WiFi
WiFi networks use radio technologies (IEEE 802.11b or 802.11a) to provide fast wireless connectivity. A WiFi network requires an access point (base station) and each computer attached to the network needs a wireless network card. A computer that has a wireless card can participate in all 'open' networks, but not proprietary networks (its up to the hub administrator if the network is open or proprietary) without knowing the wireless network settings. Even with a proprietary network, security is an issue. WiFi security is easily compromised, so you should consider anything transmitted via WiFi as public knowledge. The encryption is auto-crackable, and the clients can be monitored or subject to man-in-the-middle attacks. Its almost impossible to make a wireless network private; their range will be more than you expect and can be picked up for long distances. This can be a good thing (public commons) or a bad thing (compromised corporate networks). One unauthorized access point on a poorly set up network can compromise the entire network. As networking goes, wireless networks are fairly easy to set up, and very useful. So they are spreading quickly in companies (frequently unauthorized), schools, and homes. Examples include: WarChalking NetStumbler.com NodeDB.com Delcowireless How To Build A Tin Can Waveguide Antenna
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