Creating a wireless network can be relatively simple. However there are a wide range of wireless products available and knowing which product to choose can be a headache.
Wireless networks are cable free, relatively easy to install and mean that you can surf the net from anywhere in your home, even the garden!
However, they are more expensive and are less reliable than wired networks as they are susceptible to radio interference. Performance also diminishes with distance from the access point.

Which type of router do you need?
The wireless router you require will depend on:
•    What do you want to use your computer for and the distance you want your wireless network to cover.
•    Various wireless standards exist and each have their own range and speed limits.
•    What type of internet connection do you have?
•    If you have telephone based broadband (BT, AOL or Tiscali) you will need a wireless modem router.
•    If you have cable based broadband such as Virgin you will need a cable router.

Wireless Standards speeds and coverage:
The standard that your devices support will affect the performance and range of your network.
- Suitable for web surfing
802.11g supports a maximum speed of 54 Mbps, has a range of 400ft and is backwards compatible. Signals are subject to interference from other home appliances.
- Suitable for online gaming
802.11n (draft standard) is more resistant to interference, is backward compatible and supports data rates of over 100 Mbps with a range of up to 1200ft.
- Suitable for high definition streaming
802.11n1 mimo (draft standard) is more expensive but has a maximum 300Mbps transmission rate and a range of 1400ft.

Other tips:
Purchase a wireless Internet router with the same brand as your wireless network adapter.
•    Vendors may optimise communication protocols of their own equipment so you may gain a slightly better performance.

Here are some the most popular wireless routers being searched for on Twenga:
•    Netgear DG834G: from £35 – good all round solution, easy to set up and good signal quality.
•    Belkin N1 Vision: from £65 – latest n standard– slick design and user-friendly.
•    Netgear WGR614: from £28- Excellent 802.11g speed; good range with easy setup.
•    D-LINK Xtreme N Gigabit Router: from £80 – fast with Gigabit LAN ports and the latest wireless security but based on an unfinished wireless spec.
•    Belkin N Wireless Router: from £43 – budget router with latest n standard, easy to set-up.