Just about every home will have two or more computerswith data their users will consider important.It would bejust awesome to be able to connect those computerstogether so they could share files,the same printer,scanner,and Internet access.
When you understand the components of a Home Network,what each components does as well as the various typesof networks,you will be armed with the knowledge of bothnetworking your own systems as well as networking thecomputers in homes of your friends.
There are 4 basic types of home networks with the Ethernetand Wireless being the most popular.You can also useyour phone lines of your home to Home PNA or HomePhoneline Networking Alliance or your power lines can beused to create the Home Plug system.Let's briefly talk abouteach network and the basic components.
The WIRELESS HOME NETWORK
Even though Wireless Networks are not as fast as Ethernetnetworks,they rid you of the problem cables lying around.Radio waves traveling to and from a transceiver attached toyour computer sends data back and forth.Security however,is the wireless network's major concern.Routers,adaptercards and other components are needed to connect thewireless network but there will be no dangling cables tobother with.
The HOMEPLUG NETWORK
With the HomePNA network,you can connect your computers to each other without installing wires but the network will use your power outlets to allow data to travel to and from each PC.A RJ-11 jack is needed as a go between for each computer tosend data through the Phone lines and can be daisy chained.In our next newsletter you'll see each component needed forthe HomePNA and other networks.You can get completeadapter kits containing every component needed to network.
The WIRED NETWORK
If you have your computers in the same room and are veryclose to each other,the wired network is for you.This type ofnetwork transfer data between systems with the help ofcables to each system.PC network cards are istalled in eachsystem and this type of network is considered faster eventhough you will have cables that may be an eye sore.
The POWERLINE NETWORK
The powerline network uses the electrical wiring of yourhome to transfer data to and from each computer in thenetwork.Adapters are plugged into used wall outlets whichare them connected to each system.This type of networkis known to loose speed because of interference. Bridges,Routers,and other equipment will be required to puttogether your powerline network.Don't worry,you will seethese components in upcoming newsletters.
If you really want to understand how to network yourcomputers fast simple and easy.See how to connectyour systems together in our upcoming newsletters.You need the knowledge to be able to quickly networkany two or more computers and understanding each method of networking will certainly boost your computerknow how like never before.
Go over this and other articles to fully understand thebasic methods of home networking and watch for ourupcoming articles that will show you the componentsneeded for all networks as well as how to connect thesecomponents to your systems.