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If you want to do wireless networking, your first step is to install a wireless access point. A wireless access point (WAP) gives wireless devices — such as laptops, cameras, PDAs, and printers — access to a network. The network may include other devices that are connected by Ethernet cables, or the network may consist entirely of wireless connections. Whatever type of network you need, your first step in setting up a wireless network is to buy and configure a WAP.
Use the following steps to determine which wireless access point is right for you:
1. Decide if the WAP will also serve as a router.
 | A router allows your network to share a broadband (cable or DSL) Internet connection, as well as connect your wireless devices to Ethernet wired computers. WAPs with built-in routers are widely available. |
2. Count the number of Ethernet cable ports on the WAP.
3. Use a router/WAP with four Ethernet ports (see Figure 1) or a router/WAP/DSL modem with only one Ethernet port (see Figure 2).
Figure 1: Access point with four Ethernet ports.
Figure 2: Access point with one Ethernet port.
| At the very least, a WAP/router should have an Ethernet port labeled WAN for connecting to a broadband modem. WAN stands for wide area network and usually refers to a very large network such as the Internet. You may also need some LAN Ethernet ports for connecting to Ethernet wired computers. Your home network is a LAN, which stands for local area network. |
4. Determine which Wi-Fi standards your WAP needs to support.
| The 802.11g standard is faster than 802.11b, and 802.11g wireless access points are backwards-compatible with 802.11b devices. If you also have 802.11a gear, you'll need a wireless access point that supports the 802.11a standard. |
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