Knowing your home network components
If you have not decided already,you will soon want to network your
two or more computers in your home. You want to be armed to the teach
with knowledge of just what it takes to connect your computers to one
another.
You first should decide which network is best your you. If your
computers are in the same room,the Wireless network should not be
considered.The wired by cable network should work just fine.
Computer that may be close to each other but cannot be seen may and
have phone jacks close by can easily be networked with the HomePNA
Network.While PCs that are far from each other can be connected with
the powerline network,assuming wall outlets are nearby.
And when there are computers in different rooms and you want the
convenience of moving the systems from room to room,the more expensive
Wireless Network is the way to go.After you decide on the type of
network that is best for you,knowing what components you’ll need to
purchase will be a great help.Let’s take a look at each network and the
components needed to get it up and running.
The WIRED ETHERNET NETWORK
If your computers are in the same room,the basic network kit can wire
your systems together.Be sure to carefully open any kit or component
you purchase and do not damage the box it came in.The purpose for this
is to make it easy to return the component if needed.
Basic kits will have instructions and software for the network as seen
as two NICs.Better known as Network Interface Cards,these NICs are
installed in empty slots in the system unit.The PCI slot is where the
card is installed and there are the USB adapters as well.The network
will need cabling to connect the computers and the CAT 5 or Category 5
cable is the one to look for.
Ethernet networks come in two speeds,which are 10 and 100mbps or
megabits per second.The wired network will also need a Hub or a Switch
to direct traffic from each system.If you want fast traffic,and who
don’t,you will want to connect a Switch instead of a Hub.If you want
all PCs to connect to the Internet,most kits come with Special Bridging
Software which links the systems together.
The WIRELESS HOME NETWORK
Wireless networks rely on radio frequency to transmit and receive
data.Wireless network equipment will offer you the choice of both wired
and wireless connections.
If your computers are in direct line of each other,the IR or Infrared
frequency can be used.But most wireless networks now use the Radio
Transceiver technology with computers being located just about anywhere.
You will need a Wireless Router to connect each PC to the
network.Wireless NIC Cards must be installed in each computer in the
network.When you purchase your wireless kit,take note of the indoor
range.
As you can see when looking at the wireless Router,you have the option
to wire your computers together should something go wrong with any
wireless component.Take note of the difference between the wired nic
and the wireless nic cards.
The POWERLINE NETWORK
The powerline network uses the electrical wiring in your home to
transfer data to and from each computer.Present powerline networks run
between 50kbps or Kilobits Per Second and 350kbps.
This network has a drawback in back it will have lots of electrical
noise which will cause the network to lose speed.And other PC users can
snoop in your computer if they know how.
This network will need a Router for data transfer and nic cards for
each system.A Bridge will be needed for access to the internet.These
Bridges can be used with your Router.
The PHONELINE NETWORK
The components you will need in the Home Network are close to that of
the Wireless network.In most cases,the 10mbps speed network is fast
enough for home users.
The computers are connected with a Switch,a gateway,or Router to share
Internet access and to send data to each computer through the phone
line network.This network is considered the easiest to setup.
Phoneline Network adapters are installed in each PC. The USB or
Universal Seriel Bus port connection is the most commonly used adapter
for Phoneline networks.To reduce line noise,a Phone Filter may be
needed.If you plan to connect a phone and line in one phone jack.you
will have to invest in a Line Splitter.Be sure each computer in the
network are close to a phone jack.
The Phoneline Network is thought to be less expensive .more dependable and faster when compared with the Powerline network.
In a nutshell,all networks will need some type of adapter inserted in
the computer.Each network will need a hub, switch,or router to transfer
data.Windows 98,Me,and XP will have the needed software to make
everything work together.Adapters and and other hardware will come with
device driver software which enables the hardware to talk to the
computer.
We have taken a brief look at the hardware needed to network two or
more computers.Connecting the hardware was rather simple when we
networked our computers using the wireless technology.Learn all you can
about PC networking and you will be grateful in having this knowledge
should you experience computer problems.
Since we have seen basic network components,its time to see how each
component is installed and connected.Then we’re going to see how to
move data from one machine to the other and share the internet using
broadband with a DSL or a Cable modem.Remember to enjoy learning about
your computer by performing as many tasks as you can without causing
damage to your system.
About the author
Otis F. Cooper is solely dedicated to boosting the knowledge and
confidence of every computer user. Use his informative articles and
videos to understand all about the PC. Read more in depth articles for
pc training and repair at http://www.repairarticles.com