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For the woman in the street, there are two main systems of wireless Internet: 3G (Third Generation technology) through the mobile phone network and ADSL (Asym-metric Digital Subscriber Line, sometimes referred to as DSL), or through fixed lines or "Telecons", as Arthur Goldstuck terms them in his guide to wireless, The Hitchhiker's Guide to Going Wireless. But do you want to be cable-free via a fixed or cellular line? With Internet via a fixed line, you have access in a limited domain where you can pickup a signal in a prescribed range. The benefits of a wireless network include convenience, speed and security.
By installing a wireless hub or router (the same thing), it is possible to configure a network of multiple computers, printers, faxes, etcetera, to each other through a central point. For example, you can get by with one printer. All the computers in the network can pick up a signal and print off that one unit. Data zooms from one computer to another and to the rest of the cyber world in seconds.
Like cellphone batteries, laptops need electricity, but for the rest, they are wireless. The Internet connection occurs wirelessly. But here's the thing, step out of the range of your connection and the signal stops. However, with a wireless laptop you can tap into a wireless or WiFi hotspot.
Your computer will seek a signal and when it detects a network in the vicinity, you will either be asked for a network key (if it is a secure network) or the network will allow you to log on without any barriers. You may get lucky and get a signal. MWEB has hotspots at our airports and selected coffee shops, giving subscribers a certain amount of monthly usage for free.
But be warned though: watch your credit card, because some WiFi spots are prohibitively expensive. With WiFi spots, there are often problems with outgoing mail. Receiving is a breeze, but start sending, and your e-mail may not always leave the outbox. This is the point when you want to scream and when you consider 3G. Of course, you also have the option of combining 3G and ADSL: purchase a pay-as-you-go 3G for out-of-office use and stay with a fixed-line wireless Internet for home/office use – or pay the extra and switch to 3G full-time. Here’s what you need to know about going wireless:
Can you have ADSL and not be wireless?
Yes, but you need to be physically connected to your Internet via an Ethernet cable (which provides very fast, efficient data transfer). ADSL allows the user to make and receive calls but at the same time have an Internet connection which is always on. Dial-up cannot generally handle the volume of data that a wireless network generates.
Can old computers go wireless?
If your desktop or laptop is a few years old, you may be able to purchase a wireless card that will allow your machine to adapt. Other considerations: Does your computer have USB ports? A USB is the point where you can link and interface devices. It makes everything compatible. You may be able to install a wireless card but not, perhaps, a new printer.
We need USBs for the mouse, camera, extension cord, external hard drives, etc. There are wireless keyboards and mice available, but they don't work seamlessly. The bottom line: deal with a reputable dealer who can advise if your computer can be adapted.
The benefits of 3G
In the same way that you can make and receive calls on your cellphone anywhere, with 3G, your connection goes with you: send and receive e-mails wherever you are. But there are dead spots where there's no reception.
Costs: DSL versus 3G?
ADSL/DSL wireless is the method of accessing your e-mail/Internet. For this you need to pay a service provider such as MWEB. On top of that, you also pay Telkom or other operators to access your Internet account. Until recently, ADSL was much cheaper than 3G. The gap has narrowed, but 3G is still considerably more expensive. On the plus side, 3G is always with you and you don't have to rely on finding a hotspot.
A 3G-enabled phone clicks in from R3500 but, explains Joanne Whittle of Flash Cellular in Constantia, Cape Town, "3G phones are for videos and what not. If you're comparing ASDL in relation to 3G, you need to talk about 3G wireless cards – HSDPA data cards". These cards slot into the computer, and, with up to 1.8 megabits per second, HSDPA is apparently the fastest wireless connection we have in this country.
Vodacom is the sole operator of HSDPA. For a contract, you are looking at at least R350 a month per person. At the time of going to press, they were in the process of repackaging the HSDPA hubs and were unable to provide details. An advantage:HSDPA is bundled with free e-mail/Internet, so Adios!service provider.
Why go wireless?
Wireless saves on the cost of phone bills generated on a fixed line as the connection is always on. Plus, dial-up cannot handle all the Internet traffic. Think of all those wedding photos on e-mail or zillions of messages on MSN. Soon we'll probably all be talking wirelessly with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) with Skype and other systems, and watching Internet telly with IPTV (Internet Protocol Television). If we're not wireless, we won't be able to join in the fun.
