Basic Networking

Expanding your Network

Many homes today have Laptops, Desktops, Printers, Wireless Media Players and gaming Devices all sharing the same internet connection. We understand that when it comes to Upgrading or setting up a Network a lot of questions have got to be answered regarding the suitable hardware and what type of Network to go for Wired or Wireless or in some cases both.
There is no point setting up Network similar to your neighbours because he/she goes on and on about the benefits, it's about your needs. What will work in one environment might not work in another especially with wireless Networks. Wireless Networks depend on the operating environment.

About your needs:

How many Computers (Desktop & Laptops)?
How many Printers, if any?
How many Gaming devices?

The number of users will determine which router to buy; some routers are suitable for heavy use and can handle loads of traffic. As the router is central to the Network it will have to be the most important purchase. Some routers will easily handle simultaneous use of a number of users while some will simply slowed down when overloaded with loads of data. It is always better to future proof yourself should you want to add more users on the network all you do is simply add them to the network without buying a new router every time a user is added. If there are more than 4 users or you have more than 4 Ethernet devices you might want to add a Network Switch to the set-up (5 Port, 8Port, 24Port or 48 Port)

Routers

DSL or Cable - Before buying the router make sure it is compatible with your current ISP provider. Some routers will only work on Cable Broadband and some on DSL. All in one Routers (Router, Modem, Switch & Access Point) are commonly used on DSL Broadband and are much easier to manage. Wireless routers can easily handle more than 200 users.
Wired Router can only be used as a wired device most have switches integrated therefore all you have to do is add the Ethernet Patch Leads . If you would like to expand your network with a wired router all you have to do is add more wired Switches by uplinking them and to incorporate wireless all you do is add a Wireless Access Point to the Switch, this will allow wireless users to access the network. On the hand Wireless Router can be used by both Wired and Wireless users. As most Wireless Router come with an integrated 4 Port switch the wired users usually desktops and Printers can connect directly while laptops Gaming consoles,PDAs and Media Centers can access the wireless. Wireless security is not enabled by default so you will have to make sure that you enable it. Most ISPs will have Router they recommend and would be able to assist should you have any problems.

Wireless Standards

802.11b - Supports bandwidth up to 11 Mbps
802.11a - supports bandwidth up to 54 Mbps and signals in a regulated frequency spectrum around 5 GHz. This higher frequency compared to 802.11b shortens the range of 802.11a networks. The higher frequency also means 802.11a signals have more difficulty penetrating walls and other obstructions.
802.11g - supports bandwidth up to 54 Mbps, and it uses the 2.4 Ghz frequency for greater range. 802.11g is backwards compatible with 802.11b, meaning that 802.11g access points will work with 802.11b wireless network adapters and vice versa.
802.11n - When this standard is finalized, 802.11n connections should support data rates of over 100 Mbps. 802.11n also offers somewhat better range over earlier Wi-Fi standards due to its increased signal intensity. 802.11n equipment will be backward compatible with 802.11g gear. 802.11n utilizes multiple wireless signals and antennas (called MIMO technology) instead of one.

Advantages of Wireless Networking

Portable & Flexible
Wireless networking devices enable you to use your computer, laptop or games console anywhere in the house and be on the network or get access to the Internet. Even if you have a large house, wireless signal will generally go through walls and ceilings. If you need to extend distances you can use Wireless Access Points to boost the wireless signal.

Cost Effective
Buying and installing structured Ethernet networking Patch cables into your home can be a costly exercise. Setting up a basic wireless home network can cost significantly less.

Neat & Safe
If you choose to set-up a wireless home network you do not need to run Patch cables across your house, which can create trip hazards across rooms, hallways and stairs. Also choosing to set-up a wireless home network means that you do not need to run cables underneath carpets or drill holes through walls or ceilings to pass cables through.

Advantages of Wired Networking

Faster
Wired connections can reach networking speeds of up to 1000 Mbps with Gigabit Ethernet networking equipment, necessary for bandwidth hungry users such as avid gamers, graphic designers or those downloading large media files. However, for most users 54 or 108 Mbps networking speeds are more than sufficient for everyday networking activities such as: everyday internet use, Emailing, surfing the web, downloading files, streaming music and video, accessing information and playing console games.


Reliable
Physical, fixed wired networks are not prone to interference and fluctuations in available bandwidth, which can affect some wireless networking connections.

Secure
If you decide to build a wired network, you don't have to worry about your networking signal travelling through the air and being interrupted y snoopers, which can happen if you don't protect your wireless network. There are very effective security measures (encryption) for wireless networks - you just need to remember to add passwords to your wireless network settings as this is not set default in most Routers to stop neighbours and snoopers from jumping your wireless connection.

** Manufacturers of wireless equipments are not able to guarantee wireless signal ranges as each home and office are built differently.