People who are setting up a computer network for their homes or small businesses have to make a decision about the type of connection to use. All the other hardware purchases, and even the placement of computers, are dependent on this connection decision.
Here’s an overview of your choices, discussed in the order in which I’d recommend them. You can get more information on the Internet (just search on the phrase “telephone networking,” “RF networking,” etc.). Detailed information, including how to buy and install the hardware, is available in Home Networking for Dummies (Hungry Minds Publishing).
Ethernet Cable. Ethernet Category 5 cable is far and away the best choice for a network. It’s faster than any other type of connection, and it’s almost always trouble free. In my opinion, the only reason to opt for a connection type other than Ethernet is if you can’t run cable through the walls of your house (perhaps you rent).
Telephone Wires. You can use your existing telephone wires to connect your network. Telephone network cable uses telephone line bandwidth that voice communication doesn’t use, so your telephone lines are still available for normal household telephone use, including a modem. Every computer must be near a telephone jack, which limits your choices for computer placement. The maximum distance between any two computers is about 1000 feet, but that limitation shouldn’t present a problem in most houses.
Radio Frequency Wireless Connection. Several sets of Radio Frequency (RF) standards exist for small networks. The various standards can’t co-exist; you should choose one and stick with it. The two most popular are HomeRF and 802.11b. A new standard, 80211a, holds the promise of much greater transmission speed. Another new standard, 802.11g, is supposed to be compatible with 802.11b, providing much faster transmission speed than is currently available with any RF technology. Today’s RF standards include security measures that prevent outsiders from grabbing data as it travels between your computers. The computers must be fairly close to each other (quite suitable for most small businesses).
Infrared Wireless Connection. Infrared (IR) technology uses a beam of light to create a direct signal between computers. Most laptops and many laser printers have a built-in IR connector. You can buy IR network interface devices for desktop computers; the most common device type is a USB connector. Most of the small network IR devices are built for Direct IR, which means that the IR connectors must “see” each other. However, you can buy devices that support Diffuse IR, which bounces the signal around the room, enabling you to connect more than two computers on your network. IR technology doesn’t travel through walls or around corners, so it’s suitable only for networks in which all the computers are in the same room. This arrangement is more commonly found in small business offices than in homes.
Existing Electric Lines. You can buy hardware that lets you connect computers using your existing electric lines. The hardware you install avoids frequencies that could cause interference. Electric-line devices don’t actually use electricity to transmit data; they send data along the bandwidth on the wire that isn’t powering electric devices. Therefore, there’s no effect on your electric bill. [email protected].
Article © Copyright 2002 Kathy Ivens Syndicated by Paradigm News, Inc.
