> What is WiFi? WiFi is the trade name for the wireless standard numbered 802.11b called Airport by Apple Computer inc. Kind of like how "firewire" is the apple name for "IEEE-1394". Go to the WiFi alliance web site at: http://www.weca.net for everything you've ever wanted to know about wireless networking and I'm sure a lot more
Here's a brief synopsis from their site: ... 802.11b, or WiFi, is a standard for wireless LANs operating in the 2.4 GHz spectrum with a bandwidth of 11 Mbps. 802.11a is a different standard for wireless LANs operating in the 5 GHz frequency range with a maximum data rate of 54 Mbps. Another draft standard, 802.11g [my comment: called Airport extreme by Apple], is for WLANs operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency but with a maximum data rate of 54 Mbps. Other task groups are working on enhanced security (802.11i), spectrum and power control management (802.11h), quality of service (802.11e), etc. Because ..g and ...b are in the same frequency range g is "backward compatible" with b. You can find a (and maybe g now) wireless access points at most Starbucks (called hotpoints I think) and many other places. Hope this helps Also check out http://www.warchalking.org/index.html for interesting stuff on finding free access, while some consider this stealing, I know of WiFi LANS that are left open on purpose (i.e. Almost every Apple store) -- Rob AOL IM wingnut022074 A computer without Windows is like a dog without bricks tied to its head. -- MacNetwork is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... XRouter Pro | Share your DSL or cable modem between multiple computers! Dr. Bott | Only $199 <http://www.drbott.com/prod/MIH130.html> Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> MacNetwork list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/macnet.html> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; end list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/macnetwork%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
