Subject: Wifi and Ethernet Connections Source: GoArticles.com
TfourL
in Computers (submitted 2010-01-06)
www.goarticles.com
When computers first became available to the general public, it was
rare for any home to have more than one unit, let alone a network of
computers. But as modern technology became cheaper, more accessible
and within the reach of everyone, tech-savvy homes are now linking up
their laptops and plugging in their PCs into home networks.
What is a home network?
A home network is simply a method of allowing computers to communicate
with one another. If you have two or more computers in your home, a
network can let them share:
• Files and documents • An Internet connection • Printers, print
servers and scanners • Stereos, TVs and game systems • CD burners
To set up a home network, you'll need a few basic components including
more than one computer, hardware such as a router and software, either
built in to the operating system or as a separate application, to co-
ordinate the exchange of information. You will also need a 'path' for
the information to follow from one computer to another. This is
usually supplied via a WiFi system. The two most popular home network
types are wireless and Ethernet networks. In both of these types, the
router does most of the work by directing the traffic between the
connected devices. By connecting a router to your dial-up, DSL or
cable modem, you can also allow multiple computers to share one
connection to the Internet.
Any risks?
With any network, there are always risks. If all of your computers are
connected to the same network, a virus uploaded onto one computer will
infect all the other computers linked to the same system. This is why
it is imperative that you install effective firewalls and anti-virus
software into your network to protect your system from outside
attacks.
Most routers combine wireless and Ethernet technology and also include
a hardware firewall already built into the system, but you can
increase your security by adding your own software protection.
Software firewalls installed onto your computers block all incoming
information by default and prompt you for permission to allow the
information to pass. In this way, a software firewall can learn which
types of information you want to allow into your network. It is
advisable to regularly update your firewalls and anti-virus protection
to keep hackers and malicious users at bay.
Ethernet and wireless networks each have advantages and disadvantages.
Wired networks provide users with plenty of security and the ability
to move lots of data very quickly. They are faster than wireless
networks, and very affordable. However, with wired networks, the clue
is in the name - you will have cables linking your network so if
you're not happy about a house full of cables to connect your system,
a wireless WiFi network may be a better and more user friendly option.
The system itself may be slower, particularly if a computer is further
away from the main router, but you do cut down the amount of hardware
and cables needed to create the network in the first place.
Wireless networks are more susceptible to interference in the radio
waves due to walls and distance of networked computers from the
wireless router, but do allow you the freedom to utilise the system
anywhere in the house (or even outside in the garden). Wireless
networks are by far the most popular home networking system, despite
some drawbacks and as the technology improves and routers become more
powerful, are becoming the networking option of choice for the
majority of home users.
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Correction:
Routers [www.it247.com/category/Network-Storage-Comms-Routers-Switches-
Security.html]