Choosing a Network that is Right for You
wired or wireless, one may make more sense than the other
Currently there are two main ways to network your computers: with wired cables or with wireless radio. There are pros and cons to using each method, so you should decide based on your own situation.
Any computer network requires a broadband internet connection if you want the computers to be able to access the internet. You can use dialup, but it is more complicated to set up. The two main types of broadband internet are cable and DSL. Check offerings in your local area to find out which services are the fastest and most affordable. CNET - Find the Best Internet Access.
Wired networks are good if you value privacy over convenience. They also provide a more reliable connection between your computers. The downside to this is that you have to run ethernet cables between each of your computers. If you think this is best for your situation, see Setting up a Wired Network.
Wireless networks allow your computers to communicate using high frequency radio signals. This allows you to take your computer anywhere within range of the access point's antenna (usually around 300ft). The downside of this is that other radio noise can interfere with your wireless network and your neighbors can potentially use join the network and use your internet connection if it is not secured properly. Experienced people can even eavesdrop on your network usage. In addition, if you want some computers to be wired and some to be wireless, most wireless routers have a built in switch so you can connect around 4 computers using ethernet cables. If you want to use a wireless network see Setting up a Wireless Network.
Commanly Used Terms and Definitions
These definitions should clear up confusion
- LAN - An acronym for Local Area Network refering to a network of computers.
- Ethernet - The most commonly used local area network connection method. Wired and wireless networks are both categorized as ethernet networks.
- cat5e cable - The most common category of ethernet cable used for networking. Transmissions of up to 100Mbps can occur over up to 350 meters.
- cat6 cable - A more stringent standard for ethernet cables that allows up to 1000Mbps transmissions over up to 220 meters.
- router - A device that allows multiple computers to be networked and share an internet connection. Routers control the connections between the ISP and computers on the network.
- switch - A device that allows computers to be networked, but usually does not manage connections. Routers typically have a switch built in to connect the computers.
- Mbps - Megabits per Second, a measurment of transmition speed on a network. A megabit is 1/8 of a megabyte.
- IEEE 802.11 - (Pronounced I Triple E Eight oh Two Eleven) This is the typical standard for wireless networking set by the IEEE standards organization. There are several standards (a, b, and g) with new standards emerging.
Setting up a Wired Network
wires may cause clutter, but they're more secure
In order to set up a wired network for 2-4 computers, you need several things. First you should get a broadband internet connection.Additionally you will need the following hardware:
- 1 Router
- 1 cat5e ethernet cable for each computer (and an additoinal one for the cable or dsl modem)
- 1 network interface card for each computer. (NIC for short also called PCI Card or network adapter). There may already be a network interface on your computer check for a jack that looks like it's for a phone but is a little wider.
To install your router read the instructions that come with it. The same goes for the network adapters.
If you want to add more than 4 computers to the network and your router doesn't have any more free ports, you can connect a switch to your router and continue adding computers using the remaining ports on that switch.
Setting up a Wireless Network
This is the way to go if you have a laptop, or don't want to run wires
To set up a wireless network for under 25 wireless computers and less than 4 wired computers. You need a broadband internet connection.Hardware required for a wireless network includes:
- 1 Wireless Router
- 1 Wireless adapter for each laptop or wireless PC (some laptops include wireless cards internally). Laptops use PCMCIA cards (they look like credit cards) and PCs use PCI cards.
To install your router read the instructions that come with it. The same goes for the network adapters.
Be sure to consider enabling WPA encryption, and mac address filtering for added security. In addition, if you disable ssid broadcasting, your network will be more secure. The downside to these measures is that it will be harder to configure computers to join your network for the first time.
Links
Resources for setting up a home network
- HomeNetHelp
- Home networks and Internet sharing explained.
- Howstuffworks "How Home Networking Works"
- Do you own more than one computer? Want them to talk to each other? Find out about the different methods available for networking your computers to share files, printers and an Internet connection.
- Epinions.com
- Includes reviews on networking devices written by consumers.
- Annoyances.org - Networking
- The most complete collection of information, tips, fixes, workarounds, and answers for Microsoft Windows XP, 2000, Me, 98, NT, and 95
- testmy.net - broadband speed test and broadband community
- CABLE, DSL, ADSL - Broadband speed test, connection log and tweaking
- broadband » BBR is DSL · Cable · VOIP · Security · Satellite · Fiber · News · Tips · Reviews · Community · Tools
- Find brodband in your area: DSL, ADSL, cable
- Newegg.com - Networking Products, Wireless Networking, Bluetooth Networking, Hubs, Network Accessories
- Buy Networking Products, Wireless Networking Products, Hubs, Routers, Switches, and More Online and Save.
