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Many households now use more than one computer. Even if it's only a PC and laptop, setting up a local area network (LAN) to connect your computers increases their usefulness in a number of ways:
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File sharing: files can easily be passed between computers, and important files and documents can be backed up to a different computer. |
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Printer sharing: all the computers in a network can be set up to share a single printer, so that files no longer have to be swapped from one computer to another. |
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Shared internet connection: all members of the household can access the internet at the same time without having to buy multiple accounts (NB: dial-up connections are likely to be extremely slow over a shared connection). |
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Multiplayer games: many popular computer games support "LAN mode" where people can play together using networked computers (NB: a wireless network may be too slow to support LAN gaming). |
There are two basic types of home networks: wired and wireless. Wired networks have been around the longest, but wireless networking is becoming increasingly popular. Both have distinct advantages and disadvantages over the other.
Wired (ethernet) Network: A wired network consists of two or more computers connected together by ethernet cables. It is often referred to as an ethernet network. Ethernet cables are also called RJ-45 cables and are similar to a standard phone cable, using copper and/or fibre optic cabling.
Wireless Network: A wireless network uses radio waves and/or microwaves to send data between computers. It is often referred to as Wi-Fi, which means Wireless Fidelity, and is based on the 802.11 wireless standard.
Many people prefer wireless networks because of the increased mobility and freedom to work anywhere within the network's range. This is particularly useful for laptop users. With wireless technology, there is no need to have cables running around the house. Wireless networks are also easier to set up than ethernet, and easier to expand when you want to add more computers. However, an ethernet system is currently cheaper than wireless and faster. Standard data transfer is 100 Mb per second, compared to 54 Mb per second for wireless. Greater range is possible on an ethernet network (depending on cable length and type). Wireless networks are also susceptible to interference from weather, other wireless devices, or obstructions like walls, which do not affect ethernet networks
Although two PCs can be directly wired to each other using a crossover cable, ethernet networks usually also need central devices like hubs, switches, or routers to accommodate more computers. Wireless networks require a central device called the access point. The access point must be installed in a central location where wireless radio signals can reach it with minimal interference. Although Wi-Fi signals typically reach 100 feet (30 m) or more, obstructions like walls can greatly reduce their range.
Router: A router is the most important piece of hardware in a home network. Its function is to route data between all the PCs on the network and to connect your computers and broadband/cable modems together. This allows all your PCs to browse the internet at the same time. A router also adds a level of security between your computers and the internet, protecting you against hackers and other online threats. Most routers have built-in software that provide anonymity on the internet.
Hub: A hub is used to connect PCs to a network, either through ethernet cabling or via Wi-Fi. A hub transmits the data it receives to all the connected ports.
Switch: A switch is a type of hub that controls the way in which multiple devices use the network so that each can operate more efficiently. Rather than sending data to all the ports on the network, a switch transfers data to the receiving port only. As prices fall, switches are replacing hubs as a preferred device.
Combined switch/routers: are becoming increasingly popular as they combine the functionality of a router and switch in a single unit.
Network Interface Card (NIC): An interface card is used to connect your computers to network devices such as a switch or hub. The card can be wireless or attached to a network cable. It is installed internally on a desktop PC or slotted into a Type 2 PCMCIA slot on a laptop or PDA.
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Visit UKOrbit's Consumer & Advice Centre for further help and information.
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