Uses – remote access, internet sharing, file sharing/transfer, peripheral sharing (e.g., printers).
Who & What – no. of computers, gaming, large files, simultaneous use.
Distances – <300’ indoors, <1500’ outdoors.
Obstacles – 3-wall rule, metal shelving, central access point, off floor.
Equipment – same manufacturer if possible, compatibility with computer operating system,
processor speed, and memory.
- ethernet adapter in one computer
- router (usually with Ethernet ports)
- one adapter for each computer
- PCI for desktop–need to open CPU to install
- PCMCIA for laptop
- USB-works for laptops and desktops
- one or more ethernet cables (Cat 5 or 6)
|
Wired Networks |
Type |
Max. Data Transfer Speed (Mbps) |
Max. Distance (feet) |
Frequency (MHz) |
|
|
|
Dial-up |
.056 |
|
|
|
|
|
DSL |
1.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cable |
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
Ethernet/Fast/Gigabit |
10/100/1000 |
|
|
|
|
Wireless |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
802.11b |
11 (typically 2-5) |
150’ |
2.4 |
|
|
|
802.11g |
54 (typically 13-23) |
150’ |
2.4 |
|
|
|
802.11 pre-n (SuperG) |
108 (typically 37-42) |
1200’ |
? |
|
|
|
MIMO |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
802.11a |
54 |
75’ |
5 |
|
|
|
Bluetooth |
<1 |
30’ |
2.4 |
Computer peripherals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Router- router, power cord, antenna, ethernet cable, installation CD and Quick Installation Guide.
1. Attach antenna.
2. Connect router between computer NIC and Cable/DSL modem and power on modem,
router and computer.
3. Verify connection to router by pinging.
4. Configure router using web browser and router manufacturer’s firmware, following Quick Installation Guide instructions for cable or DSL service.
5. Verify connection status using web browser and router manufacturer’s firmware, following Quick Installation Guide instructions for cable or DSL service.
Wireless Adapter- adapter, installation CD and Quick Installation Guide
1. Power on laptop, insert CD, and install Driver and Utility from CD.
2. Restart laptop, insert adapter, install driver from CD.
3. Set up adapter, selecting regulatory domain (and in Windows XP only disable Windows Wireless configuration tool).
4. Configure adapter.
In Networks in Control Panel, set File and Print Sharing, Identification, (name your computer and assign workgroup name), use share-level access control. Reboot. Share c drive or folders
1. Change router/firewall password from default.
2. Disable remote management of your access point (=default on Airlink router).
3. Change SSID and disable SSID broadcasting (needed beta firmware update). Configure adapter.
4. Turn on SPI for maximum security.
5. Set WEP or WPA (super secure) encryption key.
6. Set up MAC filtering (super secure). Assign a specific IP address to a specified MAC address.
Below is a link to a free CNET online course "Plan Your Home Network" which may be of interest to those wishing to follow up on my talk. I have taken several of these online courses and highly recommend them.
http://plan-home-networking.workshops.help.com/
You might also want to look at: http://www.wififreespot.com/ca.html for a list of Hot Spots in California.