- LANParty.com
- LANParty.com - a guide to hosting a lan party. This website also has usefull material on setting up a small, medium, or large local area network.
- IEEE 802.11: Information From Answers.com
- 802.11 A family of IEEE standards for wireless LANs that were designed to extend 802.3 (wired Ethernet) into the wireless domain
- Linksys WRT54GS Wireless-G broadband router Reviews. Routers Reviews by CNET.
- CNET's comprehensive Linksys WRT54GS Wireless-G broadband router coverage: unbiased reviews, exclusive video footage and buying guides. Compare Linksys WRT54GS Wireless-G broadband router prices, user ratings, specs and more.
- The Tech Terminal » Blog Archive » Why Wifi Belongs in the Basement!
- The Tech Terminal: Your Terminal For Everything Tech
- Home and Small Office Networking with Windows XP
- Learn how to set up a home or small office network using Windows XP.
Networking Hardware from Amazon
You'll find everything you need right here
Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router
This is a good wireless router that offers speeds of up to 54Mbps. All wireless routers typically include a 4 port switch for your wired needs.
Amazon Price: $70.99 (as of 12/08/2009) 
Linksys WPC54G Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Amazon Price: $16.49 (as of 12/08/2009)
Linksys WRT54GS Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster
SpeedBooster technology increases wireless network performance by up to 35 percent. Unlike other speed-enhancing technologies, SpeedBooster is fully 802.11 compliant, and a "good neighbor" to other wireless devices and technologies, using a single 2.4 GHz channel as specified by the official wireless standard. And, unlike other technologies, with SpeedBooster you'll see an overall speed improvement even when running a mixed network of SpeedBooster and regular Wireless-G devices.
Amazon Price: $119.99 (as of 12/08/2009)
Linksys WPC54GS Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster
This adapter is required to take advantage of the WRT54GS SpeedBooster technology.
Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 12/08/2009)
Linksys WMP54GS Wireless-G PCI Card with SpeedBooster
You may not want to run wires through your house to each pc. In that case get a wireless PCI card. This one works with linksys SpeedBooster on 802.11g.
Amazon Price: $20.49 (as of 12/08/2009)
Netgear WGT624NA Wireless G Firewall Router
Wireless router advertises speeds of 108 Mbps using super 802.11g
Amazon Price: $48.91 (as of 12/08/2009)
NETGEAR WG511T Super-G Wireless PC Card
The Netgear adapter for laptops using super 802.11g. It is also backward compatable.
Amazon Price: $69.99 (as of 12/08/2009)
Netgear WPNT834 RangeMax 240 Wireless Router
The RangeMax 240 has (approx) 3 times the range of a typical wireless router and advertises speeds of 240Mbps when using the RangeMax wireless adapter. It is fully compatible with your legacy (802.11b/g) equipment
Amazon Price: (as of 12/08/2009)
Netgear WPNT511 RangeMax 240 Wireless Adapter
This adapter is required to take advantage of the RangeMax wireless router's high speeds, but it can connect to any 802.11b/g network.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/08/2009)
Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port 10/100 Switch (BEFSR41)
Wired routers are relatively straight forward and can have more ports added using a switch.
Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 12/08/2009)
NETGEAR RP614 Web Safe Router with 4-Port 10/100 Mbps Switch
Another wired router, I'm adding Netgear and Linksys just to have some brand competition.
Amazon Price: $37.48 (as of 12/08/2009)
TRENDnet 10/100Mbps PC Card
Some older laptops don't have ethernet ports. This pcmcia card will solve that problem.
Amazon Price: $20.56 (as of 12/08/2009)
Linksys LNE100TX EtherFast 10/100 LAN Card
Each pc in a wired network that does not have an ethernet card needs one. Check for an RJ45 jack (it looks like a phone jack but is bigger)
Amazon Price: $20.32 (as of 12/08/2009)
Linksys EZXS55W EtherFast 10/100 5-Port Workgroup Switch
You can use a switch if your wired network has more than 4 or 5 computers.
Amazon Price: $21.95 (as of 12/08/2009)
Belkin Cat-5e Snagless Patch Cable (Blue, 25 Feet)
25ft of network cable for your wired needs.
Amazon Price: $3.96 (as of 12/08/2009)
Belkin A3L850-05-BLU-S 5-Foot RJ45 FastCAT 5e Patch Cable, Snagless Molded (Blue)
5ft of network cable for your wired needs.
Amazon Price: $11.55 (as of 12/08/2009)
by arosboro
As a student at Drexel University studying Information Systems, I love to play with technology. I also enjoy meeting people in different social...
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