When it comes to networking, the only constant is change. Not so long ago things like wireless streaming video and Internet connections at your local coffee shop were the stuff of dreams. Now we can't imagine life without them. So maybe you're ready to join the wireless revolution, but you need to brush up on the lingo. Maybe you want to set up a wired network that moves your files in a flash. We're here to help you get started. Read on for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about networking.

Think of 802.11 as a consensus between wireless developers. Every new 802.11 standard reflects an agreement within the wireless industry to build devices that follow standard specifications. This ensures that devices made by different manufacturers will work together seamlessly. As technologies improve, new standards are developed to keep pace. There are currently three primary standards for home networking: 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g. The wireless industry is already hard at work debating the standards for the next generation of wireless: 802.11n.

When you consider the different 802.11 standards, you need to keep just two things in mind: frequency and data transfer speed. Both 802.11b and 802.11g use the same radio frequency and work perfectly well together. 802.11a devices use a separate frequency and work only with other 802.11a devices. When it comes to speed, 802.11b works relatively slowly–transferring data at rates up to 11Mbps. 802.11a and 802.11g are both much faster, transferring data at speeds up to 54Mbps. That's fast enough to stream video. Because they combine compatibility with 802.11b and high-speed, 802.11g devices have exploded in popularity. 802.11g is making wireless an important part of our everyday lives.

MIMO refers to a new wave of technology that uses multiple, smart antennae to enhance the speed and range of wireless. While traditional devices use one signal, MIMO works faster by sending and receiving multiple signals at the same time. Being able to read multiple signals is also a big help over longer distances. Signals reflect as they bump into walls and floors. MIMO devices are able to make use of these reflections in places that could give older devices some trouble. MIMO signals are also stronger than single signals–they carry farther and extend the range of MIMO devices. Smart antennae enhance MIMO signals even more. These antennae sense interference and cleverly switch to cleaner channels, improving signal clarity.

MIMO devices transmit at double the maximum speed of 802.11g while at close range, and this advantage increases over long distances. At ranges where 802.11g signals are starting to fade, MIMO devices can work up to eight times faster.

MIMO is not a standard like 802.11, so there are no standard names for MIMO devices. Names like SRX, Pre-N and RangeMax™ are all different variations of MIMO technology. While the names are different, the end result is the same: MIMO wireless devices deliver superior speed and range.

Here’s a chart that compares MIMO to the 802.11 standards:

* These maximum wireless signal rates are based on IEEE Standard specifications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors can lower actual data throughput rates and range (coverage).

**When 802.11g and 802.11b devices communicate, they do so at the slower 802.11b rate.

If you're familiar with a network that's connected by cables, you've seen Ethernet at work. Despite the surge in wireless popularity, Ethernet remains the most widely-used local-area network (LAN) technology. There's a good reason for this: Ethernet is still the fastest way to transfer data. Fast Ethernet transfers data at rates up to 100Mbps, while Gigabit Ethernet offers speeds as high as 1000Mbps–much faster than even the fastest 802.11g wireless devices.

Think of an access point as a bridge. On one side of the bridge is your PC and its wired network of peripherals. On the other side is a network of wireless devices. Access points bridge the two networks by converting wired signals to wireless radio signals and back again. Once your access point is established, any compatible wireless devices within radio range will be able to share your Internet connection as well as work with any devices on your wired Ethernet network. And you'll be enjoying your newfound wireless freedom.

The simplest of these networking devices is the hub. Hubs are used to provide additional ports you can use to connect new segments of a network. Imagine that your PC has only one Ethernet port, and you want to network six devices. Connecting a six-port Ethernet hub to your PC would give you the extra ports you need to connect all six devices.

Adding wireless functionality to a PC is easier than ever. All you need is a wireless network adapter. These adapters come in one of three basic forms: laptop PC cards, USB wireless adapters and PCI wireless adapters. All three network adapters feature different interfaces, but provide the same speed, versatility and security of built-in wireless.

In order to protect your data, you'll want to scramble it so that your networked devices are the only ones that can understand it. This scrambling process is called data encryption. Most wireless devices come with two kinds of encryption systems: Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA). WEP is an older technology that is sufficient for keeping out casual snoopers. WPA encryption is a significant upgrade from WEP, and is much more effective at keeping your personal data personal. In order to protect yourself, you'll want to be sure that all of your wireless devices are using WPA encryption. If any of the devices on your network are still using WEP, all of the others will revert to WEP as well. You'll also want to check to make sure that WPA encryption is active. If you don't remember configuring your WEP settings, you may still need to do it. Once your WPA is up and running, you can relax and enjoy your wireless connection with a well-earned sense of security.

You can get online almost anywhere there is a wireless access point with a connection to the Internet. You can set up an access point at home or at the office, but the most exciting places to connect may be hotspots. Hotspots are public access points where you and your notebook can share an Internet connection. Thousands of hotels, campuses, airport lounges, restaurants and even cafes already offer hotspots to the public. And with new hotspots being added every day, you're probably near one right now.

Now that you know the entire 802.11 alphabet and understand the difference between a hub and a switch, you’re well on your way to putting today’s great networking technology to work for you. Want some more ideas? Take a look inside a wirelessly networked home to see how different wireless devices can improve your life. Whether you want to set up a home network that really flies or surf at your favorite cafe, going wireless is easier than you imagine. So get out there and make some fun, new connections.