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NetworkingBasics &
Ethernet VS Wireless
Home Networking Basics: Ethernet, Phoneline or Wireless
Home Networking: Real Life Uses and Examples
Part 1 Introduction
Tired of having to compete for access to the printer? Sick of running from the computer upstairs to the computer in the family room just to check e-mail? Are the kids constantly using the home office PC because it's the only one in the house connected to the Internet? Then a home network is your salvation. Here's a rundown on the different ways you can use a home network to make your life easier.
Resource sharing
With a home network, all users in the house can access the Internet, applications and peripherals at the same time. Not only can you swap data files but audio MP3 and video files as well. Now, every user in the house can access one printer and scanner. Even software, CD-ROM and Zip drives can be shared. Only one Internet access point is needed and everyone can browse the Web simultaneously.
Internet for everyone
Access the Internet from multiple places in the home using PCs, notebooks, even Webpads. No more waiting in line to do school research or check the latest stock prices. With a network, everyone can be on the Net at the same time.
Schedule, what schedule?
With a home network, you can keep the family on track with appointments and other plans. Keep one master schedule that can be accessed from different PCs within the house and remotely via the Internet.
My hard drive is your hard drive
So, the old computer in the basement just doesn't have the get up and go you need? Why not use its hard drive? Put the old beige box to use by networking with it to increase your storage space. Use it to store MP3s, digital photos, word documents, spreadsheets and more.
MP3s throughout the house
After downloading a plethora of your favorite MP3s, a home network allows you to access and play them from any computer in the house. Say you've downloaded the tunes onto your PC in the office, but want to hear them from your computer in the kitchen. There's no need for a separate boombox, CD player or radio in your cooking nook. Listen to non-stop, impeccable MP3 music from the kitchen PC that's become a boomin' stereo system.
Gaming at its finest
Die-hard gamers will love the options networking has to offer. Play a multiplayer game with another family member, each using your own PC. Many games accommodate up to eight players, and some servers let you engage in online gaming with players worldwide.
Security
Another benefit of a home network is security, especially if you have a broadband connection. Most hardware includes a NAT-style (Network Address Translation) firewall router that shields your network from outsider access on the Internet. All Internet-bound transmissions from your computers have the source IP address removed and replaced by the public IP address of the NAT router. Potential hackers can't see the final IP address and can't gain access.
To find out more about home networking see these links:
Learn the basics of networking.
What's the right network for you?: Ethernet vs. Wireless
Shop for all your networking needs.
Part 2 Networking Basics
You know the feeling. Your teenager comes to you, wondering when you'll be "off the Net" so they can engage in the fourth level of their fave multiplayer game. Or your spouse (who's working on the laptop) is frustrated because they want to print information about the family vacation, but you're using the PC-connected printer.
You all deserve printer access and Internet playtime. Hmmm... "Maybe it's time to set up a network," you ponder. Well, get ready to connect the whole family. Here are the basics to setting up a home network.
What Is a Network?
A network is a group of two or more computers, printers or other peripherals connected together to communicate with each other and share resources. It allows your household to share files, Internet access, printers, CD-ROMs, hard drives and more.
Benefits of Networking
With a home network, you and others in your home can:
• Transfer, share and access files. Transfer and access files without putting the information on a disk and running to and from each computer.
• Share Internet access. Pay for just one Internet connection and access it from any networked PC or laptop in your home. There's no need for multiple modems, phonelines or Internet service provider accounts.
• Play multiplayer, head-to-head games. Turn your gaming up a notch. Play with other friends or family members over the network.
Types of networks
Ethernet | Phoneline | Wireless | Powerline
1. Ethernet — Ethernet is the most common type of network. It is the most widespread standard for local networks (LAN) and uses cables to link computers and peripherals together. Ethernet networks have a fast transfer rate (up to 100 Mbps) and are ideal for multiple users surfing the Web and playing games.
