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Network Your Home or Office Internet
By Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director; Columnist, The Examiner, Beaumont, TX; radio & TV show host

WEBSITES:
http://www.homeplug.com

On my weekly radio show (KLVI 560AM 1-3pm Saturdays) I am frequently asked questions about connecting an internet source to a home network, such that several computers can simultaneously share the internet connection.  This type of home networking is typically only practical if there is a broadband source, and generally impractical if the source is dialup, and a voice phone line is to be shared for internet access.

Basically, there are three good options available, and each has its relative advantages and disadvantages, and varies in terms of cost effectiveness based on individual circumstances.  The three basic methods or technologies available for home or small office networking are wired, wireless, and “homeplug”.

Wired networking is a viable choice if it is practical to run a network cable between computers.  The cable, which can be relatively inexpensive if purchased in bulk from electronics or home/hardware stores, but somewhat pricey if purchased in pre-cut sections at retail stores.  Cable can be run through an attic, suspended from cup hooks along a ceiling, run along baseboards, or other methods that comply with appropriate safety and electrical codes.  Other than running the cable, the installation of the network is fairly simple, and requires readily available and generally inexpensive hardware, manufactured by countless companies.  A device called a router is connected to the broadband input, and the computers are connected via network cable to the router.  Most wired routers come with a floppy or CD with simple configuration utilities that allow the network to be setup and functioning within minutes of connection.  Wired routers can be purchased from discount stores, electronics stores, office supply stores, and a variety of other sources.  Since almost all contemporary computers, both desktop and notebook, come with an integral network connector, generally no other hardware is required other than the router and cable.  In terms of security, wired is generally the most secure method of networking.  Many of the inexpensive wired routers include some type of hardware firewall to protect the network from intrusion, but it is still generally a good idea to have a software firewall on each computer.

One of the most popular methods of home or small office networking is wireless, often referred to with its industry standard designation, 802.11, with a letter suffix, such as an “a”, “b”, or “g”.  The suffix indicates which version of the standard hardware complies with in terms of frequency, and bandwidth.  Generally, the least expensive and most widely used type is the 802.11b, which shares the same 2.4 GHz digital frequencies of many cordless phones and other household electronics, which may possibly cause some interference with the wireless connection.  Under ideal conditions, 802.11b can transfer data at a rate of up to11 megabytes per second (Mbps).  The newer 802.11a and 802.11g standards offer higher transmission speeds, and will likely encounter less interference from household appliances, but some interference is always a risk.

To connect computers to a wireless network requires a wireless router, and a device called an “access point” for each computer.  The main advantage to a wireless network is the ease of installation, and the flexibility of not being connected to a wire while surfing the net.  The wireless router is connected to the broadband input, and an antenna on the router broadcasts the signal to the access points.  Range is a function of building construction and interference, but at typical household and small office distances and construction, a single router is typically adequate.  Users should be sure to follow the instructions included with the router in terms of placement in order to maximize the signal.  Many wireless routers include some form of hardware firewall, but again a software firewall on each computer is generally recommended.  “Access Points” are generally small devices that attach to a computer either through a USB port, or to the network input on the computer.  As they are radio transceivers, placement will affect performance.  It is imperative to note that unless the integral encryption and other security options offered by the router and access points are implemented, there can be some serious security issues with wireless connections, in that it is easy for unauthorized persons to access the network.

Wireless routers and access points are readily available wherever electronics are sold, including discount stores, warehouse clubs, office supply stores, and other retailers.  As the technology has been improving, prices have been plunging.  Some provisos are in order at this point; first, be sure that whatever wireless hardware is purchased, be sure that it is compatible, in that the suffix “a”, “b”, or “g” match, although much of the hardware available today will work with any standard, often listed as “a/b/g”.  A second proviso is the “weakest link” factor, in that a wireless (or any other network) connection is only as fast as the slowest segment.  If a broadband connection is running at 2Mbps, a faster wireless connection may be wasted unless files or hardware (such as printers or video) are being shared among the network.  It should also be noted that many of the new home theater devices now coming on the market utilize the same wireless interconnectivity and hardware as computers, and may require the newer and faster standards of connectivity.

There is a third technology available for home and small office networking that is still in its infancy, but holds a promising future, and most of the major networking hardware manufacturers such as Belkin, Linksys, GigaFast, IOGear, Netgear, and others are producing compatible hardware.  This technology is called “Homeplug” (www.homeplug.org) that can safely utilize the existing household electrical wiring as an already wired network.  Homeplug compatible hardware is priced about the same as wireless, but is not yet as readily available as traditional wired or wireless hardware, but it may be worth the effort to shop for it.  The standard, which meets UL and other safety requirements, is possibly the easiest to configure, has a 14Mbps bandwidth, and is more secure than wireless.  To connect broadband to Homeplug, the broadband input is plugged into a Homeplug input device (similar to a router), and that device is then simply plugged into a standard wall electrical outlet.  Any computer in the home, as well as many of the newer entertainment devices, are then connected to any other electrical outlet in the house via an adapter that connects to the computer with a traditional USB or network plug.  In terms of security, the broadband signal does not typically pass through the household junction box, making it extremely difficult for neighbors and others to access the connection or network.  As with all other forms of networking, a software firewall is still necessary on each computer.

If a user is bearing the cost of broadband, and has more than one computer in the home or office, then one of these networking technologies may be a useful method to connect those computers to the internet.

There is no restriction against any non-profit group using this article as long as it is kept in context with proper credit given the author.  The Editorial Committee of the Association of Personal Computer User Groups (APCUG), an international organization of which this group is a member, brings this article to you.