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I have recently been debating whether to set up a home wirless network as we are just about to get broadband (currently living in the bronze age). It would be far more convenient than having a wired broadband connection as we have PDAs and PSPs etc which would make use of the wifi. I have chosen a router - the Netgear DG834N which uses the first draft of the 802.11n wireless standard. But I am having second thoughts because of the health hazards - there are children living here and they are supposed to be more at risk than adults. Some people say there is no problem with wifi, some say there are strong health risks. Any advice?

If you feel that you may subject your family to hazardous EMF then by all means do not do it. A lot of studies don't seem to prove one way or the other.
The only good reason for wireless is when no wired solution exists.
I read it wrong and answer it wrong too. So get off my case you goober.

This is a tough topic that is presently and continues to be debated around the world.
Fact is you are constantly bombarded by RF [radio frequency] and EMF [electromagnetic frequency or force] in our daily lives. Its all around us from TV signals, microwaves to cell phones.
You can measure this with a gauss meter. You will find the milligauss will max out right next to the wireless unit but sharply drop a foot or so away.
Your running wirelessly isn't going to be adding anymore radiation [radio as well as light is a form of radiation] then your kids watching the popcorn pop in the microwave and most likely significally less then watching the microwave or sitting close to the TV.
I would not sleep with a wireless router as a pillow though.
I hope this helps. If you want more information google emf and visit some of the swedish sites that discuss emf and its impact.
Imagine the power if you knew how to internet search

This is a tough topic that is presently and continues to be debated around the world.
This is for now (2007).
Cometh 2017 we probably will be told we all have terminal cancer caused by the daily bombardments of RF & EMF emissions.
I hope this will never happen but who really knows? Let's not worry about it ... let's just live our life today one day at a time ... because you never know what tomorrow brings.
i_Xp/VistaUser

the Netgear DG834N which uses the first draft of the 802.11n wireless standard
Interesting, as I understand it, 802.11n is not yet a standard and likely won't be for a few years to come.
Having said as much, understand that the lack of standardization means a lack of interoperability between different manufacturers. Which is to say, the wireless router you buy, may not even work with the wireless devices you own unless the wireless NIC's on them are made by the same manufacturer. Before you invest any money in an 802.11n device, I highly recomend you make sure all your wireless devices will work with it first.
If you want reliable 100 MBps transfer rates, your best solution is to use a wired network.
I hope this will never happen but who really knows? Let's not worry about it ... let's just live our life today one day at a time ... because you never know what tomorrow brings.
Not so long ago, eggs were "bad for you". Then it was "just the yolk is bad for you". Now, eggs are good for you!
Butter was bad, margarine was good. Now it's reversed. Who knows, maybe in 5 to 10 years, we'll find out all that stuff is actually good for us!
LOL

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