I’ve Got No Strings…

For a long time, computer users who wished to be connected to the internet were restricted to being within close proximity of a telephone line or cable outlet. Through elaborate cabling efforts and various network equipment, users were given a little extra flexibility in where they choose to compute – as long as a LAN drop was nearby.

Computer hardware makers have learned that users like as much flexibility as they can get. Thanks to the recent explosion of wireless networking technology, users are now restricted by one less tether. Network companies now offer all sorts of wireless hardware at a small premium over their wired equivalents. It’s basically a requirement for all new notebooks to come with at least some form of wireless technology. In fact, Intel makes 802.11b wireless networking a requirement for all notebooks wearing the Centrino brand.

So, both our desktop and notebook computers are free from their shackles, but is that enough to satisfy us? No.

We must free our consoles!

With videogame consoles now discovering the wonders of the internet, we have another device that needs to be connected. Consoles are almost always played on televisions, which are usually found in the living room. With the default hardware, those wanting to play console games online will have to find a spot that can accommodate both a television and an internet connection – which might be quite inconvenient.

The answer? Wireless networking.