Many homes and businesses these days utilise a wireless router in order to connect to the Internet. Transmitting over a wireless local area network is a convenient way for users within a small area to have Internet access without being restricted by cables or proximity to a phone socket.

In an accommodation business the use of WLANS appropriate for homes and offices has been limited. The distances involved and the more solid walls make signal penetration more difficult. However, thanks to the increasing availability of Wireless N equipment, there are now more situations where accommodation providers might think of installing a wireless router for guests to use, particularly in common areas.

When dealing with wireless routers there are two ‘standards’ of transmission. The vast majority of people using wireless at home will currently have a Wireless G device, especially if their router has been supplied by their broadband provider. These G devices are quite adequate for use in a domestic environment or a small office. However the newer Wireless N format is up to six times as fast and can provide triple the range and signal penetration. That means users can enjoy a much faster and stronger connection with a Wireless N router.

In-room connections will still be better provided by a wired solution and when more than a handful of users are connecting simultaneously, a dedicated wireless hotspot is a better option. But for small numbers of users in common areas like reception, swimming pool facilities and meeting rooms, a Wireless N device can be an economical way of offering the Internet connection that guests increasingly expect. Billing can be administered according to access time, data limit or simply provided for free in those locations.

To make these speeds available you will need a Wireless N router. For guests to experience the optimum signal are they will need a Wireless N receiver on their computer. Newer machines will already have this but, for those that don’t, even their old Wireless G antenna will still provide superior performance when connecting to the stronger and faster Wireless N signal. There are also Wireless N antenna adapters that can be attached via a USB port to upgrade any existing wireless receivers users have in their computer.

Additionally, the power of Wireless N can be an excellent way of networking your own computers, particularly in temporary or mobile situations. For example, setting up a temporary registration desk or sales point for an event or during renovation work. As long as your systems can be accessed via the Internet, Wireless N can provide the flexibility required for you to adapt to any need.

Matt Hardy
Netcomm
 Accom News