Handling multiple mobile phones, tablets, laptops, smart-tv of all the members of the family would require a good wi-fi connection to experience the internet seemlessly. Are you using a wi-fi modem?
Multiple devices at home. Use WiFi Modem.
Wired internet connections have their limitations based on usage as well as the type of connection. Ethernet, for example, is provided using a single cable connected to the network. The other devices share the ethernet through the network. The biggest disadvantage of using wired internet is the effort and expenses incurred for installing the cabling that sets up the network. It requires skilled technicians to install the wiring. Depending on the type of installations like DSL wired connections only ISPs can install the software and the DSL device. Access to the network is also limited to a great extent by the wiring. Another disadvantage is that if by any chance the network cable gets disconnected the entire setup would fail. Installing and repairing would be labour intensive. The wiring can be damaged by mice or other creatures. Also, we cannot use wired internet effectively in an open space like a garden due to the physical limitations.
It is due to the above limitations that WiFI modems have started gaining popularity, especially in homes and small offices.
What is a modem?
A modem is a device which sends information between the outside world or Wide Area Network (WAN) and your home. It turns your inbound internet connection into an Ethernet connection which can accommodate a WiFI router to access the internet.
What is a WiFI modem?
Many ISPs provide a modem and router combined device which enables you to access the internet and share it to the devices you use. ADSL / VDSL modems with WiFi are suitable for broadband access through wireless i.e. within the home or office. Wireless modems allow your computers to connect to a wireless local area network (WLAN) without the need for a physical cable. This WLAN provides the device with internet access. Wireless modems have to be certified according to the standards and protocols it uses. Therefore, in case you are getting your WiFi modem, you need to ensure that the modem you have meets the requirements of the network you intend to connect to.
Here are some of the features that are available in wireless modems
- Modem speed.
- Protocol(s) supported: Ethernet, CPCD, GPRS, ISDN, EVDO, WiFi, etcetera.
- Frequency band: 900mhz, 2.4 GHz, VHF and UHF, etc.
- Radio technique: direct sequence spread spectrum, or frequency hopping.
- The number of channels for transmitting and receiving.
- Maximum Signal Strength.
- Full-duplex capability vs. half-duplex (full-duplex permits simultaneous transmitting/receiving for faster data transfer).
When the DSL or cable internet access to your home or office is connected to a wireless broadband modem, all the computers in the premises can be connected to the internet via the broadband modem using wireless network adapter cards thereby eliminating the need for a physical wire between the individual computers or devices and the modem.
How to choose the best broadband WiFI modem for your use?
To choose the best WiFi modem, you need to have a clear idea of what your specific requirements are. Once you do that you will be able to find a modem that is suitable for you. Doing the basic research on broadband and wireless technology capabilities will help you save time and money by choosing the best equipment that is compatible with the broadband available and your needs.
You need to know if you need to buy a DSL modem or cable modem, for example, before you make a purchase. Similarly, if your requirement is small, for example, you only have a laptop and a mobile to connect to the internet then you do not need to have a device with a great deal of range. However, if you have multiple computers that are at some distance from each other then you will need to improvise and get a WiFi router also to extend the range of the modem.
The modem you use should be able to handle your broadband speeds when uploading and downloading data. If you are only using the internet for casual browsing then it does not matter which WiFi modem you use. But if you are working from home, and have to upload and download large files often then you need to have a modem that can use your broadband speed to maximum advantage.
You should use the internet to do your due diligence and research on the ISPs available in your area. Besides many reputed websites do reviews on computer hardware and technology. Check them and pick up the best available modems for your use. This can wind up saving you a lot of time, money, and trouble after you buy.
With WiFi Modems, we have to ensure we are aware of the following
- Password protect the modem to restrict access, and regularly change the password.
- The WiFi modem alone might not have sufficient range, it might require a WiFi router to extend its range.
- The signal might get disturbed due to the presence of other electromagnetic devices.
- Bandwidth usage, the more the number of devices connected to the modem the weaker the bandwidth gets.
- Slower internet, the WiFi connection will be slower than a wired internet connection.
Along with this, we would like to point out a few of the benefits of using a WiFI modem.
Addition and expansion is very easy when you use a WiFi network.
Convenience, multiple users can connect to the internet without having to do any configuration. Linking up can be done in just a few seconds.
Flexibility, you are not limited to the internet cable. You can move around freely within the range of the WiFi modem.
Productivity enhancement, there is less time lost due to server or Lan connectivity issues and less IP conflict. This works out to less time spend on nonproductive work and improved productivity.
Infrastructure, you do not have the additional work of planning for and laying of cables and switches at the workplace when you move your office etc.
Less expensive, WiFi network is the least expensive of the various options available. You save on manpower, cables, and protective and cosmetic work when you install a new network.