Want to set up an Ethernet network? You'll need the basics:
• Network interface card (NIC) — Every computer you want networked has to have a NIC. And if you want to connect a laptop, you'll need a specific kind of NIC called a PCMCIA card ("PC card" for short). These cards allow each networked computer to communicate with the other devices on the network. (Note: "card" and "adapter" are often used interchangeably.)
• Cables — NICs in networked computers are connected by cables (unless you have a wireless network, see type 3, below). The most popular type of Ethernet cable is "twisted-pair." Ethernet cable looks like standard telephone wire, but has a larger wall plug-in called an "RJ-45 connector."
• Hubs and switches — A hub or switch is a box used to gather groups of PCs together at a central location. The difference between the two is that a switch gives each computer its own dedicated bandwidth, thus eliminating any data bottlenecks when you're downloading or sharing large files.
• Router — To share fast Internet access, you will need a router. This is a switch with an adapter port that allows one or more computers to access the Internet via a single DSL/cable modem. Some routers have built-in firewall protection.
Shop our selection of Ethernet networking products and more.
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2. Phoneline — Phoneline networks are popular in homes that are not wired for Ethernet. They connect multiple computers using your preexisting telephone wires and have transfer speeds up to 10 Mbps. Phoneline networks work on a different frequency than your telephone, so they won't disturb your phone use.
Want to set up a phoneline network? You'll need the basics:
• Network interface card (NIC) — NIC cards and PCMCIA cards allow each networked computer to communicate with the other devices on the network.
• Just install a NIC or PCMCIA card into each computer, then connect each computer to a phone jack — you're ready to go!
Shop our selection of phoneline networking products and more.
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3. Wireless — Wireless networks are the easiest to install and connect computers via electromagnetic airwaves (without wires or cables). This choice is a bit more expensive, but laptop users in particular will appreciate the freedom, since most wireless networks have a range of up to 150 ft. and transfer speeds up to 11 Mbps.
Want to set up a wireless network? You'll need the basics:
• Wireless network interface card (NIC) — NIC cards and PCMCIA cards allow each networked computer to communicate with the other devices on the network. Each computer (PC or laptop) must have a NIC card to share resources.
• Wireless bridge — A bridge can serve two main purposes for wireless networks. First, it allows all computers on the wireless to share a high-speed Internet connection (like DSL or cable service). Secondly, the bridge can connect Ethernet and wireless networks. For example, your desktop computers might need a fast Ethernet connection, but you want to be able to work outside with a notebook, wirelessly. The bridge makes it possible for the notebook to have wireless access to the desktops' Ethernet network.
Shop our selection of wireless networking products and more.
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4. Powerline — A powerline network is one of the most convenient networks yet. Requiring no new cables, this type of network allows for high-speed data transmission (up to 14 Mbps) over a home's existing AC wiring. Simply plug into your wall outlet and share files, data, games, peripherals and Internet access.
Want to set up a powerline network? You'll need the basics:
• Network interface card (NIC) — A NIC card allows each networked computer to communicate with other devices on the network.
• Powerline Ethernet bridge or a powerline USB adapter — Depending on what type of port your PC has, you'll need an Ethernet or USB powerline adapter.
A powerline Ethernet bridge allows computers on the network to share a high-speed cable or DSL connection. Plug it into the Ethernet port on a router to enable a network with powerline capabilities. Or plug it directly into a cable or DSL modem to allow for easy, powerline Internet sharing.
A powerline USB adapter conveniently connects to a PC's USB port and into an electrical outlet without additional wiring. Just plug it in to start sharing data, printers and a high-speed Internet connection over an existing powerline network.
• Router — If you want a powerline network to share an Internet connection, you will need a router. It allows multiple computers to access the Internet via a single DSL/cable modem.
Shop our selection of powerline networking products and more.
Want to learn more?
Want the convenience of wireless access to any computer in the house? Or is the fastest transfer rate your thing? Ethernet or wireless; find out which is right for you.
