Due to the popularity of Broadband connections, combined with the low cost of Wireless networking, it is a good idea to combine both when you think of a new Broadband connection. Most ADSL modems can be purchased with Wireless built in. This will save you some dollars.
The most basic wireless network involves simply connecting 2 computers by way of wireless link in AD-Hoc. mode.
At the moment due to price/speed/availability IEEE802.11G is the leading option.
For a bigger WiFi network infrastructure Mode is generally used.
By using a WiFi access point (wireless router) you can quite easily create this at home. Keep in mind the fact that with wireless networking others may be able to access the network and security steps must be taken to avoid security breaches.
The steps to make your Wireless network more secure are simple and include:
Unfortunately hiding the SSID only prevents casual users accidentally connecting to your network, but can cause connection problems for your own machines. The best mechanism to use is to turn on encryption and set a complex password - see the GRC password generator.
Your router will have a default password which you should change as soon as you have a connection to the router. This avoids the possibility of someone else accessing your router and using it for themselves. The password you use should be complex - include upper and lower case characters and numbers. You can save all your passwords in a Password Database.
There is only one type of encryption security to use, WPA in either form. All other methods of securing your network should be avoided.
Authentication adds another layer of security to your encrypted network. There are several forms you can use, certificate, user id/password or a combination.
A Radius server provides the authenticaton service for Certificate or ID/password systems. Some routers have a Raduis server built-in, or you can set up a stand-alone server for your corporate network.