|
Mingyuan's Web Page |
|
|
|
If you have two or more computers in your home or your small business, then your know how difficult it is to transfer files from one computer to another. Using CD's or floppy disks to transfer file by file to another computer. With home networking, you can easily share files, internet, printers, and games. Two or more users can use the internet at the same time. No more fighting over the internet, and no more hassles of transferring your small business files from one computer to another. There are many types of networking, Ethernet, power-line networking, phone-line networking, and wireless. Each has advantages and disadvantages, read my summaries, and then look at some of the links I've provided to make your decisions. Ethernet uses cables and a hub to connect a group of computers. There are 4 and 8 slot hubs, and they are stackable, so you can hook up many computers together. But, if you only want to connect two computers together, all you need is a crossover cable. The cables hook to a slot the Ethernet port at the back of your computer, most computer come with them. You can make them yourself, if you have the right tools and equipment. I made one myself. I have a link at the bottom of this page to teach you how. Ethernet is 10 mbps (megabits per second) and Fast Ethernet is 100 mbps. Its very fast, but the wires can be a hassle. It's reasonably priced too. Power-line networking allows you to connect your computers through your electrical outlet. Simply buy the adapters and the necessary hardware, which can be plugged externally into your USB port or internally, and plug it in. It's simple, because most people have at least one AC outlet in each of their rooms of their house or even apartment. It's easy to install and fairly inexpensive. The newer technologies goes 14 mbps which is a very good speed, faster than regular Ethernet. The older technology is much slower, between 50 kbps to 350 kbps. The performance depends on your power usage, and power surges can affect its performance as well. Phone-line networking allows you to connect your computers through your phone line. Install hardware, which is either a card that is installed inside your computer, or a USB port connection, plug a phone line from your card or USB adaptor to the phone jack in the wall. There are two major types, HomePNA 1.0 and HomePNA 2.0. The newer HomePNA, version 2.0 moves at a constant speed of 10 mbps. HomePNA 1.0 only has a speed of 1 mbps. Its reliable and doesn't really disturb phone use nor is it disturbed by it. However, phone jacks aren't as common around the house. Rarely, it won't work with existing wiring, but only in less than 1% of households. Wireless networking, or WiFi, is quickly catching on. It's prices have gone down considerably since it has been introduced. It's very simple because there is no wires involved. Take your laptop throughout the house, with no hassle. DSL internet is easily shared on wireless connections. It is still the most expensive method, but if you have the money to spend, this is probably the way to go. It is around 100 to 200 dollars for each computer in your network. There are three main types of wireless networking. 802.11b goes at a speed of 11 mbps and operates at 2.4 GHz. 802.11a handles 54 mbps and operates at 5 GHz. 802.11g goes at a speed of 54 mbps and operates on a frequency of 2.4 GHz, making it cheaper than 802.11b. Install network cards to each of the computers you plan to have in your network. (Most new laptops come with wireless card built in.) Then install a hotspot, which is a connection box that manages the signals. Access your computer to the hotspot and your ready to go. Below are a set of links which give a much more detailed description. Also there are links about sharing dial-up internet.
|
|
©2004 Mingyuan's Web Page. Clip Art is property of Microsoft ©2002-2004 Microsoft Corp. All rights reserved. |
