Want to get every computer in your home on the Internet? Share music, photo or video files stored on the computers? Stream movies from a computer to the television? Here are some tips on setting up a wireless network to do all that:

1. WIRED AND WIRELESS DO MIX

You don't need all-new network gear. Mixing wireless and wired networks is easy.

Add a wireless access point to a wired network by just plugging it into your Ethernet hub. It sends wireless signals to laptops and other gadgets.

Most wireless routers have Ethernet ports. You can use them to connect wired gadgets.

2. DIFFERENT TYPES OF WIRELESS

You'll encounter different wireless networking standards. There's 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g. There's also 802.11n, which isn't yet standardized.

The best choice is 802.11n. It provides the best range and speed. The Wi-Fi Alliance has started certifying 802.11n Draft 2.0 gadgets.

You'll avoid compatibility problems with certified gadgets. And they are backward compatible with 802.11b/g gear.

If possible, your gear should all be the same wireless flavor. Speed and range are limited by the weakest gadget.

3. MIMO HELPS

MIMO stands for multiple input, multiple output. This wireless technology allows equipment to use several antennas to send and receive multiple data streams, improving throughput.

MIMO can also eliminate dead spots and improve range. To see improvements with MIMO, all gadgets on your wireless network should support it.

4. RADIO FREQUENCIES VARY

Wireless networks work on different radio frequencies.

The popularity of the 2.4GHz band is its biggest flaw. Other things use it, too. You could encounter interference from microwaves, cordless phones and baby monitors.

For better reception, go with 5GHz. There's less crowding on that band. But 5GHz and 2.4GHz gadgets can't communicate with each other. To get around this, opt for a dual-mode router. It can connect with gadgets on both frequencies. Make sure both frequencies operate simultaneously. That way, you'll never need to switch between bands.

5. SECURITY IS IMPORTANT

Keep your wireless network free of unwanted guests. You don't want criminals to use it.

Encryption will protect your wireless network. It protects data in transit on the network. Also, it will lock out intruders.

There are different types of encryption. Wi-Fi Protected Access 2, or WPA2, is the strongest form of encryption. Wi-Fi Protected Access, or WPA, is acceptable. Wired equivalent privacy, or WEP, simply isn't safe.

Look for a router that supports WPA2. But remember, networked gadgets must also support WPA2. If you run into problems, use WPA instead.

Some final words of advice. Stick with the same brand of network gear. You'll encounter fewer problems setting up and maintaining your network.

Also, check for firmware upgrades, which add features and improve security. (Firmware is software built into hardware.)

Reach Kim Komando at gnstech@gns.gannett.com.