Few technologies in recent times have generated quite as much interest as wireless networking, and justifiably so. During a period of overhyped technologies, it's refreshing to find one that genuinely delivers unique and compelling services to both consumers and businesses at every level.

Like all technologies though, wireless networking isn't perfect. While deserving much of its recent backslapping, there are a number of important issues every existing or potential wireless user should be aware of.

Beyond the most common issues of standards, compatibility and security, there are increasing concerns over interference and congestion with other networks or devices sharing the same radio frequencies.

Head out on the road, and a whole raft of additional issues arise, including the safety of public hotspots, and whether your kit will operate or even be legal while abroad.

Then there's raw performance. Building a wireless network may be as easy as fitting an Access Point, but where should it be located for the best results, and what happens if you want to extend your coverage?

Theoretical speeds may also look sufficient on paper, but in practice is wireless really suitable for applications such as streaming high-quality audio and video?

There are certainly plenty of issues to consider, but rest assured we've got the answers to these and more.

We'll explain what to look out for and, most crucially, how to solve both common and obscure wireless worries, allowing you to relax and make the most of this impressive and enjoyable technology.

Standards and compatibility
Before worrying about performance, security and interference, the first wireless issue you may experience is plain and simple incompatibility.

Over a few short years, the original 802.11 wireless Ethernet standard has enjoyed a raft of extensions, each identified by a lower-case letter tagged on the end. Some refer to entire physical layers designed for networking, while others specifically enhance security, quality of service and interoperability.

The crucial thing, though, is that certain combinations may work together, while others won't.

Third-party certification may aim to simplify compatibility concerns, but introduces additional terms and branding. Finally, manufacturers eager to gain a competitive edge may release products based on a new standard while it's still in draft form.

It's potentially confusing, so here's a brief compatibility overview of the main standards and certifications in common use.

There are currently three physical layer standards for wireless networking called 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g. The first, and most widespread, is 802.11b, operating on a frequency of 2.4GHz and delivering a maximum speed of 11Mbps.

In theory all devices conforming to the 802.11b standard should work together, but offering additional reassurance is the independent Wi-Fi Alliance with its own compatibility and certification process. Products sporting the Wi-Fi badge are assured to work together.

Note 802.11b+ refers to a technology which claims to double data rates to 22Mbps. For this to work, the relevant devices must all support 802.11b+.

The second wireless physical layer standard is 802.11a, operating at a frequency of 5GHz and offering speeds up to 54Mbps. Since 802.11a operates on a different frequency to 802.11b, they are simply incompatible. 802.11a devices won't work on an 802.11b network and vice versa.

Again, while all devices conforming to the 802.11a standard should work together, the Wi-Fi Alliance has also begun certifying them, with a new extended badge differentiating products designed for different frequencies.

Offering some relief to those wanting to use both types of networks though, dual-band equipment is now available, supporting both 802.11a and 802.11b.

The third and latest wireless physical layer standard is 802.11g, matching the 54Mbps speed of 802.11a, but operating on the same 2.4GHz frequency of 802.11b - this gives 802.11g the unique advantage of being backwards compatible with 802.11b.

In theory, an 802.11g device should work on an 802.11b network and vice versa, although to enjoy 54Mbps, both the device and network need to support 802.11g.

The official 802.11g standard was completed in June 2003, but numerous products based on an earlier draft specification have already been on sale for some months.

While each supplier has offered assurances of compatibility with the final 802.11g specification (or upgrades if they don't), it's too early to tell if there are any serious concerns for early adopters.

In our own tests with draft 802.11g equipment, we measured similar speeds to 802.11a, and confirmed compatibility with 802.11b devices. Unfortunately, once an 802.11b device was connected to our draft 802.11g network though, it forced all draft 802.11g devices to operate at the slower 802.11b speeds.

Despite being a recognised problem, several 802.11g manufacturers now claim this has been fixed. One solution involves building access points with two antennas, but until such products or those conforming to the final specification are tested, we can't comment.

Early adopters of draft 802.11g equipment may wish to contact their supplier for information on possible updates, although if they're exclusively using 802.11g devices, they should be fine.

With the specification now finalised and officially ratified by the IEEE, we should soon know what 802.11g is truly capable of, warts and all; Wi-Fi certification will follow soon after. Suffice it to say we will keep you updated with all the news and test results.

In the meantime, users interested in supporting the maximum number of standards should consider new tri-mode/dual-band products supporting 802.11a, b and g.

Finally we should mention Intel's Centrino brand, which can be applied to notebook computers featuring a Pentium M processor, Intel 855 chipset and an Intel integrated wireless network connection. The first Centrino notebooks employ 802.11b, although we can expect dual-band 802.11a /b in the near future, and 802.11g support probably added in the new year.

Larger enterprise users may additionally be interested in products with Cisco-compatible extensions, which assure compatibility with Cisco's wireless security suite. Centrino notebooks and products based on new Atheros chipsets already support Cisco-compatible extensions.