Home Networks
Posted on March 19, 2004
Filed Under Internet, Networking, Security |
Many homes today have more than one computer but only one Internet connection. Some homes double as small offices and it would be useful to share files between the computers. A home network allows you to share an internet connection, access files on other computers in the home, share pictures and printers, and play games that allow multiple users at different computers.
Fortunately home networking has become relatively inexpensive and easy to implement. Practically any retail outlet that sells computer accessories will offer a variety of “home gateway” or “router” devices that allow you to create a network fairly easily. Most, if not all new computers come with a built in network adapter that you can plug into your gateway device.
When choosing your home gateway you’ll need to decide whether to use a wireless or a wired product. Wired home networks are usually easier to install but require you to run cables from the gateway device to each computer that will be connected to the network. This could be as simple as plugging cables in to computers that are side by side or in the same or room or as difficult as running cables between rooms on different floors of the house.
Wireless networks eliminate the need for cables except for the cable that connects the gateway device to your High Speed Internet connection. Wireless networks also give you the freedom to easily move computers around the house which can be a major bonus if you use a laptop.
On the downside, wireless networks can be vulnerable to eavesdroppers within your signal area, usually 100 meters. With proper configuration though, you can greatly reduce the risk of eavesdroppers gaining access to your network. Wireless networks are also not as fast as their wired cousins when sharing information between computers If your goal is primarily to share an Internet connection however, the speed will more than suffice.
To install your wired network, select a location for the gateway device that is near your cable or DSL modem so that you can simply plug the two units into each other. Then run a cable to each computer and plug it into one of the four available connections on the gateway device. Follow the “getting started” guide that came with your gateway and you’ll quickly be able to surf the Internet from any computer in the house.
Just like a wired gateway you’ll want to install a wireless gateway near your cable or DSL modem as you’ll still need a cable to connect the two. Try to avoid placing the gateway near a microwave oven, cordless phone, or any other device that might interfere with its signal. If your gateway also has connectors to plug in wired computers, you can plug any nearby computers into it as you would with the wired devices.
Any computers that will connect to your gateway using the wireless feature will require a wireless network adapter. Many newer notebook computers come with such an adapter built-in but often you’ll need to physically install one. If you’re uncomfortable adding equipment to your computer, you may want to have a qualified service technician install the adapter for you.
Be sure to read the instructions for your wireless gateway before you begin to configure it. Pay close attention to what’s referred to as a Wired Equivalent Privacy or WEP Key. This is a string of letters and numbers you can configure to act as a password to prevent unauthorized access to your wireless network. If you’re concerned about security, you’ll certainly want to configure this option using a combination of letters, numbers, and characters. Don’t forget to configure the connecting computers with the same WEP key. The details can be found in the wireless network adapter documentation.
Providing all has gone well you can now enjoy Internet access from any computer in the house!
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