaking of interferences and such, your best bet may be to use CAT5 cabling (it looks like thick phone cord) and run cables throughout your house, this can reach a max speed of 100mbps with
no interruptions!
My laptop has the 'g' installed but at the moment I can't get it to recognize the connection.
Anyways I hope I was able to help you understand a bit the differences between the two -- I may be mistaken at some parts, sorry I just do this stuff for a hobby and haven't been working with networks/computers that long. You may want to try a search on
google. Or to read a bit more about networks go to your local library
, oh, I just found this, just skimmed over it but it may be useful for you:
setting up a wireless network cpu/laptop.
Good luck