Topics Internet Cafe
Your One-Stop Internet Access
*** CLOSED *** -
Tech Tips from the Topics Internet Cafe’ – Networking
Posted on June 6th, 2009 No commentsA technological advancement that has taken off tremendously over the past few years is networking, making it both affordable and practical. Networking allows a group of two or more computers within a limited area to be linked together. Networking your home or small office allows multiple computers to: share a single printer, share files on a drive accessible to all computers, share one Internet connection, play multi-person games with one user competing against another and quickly send information to one another. Networks may be wired or wireless and can connect two or more computers, as long as they are all within the signal range of the router or hub.A router or hub is a device that connects two or more networks. Routers send packets of information through networks and determine where these packets of information should go. Routers are the primary building block of networking since they allow information to be shared by multiple computers. Today, you can buy a router, complete with a firewall, an Ethernet hub and wireless capability for under $100. You will also need a cable or DSL modem, depending on what kind of high-speed Internet access subscription you have.Networks can be either wired or wireless. Wired networks have the advantage of being more secure than wireless networks. However, they require running cables through your home or office, which can be tedious and also an eyesore. Wireless networks are much easier to set up. Instead of connecting computers through cables, the computers on the network pick up the signal from the router through a wireless card. Not only does this make running wires through your home or office unnecessary, but it also gives laptop users the freedom to work anywhere within around 100 feet of the router and still be on the network. The only downside to networking wirelessly is that it is less secure. Without taking the proper security measures, it is possible for anyone within range of your router who has wireless capability to access your network. Therefore, it is necessary to implement several forms of security included in the router interface, such as encryption and changing the name of the router (SSID or service set ID).For wireless users, there are three main wireless options from which to choose: Wireless B, Wireless G and Wireless N (MIMO). Wireless B is currently the most popular form of wireless use and it is available most everywhere there is wireless. Wireless B transfers data at a rate of 11 Megabits per second, has a range of 100-150 feet and is the most inexpensive type of wireless technology available. Wireless G, slightly more expensive than Wireless B, transmits information faster than Wireless B, at a rate of 54 Megabits per second. It has about the same range as Wireless B and is compatible with hotspots that allow Wireless G connections. Wireless N is becoming more popular and the defacto standard whereas it has speeds of 108 Megabits per socond and greater and incorporates MIMO technology. MIMO (multi-input multi output) technology utilizes multiple antennas to "bend" the signal around physical objects (furniture, walls, et al).All three Wireless technologies (B,G,N) operate at a frequency of 2.4 Gigahertz, making them compatible. This is a crowded band, which makes these two networks less secure. Another form of wireless technology is Wireless A. Wireless A transfers data up to 54 Megabits per second, is more expensive than Wireless B or G, has a shorter range, but operates on a much less crowded 5 Gigahertz frequency, making it more secure. Due to its higher cost, Wireless A fits predominately in a business market, whereas Wireless B, G and N better serve a home market.Networking your home or office can be a great convenience and a great long-term investment. With many networking options available, it is important to take time to learn which option will work best for you.
Customer Testimonials
"...thanks to Glen's guidance and expert knowledge, my website had a 97% rating on Google within the first six weeks."; Caroline - www.FreedomRemembered.comVisit Our Plugin Community.