One of today's most popular technologies is a wireless technology called Wi-Fi.

This is the technology that allows you to roam about freely and connect your laptop computer, mobile phone or tablet to the Internet with an over-the-air connection that requires no cables or wires.

This technology has spread quickly with restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream parlors and even municipal buildings now offering Wi-Fi connections to people who visit. One of the most popular places for Wi-Fi, however, has become the home.

Many of the newer home-oriented entertainment products, such as televisions, Blu-ray players and game boxes, can access the Internet via Wi-Fi. Also, with the proliferation of portable devices that can access the Internet, having a Wi-Fi-enabled home has become a must for many.

To create a Wi-Fi network in your home, you need two things: a broadband Internet connection such as cable or DSL and a wireless router.

A router is a hardware device that connects two or more computers and forwards data across a network of computers. >A router attaches to your Internet modem by a cable. A router can be used even if you have only one computer.

In fact, because packets of data are inspected by the router, having a router offers the additional feature of preventing some malware and viruses from attacking your computer. Because of this, it can be beneficial even if you have only one computer in your home. If you have more than one computer and only one Internet connection, a router is a necessity.

A regular router sends the Internet signal and data packets through a wired network. A wireless router can send the data through a wire, but they also send it through the air. Routers are generally small rectangular or square devices about 6 to 8 inches in size.

A router, whether wireless or not, has ports on the back where you can hook in computers, broadband modems and other devices. A router has lights that indicate its status and the status of the connected devices.

It is generally not difficult to install a wireless router if you follow the instructions, but it sometimes can be problematic. During installation, you should also secure your network, which can be a little confusing to the uninitiated. If you are unsure about whether you want to take on the installation yourself, you can hire someone to install it for you.

If you do have someone install your wireless router, you should also consider a network that combines wired and wireless connections. I have done this in several homes, including my own. Since a wired connection is more stable, we run in-wall wires to any computers that are used for work or for serious computing.

Sometimes we run a wire to the television or Blu-ray player because if you want to watch streaming movies from the Internet, a wired connection will give you better stability. The wireless router can handle these wired connections as well as sending wireless signals throughout your home for use with a laptop, tablets and other devices.

If you are interested in having a wireless network in your home or you already have one, I'll give you a few tips on wireless networks:

Don't skimp on the router by purchasing an older technology such as 802.11g. Instead, buy a router that has the most recent Wi-Fi technology. That is currently 802.11n.

If you can, place the router in the center of the home, where it can send signals to all areas.

Keep your wireless router up high so that you get a clear signal. Sit it on a desktop or hang it on a wall rather than keeping it under a desk or on the floor behind a filing cabinet.

If you have a large home or a lot of walls to go through, consider purchasing an extender to help transmit the signal to problem areas.

Once your home is Wi-Fi enabled, it offers you the ability to use a tablet or portable device to access the Internet from any room in your home or even from the garage or patio. That sort of freedom is bound to give you a good feeling!

Contact Sandy Berger at sandy@compukiss.com.