WiFi is a technology that allows to you connect your devices without wires. Apple has long been at the forefront of wireless technology. This technology has been fully integrated into Apple’s lineup of Macs and iDevices. This integration has been designed with ease of use in mind.
The most recent version of WiFi technology is IEEE 802.11 AC, commonly referred to as Wireless AC. Wireless AC has been standard in Macs since 2013. It offers speeds up to 7 gigabits per second. By contrast the older standard, Wireless N tops out at 300 megabits per second. That is up to 20 times faster! This upgraded connection will allow you to transfer your favorite movies and music quickly from one device to another.
Both wireless AC and the predecessor Wireless N operate in the 5 Ghz frequency band. Operating on the 5 Ghz frequency band means that they are less likely to pick up interference from other devices such as cordless phones and microwave ovens. Wireless N although slower will work for non power users. When you upgrade from an older standard such as G you should make the jump to wireless AC. You will experience faster speeds and a more reliable connection.
Security is major concern when it comes to wireless networking. It is important to set a good password when setting up your access point. That means not using a phone number or something that a stranger could easily guess. The current standard for securing wireless networks is WPA2. Be sure to select it when configuring your access point for maximum security. WEP is an older standard for securing wireless network and is not recommended because it does not offer much protection.
Apple currently offers a few different products which make setting up your home network a breeze. The Airport Extreme is an excellent way to set up your own wireless network. It features Wireless AC and three Ethernet ports for wired connectivity. It is extremely easy to set up for users of all skill levels and offers convenient features such as printer and storage sharing. It even lets you set up a separate network for guests.
The Airport Express is a handy tool which allows you to extend the range of your wireless network. As long as it is in range of your Airport Express it will give you expanded coverage which is useful in larger homes and businesses.
For users that are looking to have both a back up solution and a high powered networking device Apple offers the Airport Time Capsule. It has all of the features of the Airport Extreme plus it has built in storage so you can use Time Machine over your network.
At Mac Outpost and Outpost2 you can find a wide range of networking products and a friendly experienced staff that can help you select the right solution for your needs. We can also come out on-site and set up all these networking devices for you! Call us anytime!
