1.2 Connections Without Wires

There are many types of wireless networks, such as Cellular ( wide-area wireless networking), Wi-Fi (local and wide area wireless networking), and Bluetooth (cable-replacement and short-range wireless networking). All of these networks run with Linux. Here is a list of tasks you can complete with Linux and wireless networks:

• Build your own wireless access point. At home, use a Linux box as your wireless access point and secure firewall for a broadband connection, and use a Linux notebook as a wireless client. To control who uses your access point, build a captive portal. It's also possible that your broadband connection is wireless and uses a point-to-point directional wireless network.

• Synchronize your contacts. At the office, keep your contacts list from your Linux desktop synchronized with your cell phone using Bluetooth or an infrared port.

• Use a cellular network and GPS for the ultimate road warrior experience. On the road, use your Linux- powered PDA to check email from a wireless hotspot. Connect your cell phone and laptop, and use a high-speed data network where there is a digital cell signal. Hook a GPS receiver to your laptop and find that out-of-the-way hotel.