Wireless Adapters

Netgear, one of the top wireless adapter brands, intends to launch two wireless adapters that connect Ethernet-equipped home-theater components wirelessly to the Internet to stream high-def video, audio and other content.

The devices will be compatible with any Ethernet-equipped TV, game console, Blu-ray player or A/V receiver designed for streaming content.

One of the two new products, the Wireless-N HD Home Theater kit, consists of two Wi-Fi-certified 802.11a/n adapters capable of delivering multiple, simultaneous, jitter-free 1080p HD video streams wirelessly.

One adapter has two Ethernet ports, allowing the adapter to connect to two Ethernet-equipped CE devices at once. The other adapter connects to the Ethernet port of any wired or wireless home-network router. Both adapters must be plugged into AC. Additional adapters are available separately to plug into additional CE components in the same room or other rooms. Each adapter is 6.9 inches by 5.1 inches by 1.4 inches.

It’s promoted as the only solution that provides sustained throughput of HD streams exceeding 40 Mbps 99.9 percent of the time through multiple walls in an above-average single family home, the company said.

The Home Theater Kit also features plug-and-play setup, enabling them to power up, connect and work automatically, the company said. Built-in security enables users to add adapters to additional components by pressing a button.

The Home Theater Kit will be available in the third quarter in the U.S. Pricing hasn’t been announced.

Netgear’s other product is the Universal WiFi Internet Adapter, which consists of a more compact 802.11b/g/n adapter that communicates with an existing wireless router at up to 300Mbps. The 3.2- by 2.44- by 0.7-inch adapter will be available in May at a suggested $79. It can be powered via a connected component’s USB port to eliminate the need to run a power wire to an AC outlet. It features one Ethernet port and uses a CD-less smart-wizard wireless connection utility on a PC.

In areas that are served by a wireless network, you can connect to a computer network without using a cable, and surf the Internet or connect with other computers. To connect to a wireless network, your computer needs a wireless network adapter.

Adding a USB wireless network adapter is by far the easiest way to install an adapter. It’s almost as easy as plugging in a set of headphones.

Before purchasing a wireless USB network adapter

1. Find an available USB port on your computer.

Note: If you need to move your computer to reach the USB ports, you should shut down Windows to avoid damaging your computer. If you can easily reach a USB port, you do not need to shut down your computer.

If you do not have an unused USB port, you can connect a USB hub to add additional ports or install an internal adapter instead.

2. Purchase a wireless USB network adapter.

3. If you had to shut down your computer to get to the USB port, you can now turn on your computer. Insert the CD that comes with the adapter in your computer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the necessary software. If the adapter does not come with a CD, continue to the next step.

4.Connect your USB adapter to the unused USB port on your computer.

5. After a moment, Windows automatically detects and installs the new hardware, and then notifies you when installation is finished.

6. If you are installing a wireless network adapter with a separate antenna, place the antenna in a location where you can get a clear wireless signal. Typically, you will get a stronger signal (and a faster network connection) if you place your antenna away from walls and in a location where it is not blocked by your monitor or computer.

Next, set up your wireless network.

Install a wireless CardBus or CF network adapter. For portable computers, this type of adapter (also called a PCMCIA or PC Card) is easier to travel with than a USB adapter, because it is often smaller and fits securely in the PC Card slot on the side of the computer.

Install a wireless internal network adapter. If you have a desktop computer, you may prefer an internal adapter so that you can use the USB port to connect another accessory.

7Netlayers Telecom, a major Iraqi telecoms operator established in 2008, just launched a mobile wireless broadband network in Kurdistan. Chinese equipment vendor Huawei Technology will use their complete WiMax solution to provide wireless broadband services for students, SMEs, and large corporations at download speeds of up to 18Mbps.