Basic networking questions

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I have questions about all the different wireless/wi-fi setups. I presently have 1 laptop on ethernet cable in my apt. I have used the laptop at my library on their wif-fi so I know that much. If I installed a router, I would have wi-fi, right? So if I get a tablet to supplement the laptop, it could connect to my wi-fi at home and any public place that has it. I don’t understand the 3G phone thing. I only have a basic cell phone, no smart phone, and don’t really need one. But is the phone signal the same as wi-fi or something different? I have Verizon Wireless. If these questions are in the wrong forum, please move them appropriately and let me know. Thank you for ideas and direction.

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Installation of a router would create a wi-fi network in your home that other devices could use without being directly connected to the ethernet cable. Make sure that you enable security on your router so that your network is not openly available to anyone within range. The router will have directions on how to configure security.

Cell phones use the 3G network to make wireless phone calls. The 3G network can also be used by smartphones to transmit data, but most smart phones default to using wi-fi if it is available as it has faster data transmission rates than 3G.

Hope this answers your questions.

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A router will give you a WiFi network to connect all your wireless devices through. The other advantage is many routers will supply a hardware firewall to your security system. This adds one more layer of protection.

I connect our 2 wireless laptops, our desktop PC, out 2 Nook Color ereaders and out smartphones through my router.

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If I installed a router, I would have wi-fi, right?

Probably, but don’t take it as a given. There is such thing as a router that is………well, just that – a router. You need to tell the shop you want one with wi-fi. I don’t want you to trip up in the shop lol.

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WiFi is not 3G. 3G is the old data transmission standard for mobile phones. WiFi is wireless computer networking.
Modern phones have both so you can surf the net via WiFi without paying for data usage on 3G.

cheers, Paul

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This was helpful. Thanks to all.

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As a reminder, not all routers are wireless. Be sure yours is.

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And then there’s 4G wireless, which is also not WiFi.

-- rc primak

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