Wireless networks are primarily used by portable computers (i.e. laptops, notebooks). However, they can be used for any type of computer equipment -- desktop computers, printers, scanners, etc. If you have several computers in your office/workspace and are sick of tripping over ethernet cables, then you could connect them all through the wireless network instead.

A wireless network can have many uses. You can take your laptop into any room in the building and access your e-mail and the internet; you can also print to printers that are connected to the network. It can also be used for teaching purposes: e.g. you can use the powerpoint projector to project websites and other information on the internet, and so on.

The caveat: The hub is quite powerful, so you should be able to connect anywhere in the building. However, the speed of your internet connection will vary depending on how far you are from the hub. In most places, if you have a 802.11g card (also called 'wireless-g') you will be able to connect at above 24Mbps, and often 54Mbps, which is pretty fast. If you are in the furthest reaches of the building (e.g. some basement rooms), your connection may drop to 8-10Mbps. I've tested the hub using a wireless 802.11g card and I got good connectivity in every room.

The wireless webmaster is Paul de Lacy: delacy@rutgers.edu