From sharing the Internet to sharing software, learn how a home network can make life easier with examples of real-life networking.
Part 3 Ethernet VS Wireless
Home Networking Basics: Ethernet, Phoneline or Wireless
By Melissa Winter
You know the feeling. Your teenager comes to you, wondering when you'll be "off the Net" so they can engage in the fourth level of their fave multiplayer game. Or your spouse (who's working on the laptop) is frustrated because they want to print information about the family vacation, but you're using the PC-connected printer.
You all deserve printer access and Internet playtime. Hmmm... "Maybe it's time to set up a network," you ponder. Well, get ready to connect the whole family. Here are the basics to setting up a home network.
What Is a Network?
A network is a group of two or more computers, printers or other peripherals connected together to communicate with each other and share resources. It allows your household to share files, Internet access, printers, CD-ROMs, hard drives and more.
Benefits of Networking
With a home network, you and others in your home can:
• Transfer, share and access files. Transfer and access files without putting the information on a disk and running to and from each computer.
• Share Internet access. Pay for just one Internet connection and access it from any networked PC or laptop in your home. There's no need for multiple modems, phonelines or Internet service provider accounts.
• Play multiplayer, head-to-head games. Turn your gaming up a notch. Play with other friends or family members over the network.
Types of networks
Ethernet | Phoneline | Wireless | Powerline
1. Ethernet — Ethernet is the most common type of network. It is the most widespread standard for local networks (LAN) and uses cables to link computers and peripherals together. Ethernet networks have a fast transfer rate (up to 100 Mbps) and are ideal for multiple users surfing the Web and playing games.
Want to set up an Ethernet network? You'll need the basics:
• Network interface card (NIC) — Every computer you want networked has to have a NIC. And if you want to connect a laptop, you'll need a specific kind of NIC called a PCMCIA card ("PC card" for short). These cards allow each networked computer to communicate with the other devices on the network. (Note: "card" and "adapter" are often used interchangeably.)
• Cables — NICs in networked computers are connected by cables (unless you have a wireless network, see type 3, below). The most popular type of Ethernet cable is "twisted-pair." Ethernet cable looks like standard telephone wire, but has a larger wall plug-in called an "RJ-45 connector."
• Hubs and switches — A hub or switch is a box used to gather groups of PCs together at a central location. The difference between the two is that a switch gives each computer its own dedicated bandwidth, thus eliminating any data bottlenecks when you're downloading or sharing large files.
• Router — To share fast Internet access, you will need a router. This is a switch with an adapter port that allows one or more computers to access the Internet via a single DSL/cable modem. Some routers have built-in firewall protection.
Shop our selection of Ethernet networking products and more.
Back to Top
2. Phoneline — Phoneline networks are popular in homes that are not wired for Ethernet. They connect multiple computers using your preexisting telephone wires and have transfer speeds up to 10 Mbps. Phoneline networks work on a different frequency than your telephone, so they won't disturb your phone use.
Want to set up a phoneline network? You'll need the basics:
• Network interface card (NIC) — NIC cards and PCMCIA cards allow each networked computer to communicate with the other devices on the network.
• Just install a NIC or PCMCIA card into each computer, then connect each computer to a phone jack — you're ready to go!
Shop our selection of phoneline networking products and more.
Back to Top
3. Wireless — Wireless networks are the easiest to install and connect computers via electromagnetic airwaves (without wires or cables). This choice is a bit more expensive, but laptop users in particular will appreciate the freedom, since most wireless networks have a range of up to 150 ft. and transfer speeds up to 11 Mbps.
Want to set up a wireless network? You'll need the basics:
• Wireless network interface card (NIC) — NIC cards and PCMCIA cards allow each networked computer to communicate with the other devices on the network. Each computer (PC or laptop) must have a NIC card to share resources.
• Wireless bridge — A bridge can serve two main purposes for wireless networks. First, it allows all computers on the wireless to share a high-speed Internet connection (like DSL or ca
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