Computer Networking
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For
computer networking If you have two or more computers at home and want to share
the internet, printer or just share files, a home network maybe your answer.
So
what is involved? Where do you start? In this article I will give you some tips
for making your own home network. |
Wired or Wireless network setup?
If you have a broadband connection to the internet and want to
share it between two or more computers, you will need a router. When choosing a
router, you can get several types for computer networking.
The most basic is a wired router, meaning you have to run a CAT5
cable from the router to all your computers. This isn’t too practical unless all
your computers are desktops and you want to hire a professional to wire you
home. Today, most people are buying wireless routers.
A
wireless network setup will
provide
connection to the internet within a limited range. There are a few types of
wireless router formats. All wireless routers work on the 802.11 format, but
within that format there are variations.
When you go into the store you will see 802.11G or 802.11G+ or
Mimo, or Pre-N. I know you’re wondering what all that means. First of all, all
the above mentioned types are backward compatible with the newer formats.
If your laptop is 3 years old and has 802.11B and your router is
802.11G, they will work together. Basically when it comes to computer networking
all these numbers are is progression in speed and range.
It started with 802.11B which transferred information at
11MB/Sec. then came 802.11G which was 54MB/Sec., then G+ or SuperG which is 104
MB/Sec. and along with speed came range. The Super G’s have a longer range. The
Pre-N is the newest and has the best speed and range.
If you have a large home (1500+SQ.FT.) or have more than one
floor, I would strongly suggest the Pre-N. The downside is cost. Pre-N is the
most costly, and for the best range all computers will need a Pre-N adaptor.
Before you go out looking at computer networking and spend a load
of money on Pre-N, you may want to wait until N 2.0 is out. Some makers of
Routers say that there Pre-N should work with a firmware update, but no one is
absolutely sure. The new format of N 2.0 should be out in late summer time.
Set-Up
Before you any computer networking, unhook anything or
install any software, turn your computer on and make sure you’re able to connect
using your existing broadband connection.
If you’re able to get online then insert the CD that came with
the router. Once it starts up, follow the prompts to install the router. Once
the router is set up and functioning normally, you can start with your other
computers.
If you’re doing a wired system, connecting the other computers is
pretty simple. Typically just plugging in the CAT 5 cable to the network card is
all that is needed.
If you are creating a wireless network it can be more
complicated. If you read the instructions for your router, it will tell you the
IP address for the router settings.
You want to log into the router and click on the wireless
security tab. Once you have that page up, you will want to enable one of the
types of security protocols. There are a couple of choices for this type of
computer networking, which one you use is up to you.
Soon I will be posting an article about the various types, but
until then, anyone of them is much better than not securing your network. Having
a wireless network that isn’t secure is like leaving the doors to your home
unlocked, anyone can come in anytime.
Once you have chosen the format of security, it will ask you for
a pass code or phrase. You must know this code for all your other wireless
computers on the network. If you have a wireless card in your other computers,
there should be an icon in the lower right task bar for the wireless connection.
Right click on that Icon and click on show wireless networks.
Once the screen comes up showing your router, highlight it and click connect.
The computer will make connection and then ask you for the pass code, type it in
and hit enters.
Your computer networking should now be connected, and it should
remember the information you entered so you do not need to do that every time
you start your computer.
You must do this for all the computers on this network. If you go
into your NETWORK tab in Windows, they will have a wizard to set up file and
print sharing. To set this network up correctly, all the computers need to be on
and connected.
Also keep in mind that if there is a printer installed on one of
the computers and you want to print from a remote computer, the computer that
the printer is installed on will need to remain powered up.
You could also set up a wired or wireless print server. If you
would like more information on computer networking, email me.
Kenneth J. Wheeler |
