|
< Back to Networking |
|
|
|
 |
|
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions on networking and broadband, designed to give you a brief understanding on the ever-changing world of technology. |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Broadband is a faster way of connecting to the Internet than using a standard dial-up connection. Not only is it faster but it is always connected, so you get instant web access - you don't have to wait each time you want to connect. It also allows both Internet and telephone calls to take place simultaneously on the same landline. |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Broadband can be up to 8 Megabytes per second download speed, which is fast enough for online video. Speed can vary from household to another and your maximum speed will depend on your local BT exchange and how close to that exchange you live. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are two main types of broadband available in the UK; ADSL and Cable. ADSL is broadband over a BT telephone line, and Cable is broadband provided by a cable service provider like NTL. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DSL is the technical name for cable broadband, and is very different from ADSL, that is broadband over a BT phone line. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You will need to setup a “network” to be able to share your connection. This can be done in one of two ways; wired or wireless. Wireless is the preferred method of creating a network, as it doesn’t involve running large amounts of cable from computer to computer. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The first thing you will need is a router. The type of router needed will depend on how you connect to the Internet. If you get your broadband from a cable company, like NTL, then you will need to get a “Cable Router”. However, if you get your broadband over your BT telephone line, you are an ADSL customer and need to get a “Modem Router”. You will then need to have a network interface on each computer that you want to connect to the Internet. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The term wireless networking refers to technology that enables two or more computers to communicate with each other without network cabling. It is often referred to as “WiFi” or “WLAN”, and is an industry standard known as 802.11. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It is difficult to give a precise range to a wireless router, as it will depend on the customer’s home environment. The signal from the router will be affected more if it passes through a solid brick wall than a plasterboard wall. Likewise with wooden floors and concrete floors. You won’t know exactly until it is setup in your home, but if range is a problem then you can simply get a wireless range extender to boost the signal further, or upgrade to a newer technology. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are 2 key differences between the wireless networking technologies on the market, speed and range.
802.11g is suitable for small areas within a house or flat, and is ideal for surfing the internet and checking email.
125HSM has a greater range and speed, so is more suited towards small houses and large flats, and can cope with online gaming, as well as surfing and email.
MIMO, G+MIMO, RANGEMAX and RANGEBOOSTER has a much stronger signal, and improved speed, so can be used in all modern houses and can cope with more demanding applications like streaming video files and music, as well as gaming, surfing and email.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A network will allow you to share data between the connected computers. This can be in many different forms like; pictures, movies, music, documents etc. You can also share a printer over a network with the other connected computers. So you no longer have to have a printer on every computer. Another recent development in networking is the inclusion of games consoles to allow online gaming. Both Sony and Microsoft have included network capabilities on their games consoles. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Almost all types of computer can be included in a wireless network. PC’s with Microsoft Windows 98 or above, and Apple Mac’s with OS X or above. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This depends on the networking technology you are using. If you have a 54g network then you can connect up to 64 computers, whereas a 125HSM and a G+MIMO network can support up to 32 computers. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Security can a big issue in wireless networking, and is often overlooked. There are many security features that can be applied to protect you from outside intrusion, here are a few examples;
Firewall – stops hackers from gaining access to your files from over the Internet.
MAC Address Filtering – prevents people from access your network from a local location i.e. outside your house.
SSID Broadcasting – hides the names of your wireless network from your neighbours.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For more help and support please contact the product manufacturers listed below.
Belkin:
24hr Freephone Helpline: 0800 223 55460
Website: www.belkin.com/support
DLink:
Phone: 0845 612 0003
Website: www.dlink.co.uk
Linksys:
Phone Support: 0800 026 1418
Email Support: support.uk@linksys.com
Netgear:
Phone: 0870 112 1206
Email: customerservice.uk@netgear.com
Philips:
Phone: 0906 101 0016
Website: www.philips.co.uk |
