Wireless broadband is high-speed Internet service via wireless technology. Wireless broadband is available in Internet cafés, local “hot spots” within many cities, private businesses and many homes. The advantage of wireless broadband is that the computer receiving the Internet signal need not be tethered by an Ethernet or network cable to the broadband modem or router. A wireless broadband modem receives the service and transmits it via radio waves to the immediate surrounding area. Any computer equipped with wireless capacity within receiving distance can pick up the signal, making the Internet ‘portable.’

The most common way to take advantage of wireless broadband is by using a laptop computer. You will need a wireless broadband adapter, commonly available in a portable computer (PC) card format. This is a small credit-card style device that slips into an external port on the laptop. With a little configuration of the software, the laptop will start searching for a wireless broadband signal. Once detected, a handshake is required between the laptop and the network. If the network is not protected by a secure password or other firewall protocol, the laptop will be able to connect to the wireless broadband signal.

In Internet cafés and other public access areas, there is sometimes a fee required before the wireless laptop is granted access. However, many cities have installed wireless broadband as a courtesy to their citizens, and public access is free. You might need to find the right spots within the city to obtain access, as the signals get weaker the farther they travel from the source.

Since wireless broadband is transmitted via radio waves, secure passwords and firewalls are used on private networks to ensure unauthorized persons cannot connect to the network. Unwanted users can slow network traffic by using up valuable bandwidth resources, and may create other more serious problems. Home users with wireless broadband are also well advised to install security measures. Unknown users who can connect through your personal wireless broadband service might download illegal materials or commit other online crimes that, if investigated, would point back to you. Taking proper precautions will ensure that only you and those you authorize are able to use your wireless broadband connection.

To set up the hardware for a wireless network, one needs a wireless broadband modem, router and switch, which can come combined in a single inexpensive device. A phone line is required for Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service, while cable television is required for cable broadband. A desktop usually serves as the main computer where the devices are connected. There are physical cables that must run from the wireless broadband modem to the desktop, but the Internet signal itself is broadcast wirelessly and can be picked up by remote computers or laptops within the home or office.

Wireless broadband makes the Internet more convenient. A combination broadband modem/switch/router runs about 70 US Dollars (USD), and laptop wireless adapter cards are about 50 USD. When purchasing PC cards, be sure they support the speed of your wireless broadband network. Inexpensive cards might only support slower speeds.