Ensuring Interoperability

One of the most worrisome aspects of purchasing equipment is that it won't work with newer equipment, essentially negating your investment. There's no use trying to predict what new technology will be available two years from now, but you can work to ensure the ability to upgrade your existing equipment.

Thankfully, all wireless access points include Ethernet ports. Since Ethernet is the most common and least expensive means to network computers, you can mix or bridge wireless and Ethernet network hardware.

For instance, you can purchase an Ethernet-to-phoneline or Ethernet-to-powerline bridge. These hardware devices will allow you to use "no-new-wires" technologies to expand your network. Phoneline equipment is less expensive than newer powerline equipment, but either can be a big help if you have available outlets or phone jacks . We discuss networks that use more than one technology, called hybrid networks, in more detail in Chapter 4.

You might find that you'll get more use, and longer life, out of your wireless equipment if you use its capability to connect to Ethernet and bridge other networking technologies.