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For Dummies is a registered trademark of Wiley Publishing, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Used here by license. Even though I think anybody choosing an over-the-road lifestyle has got to have adventurer’s, explorer’s, or maybe even pirate’s blood running through their veins, I appreciate the fact that few are those who blaze new trails through unknown territory. Myself, I’m no Captain Kirk; adventure or not, I prefer to go where at least a few people have gone before. I always get a little nervous when kids come running out of their houses to watch the big truck go by. Well, the Wi-Fi highway’s been paved, the kids have become bored with the passing traffic, and it looks like it’s here to stay. If it’s new to you, then you might feel a little anxious about taking the on ramp. Don’t be; the weather’s great, the curves and slopes are gentle, and the scenery’s always interesting. Some parts of the highway — even though it’s fairly new — are being repaired and improved upon; other parts, though passable, are still under construction. Just think of me, someone who’s been down this road before, as a fellow traveler.
Why Wireless? In the sociology of science, there are two competing theories regarding technological development. One of them, the genius theory, holds the view that inventors or scientists make discoveries independent of any outside influences, just because they’re so darn smart. The other theory, known as deterministic theory, holds the view that social and environmental forces, the needs and desires of the people, require that inventions or discoveries be made, and that the individual making them is incidental to the process.
Personally, I think a combination of genius and environment — both social and technological — must be necessary for invention. For example, wireless technology — from home phones to cell phones to computers — has been developed (if not by geniuses, then at the very least by people a whole lot smarter than me) in response to the unmet needs and desires of those wishing to roam freely while staying connected. Wireless phone handsets meet the needs of those who want to leave the kitchen or bedroom while conversing; cell phones meet the needs of those desiring freedom of travel while maintaining their ability to reach out and touch — or be touched by — someone. That’s environment and genius coming together, meeting the needs of the populace; so it is with Wi-Fi.
Exploring the advantages I’m thinking that shortly after the first phone cord was connected to a computer (tethering both it and the user to a small and specific radius), somebody — possibly an ungrateful son or a meddling daughter-in-law — began trying to figure out how to cut the cord. When the first laptops hit the market, the movement toward a wireless Internet connection hit high gear. Included among the needs and desires that wireless Internet connection technology strives to meet are the following:
Convenience: I think this is the most attractive of all wireless Internet attributes. When using a dialup connection, it’s sometimes difficult to find a suitable spot from which to connect the cord. Because Wi-Fi does away with the cord or cable, everyplace within range of the wireless access point is suitable for use.
Privacy: To a certain extent, this attribute goes hand-in-hand with freedom and convenience. I’ve seen RV parks that require dialup computer users to sit in the office or laundry room, and truck stops usually relegate dialup users to a noisy coffee shop or noisier TV room. When using Wi-Fi you can, if you choose, sit comfortably in the privacy of your own home on wheels.
Speed: Download speeds for wireless broadband Internet connections are typically as much as ten to twenty times faster than dialup.
Ease of use: Yeah, okay, I hear you: “If it’s so easy to use, why do I need a book?” Well, it really is easy to set up and use, but as with anything, there’s a learning curve. Besides, I’ve got to make a living somehow.
Reasonable cost: If you’ve already got a laptop or PDA, you can easily and inexpensively adapt it for wireless Internet access.
So . . . what, no disadvantages?
Well, yes, I have to admit that for all its affirmative attributes, Wi-Fi does have a few disadvantages. Among them, the following three are primary:
Range: Because of federally mandated power limitations — as well as the attributes of a high-frequency radio signal — Wi-Fi has a limited range. Another factor influencing range is interference; in a truck stop or RV park, that’s the usual result when signals are blocked or bounced by trucks, trailers, and other RVs.
Roaming: Unlike cellphone providers, most of those providing wireless Internet access have no roaming agreements. When, for example, you sign up for service with Flying J, you need to be in or near a Flying J facility in order to access the Internet. Flying J and others do provide access in areas other than their own facilities — and they’re working on other solutions as well.
Security: Okay, you’re sending data using a radio signal, which means someone could intercept your transmissions. It is possible, but in Part IV, I discuss in detail methods of maintaining security and privacy.
Examining your options
If the allure of an untethered connection to the Internet beckons you forward, you might wonder about your choices and options. Currently, the primary methods of connecting to the Internet that are free from the tether of a phone cord include the following:
Wi-Fi: Believe it or not, even though it’s fully functional — and its use and availability are rapidly expanding — this technology’s still in development. Wi-Fi uses a high-frequency, low-power radio signal to transmit and receive data. To use Wi-Fi, you must be within range of the access point transceiver, which is known as a hotspot. I tell you more about this in the next few sections.
High-speed cellular: On a cell phone, data’s often carried separately from voice; usually you need a data-service subscription in addition to your voice-service subscription.
Satellite: Requiring the use of some fairly expensive and specialized equipment (not to mention a commitment to a hefty monthly subscription), this option is most popular with those living full-time in their RVs.
Taking the plunge
Of all the options available to you, the easiest and least expensive method of making a wireless connection to the Internet is Wi-Fi. In order to get started down the Wi-Fi highway, you need the following:
Wi-Fi-enabled computer: There are two methods for enabling a laptop
or PDA for use in a wireless environment:
Wi-Fi adapter: By using an inexpensive adapter, wireless capability can be added to almost every laptop and most PDA devices.
Integrated card: Most new laptop computers, and quite a few PDA devices, come equipped with a built-in wireless card.
Hotspot proximity: You need to be within the coverage area of the radio transceiver, or access point, that has a wired or satellite connection to the Internet.
Wireless Internet service provider: Better known as and often referred to as a WISP, most hotspot operators are WISPs or they contract with WISPs for service. In most cases, you can buy an hourly, daily, monthly, or annual subscription to a WISP.
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For Dummies is a registered trademark of Wiley Publishing, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Used here by license.