If you're not already using wireless networking, you've probably seen the signs of it around town. You might have visited a wireless Internet cafe, or seen others working wirelessly at your office. Wireless networking is rapidly becoming ubiquitous, enabling personal and professional use of the Internet without the bother of finding a wired connection.

The foundations of wireless technology have been around for quite a while. Guglielmo Marconi experimented with radio waves and established the Wireless Telegraph and Signal Company Limited in the late 1800s. In the early 20th century, engineers determined how to send radiotelegraph signals (Morse code) without the use of wires, making it possible for ships at sea to communicate with each other and with fixed locations on shore. With the discovery of amplitude, commercial radio broadcasts soon followed, and then came TV.

Wireless applications are now found just about everywhere, from remote controls and two-way radios to digital pagers, GPSs (global positioning systems), cell phones, and wireless computer networks. Wireless, the old term that used to refer to radio, is now back in vogue.

What to expect in the course

This course is geared toward consumers who want to install a wireless home network and introduces key aspects of current wireless technology -- specifically, to how it pertains to setting up a wireless network in your home. Each lesson is accompanied by a short assignment and quiz, which are designed to reinforce concepts and techniques discussed in the lesson.

Here's how the lessons break down:

• Lesson 1: This lesson explores types of wireless networks and their uses, and covers connection technologies that support a wireless network.
• Lesson 2: In this lesson, you'll learn which equipment and connections you need to create a wireless home network.
• Lesson 3: One of the main purposes of networking is to share files and devices. This lesson shows you how to set up file and printer sharing, and secure your network.
• Lesson 4: This lesson shows you how to link wireless access points, set up print and file servers, expand your network, and troubleshoot problems.

This first lesson discusses wireless technologies available for home and home-office use. Thanks to modern wireless technology, even technologically impaired consumers can set up a home network without too much difficulty. Are you ready to work without wires? Read on.