Home Computer Networking
Home computer networking is becoming very popular, no longer must you have an office, and a billion dollars to get a nice network of computers. You can put the family computer, Dad's computer, the homework computer, and the office computer, and any other computer you want all on the same network through home computer networking. It is a great idea!
When choosing a network type (topology) for your home four things should be considered. Cost, Expandability, Location of Your PC's and speed. All of these four factors are going to come into play for which home computer networking system is going to be best for you.
Ethernet
Just because it is home computer networking does not mean you can't use the same technology used for business networking. The most popular network type for both home and business is Ethernet. Ethernet is the very fastest of the network types and can be the least expensive, depending on your computers (if you must upgrade to have Ethernet capabilities you will have added costs). Ethernet networks are very stable and your network speed will never fluctuate or be prone to interference like other network types are. It sounds nice, what are the downsides? Well, Ethernet requires special cables running from each computer. These cables are plugged into a central 'ethernet hub' or 'switch'. If your computers are far apart, running cable in an existing home may be difficult. Pre-made ethernet cables come in sizes ranging from 3 feet to 50 feet. Ethernet adapters come in many shapes and sizes. Having cables running all over the house does not sound too fun, so luckily there is an alternative, you can use PCI Ethernet cards. These are both the fastest and least expensive method.
Ethernet can operate at 10Mbps or 100Mbps. So, if you think Ethernet is the home computer networking system type for you, then when shopping for Ethernet equipment, be sure to look for 100Mbps or 10/100Mbps equipment. 10Mbps equipment is older and slower than the 10/100Mbps equipment and the price differences has become almost nothing, so spend a tiny bit more and get a far faster, better Ethernet.
Computer Network Considerations
When you are considering your home computer networking, you need to consider how many computers you will put on the same network, the more the more equipment, and different setup you will need. If only two computers are being connected, a single crossover cable can be used instead of the standard cables and switch method
Your other option for home computer networking is a phone line network. Phone line networks cost less, have ok speed, and are easy to install. Phone Line Networks, known as HomePNA networks, use your existing phone line wiring, so you do not have to pay someone to install them. HomePNA networks do not interfere with the normal operation of phone lines for voice, fax or modem use, so you do not have to worry that if you use this network type that your phone will become unusable. With a HomePNA networks the same phone line wires in your home can operate your network and your modem or voice call at the same time.
Your options with HomePNA are two standards: 1.0 and the newest 2.0. They operate at 1Mbps and 10Mbps respectively. The price is not too different for these either, so spend a little more and you will be much happier with your network. HomePNA network speeds will depend on the quality of the phone lines you have installed in your home and certain kinds of interference. It is not uncommon for speeds of only 5Mbps to be reachable in many homes, so if price is what you are looking for this is the home computer networking system for you, if speed is, consider another option.
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Tags: computer-networking home-network ethernet
