Does WiFi Max Work With Dial Up?

WiFi

• Technically speaking, the term "WiFi" relates to a system that connects computer equipment together with radio signals using International Electrical and Electronics Engineers standards to keep all systems the same worldwide. Any WiFi equipment should work in any WiFi hot spot. WiFi generally refers to wireless Internet connections used in homes, offices, coffee shops, hotels and airports. Some systems are available to all users but others require a password or credit card for access. Some WiFi systems use the same basic technology for wireless monitoring or surveillance by connecting sensors or cameras to the computer.

WiFi Max

• A WiFi Max system uses two units: one that plugs into a USB port on the computer connected to the Internet and another that plugs into the device or video game console's USB port. The kit also includes a software disc that must be loaded into the computer. Some manufactures produce WiFi Max systems for specific applications. At time of publication, the minimum requirements for a Datel WiFi Max for Nintendo Wii include Windows 98 or higher, a Pentium 2 processor or equivalent, a free USB port and a broadband Internet connection to the computer.

Broadband Connection

• Broadband basically means an Internet connection with a higher speed than dial up. The lowest broadband level is a digital subscriber line over a telephone circuit that operates at roughly five times faster than dial up. The most common type of system includes a DSL modem connected to the telephone line with Ethernet or wireless connections to computers. Many Cable TV companies also offer broadband connections at much higher speeds, also with Ethernet or wireless connections to the computer. A WiFi Max will work with a computer connected to any broadband system.

Dial Up Connection

• A dial up connection uses a modem, usually installed in the computer, to change the computer signals from digital to analog to travel over the telephone wire. Because of the need to change the signals, dial up operates slowly and can't offer the performance of any type of broadband. Dial up connections are so slow that screens may take several minutes to change, causing many users to become frustrated. With a broadband connection, you can use the telephone while online, but with dial up, you can't. You can't use a WiFi Max on dial up because it's too slow.