How wireless Internet works

Wireless routers, cables, PC cards and Internet service providers are just a few of the terms you’ll need to learn before you set out and buy equipment to make surfing the Internet by the pool a Sunday afternoon activity.

Too many cables tied up behind the desk or hanging over a coffee table are a hazard if you are walking around and trip, you could break your neck.

Even spilling coffee could cause an electrical fire that can be prevented if you take the time to make your house or business wireless.

Ray Woods, the president of Platinum Coast Technology, installs wireless units in homes and businesses throughout the Bonita Springs, Naples and Fort Myers.

“The set-up is easy because there isn’t very much you need to know. It’s automatic,” said Woods, who opened up his shop at the Riverview Center on U.S. 41 in December.

Wireless technology isn’t new but as time goes on it get’s easy for people to access especially when it comes to printing, faxing or transferring pictures using a wireless router.

The router acts much like a radio signal that is broadcast through the air and picked up by computers or laptops in the area.

The laptops must have a wireless card that come built inside of newer models or purchased separately for older ones.

“They are pretty easy to set-up on their own but you must have an Internet service provider that connects the router to the Internet,” Woods said. “It sends the signal and when you click on a web page, it brings back the site you asked for.”

Routers average in price from about $50 to $150 dollars but some businesses can purchase $700 routers based on their needs.

“It is safe. I use it all the time and also it keeps people connected to their work all the time,” Woods said. “Bonita Springs has a lot of hot spots that offer wireless.”

And, businesses are taking advantage of the extra way to get people in the door because the technology is so easy to use.

Woods recently put a wireless router in at the Naples Bread Company that is next door to his business.

“They got it because there are a lot of business people here and it helps them keep connected to the office,” Woods said. “They know they can work while they have their lunch.”

But he cautions proper use of the routers by protecting them with passwords to keep unwanted users off your computer.

“It’s not common to know that you need to be protected but you can experience the same virus situation as you would if you were wired,” he said. “There are people out there that have nothing better to do so they scan for hot spots to see what they can find.”

The concept is called “war driving” and involves individuals who look for hot spots, or wireless access points, that are free or where private information can be taken without the user knowing.

“Just be secure about it and remember (the signal) does go through walls and you don’t want people on it,” Woods said.