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BOOT CAMP 456 (26/12/06)
Wireless Networking, part 2
In last week’s introduction to wireless or
Wi-Fi networking we looked at the basic hardware needed to set up a small
office or home office (SOHO) system; this week we’ll run through the various
connection and configuration options.
There are two basic types of wireless network
known as ‘Ad Hoc’ and ‘Infrastructure’ but we only need to concern ourselves
with the second sort. Ad Hoc networks allow two or more wireless devices
communicate directly with each other and transfer files and they are very easy
to set up. (This is also known as ‘peer-to-peer’ networking because all of the
computers have an equal status). However, it only works on a relatively small
scale. The more PCs you add the slower it gets and it is not suitable for
sharing resources, like a printer or an Internet connection.
Most Wi-Fi networks operate in Infrastructure
mode, which, as the name implies is a more organised arrangement. Traditionally
it is based around a ‘server’ computer and a router. The server PCs job is to
manage the network and its resources and provide storage space for store files
needed by the ‘client’ computers connected to it through the router. The router
acts as a central hub through which all network traffic passes. Routers can
also provide a ‘gateway’ to the Internet, enabling all of the PCs connected to
the network to simultaneously share the connection.
In practice SOHO networks tend to be bit more
informal and it is possible to do away with the server computer altogether and
control everything through the router -- but more about that in a moment.
You will need a server computer in your network
if you are using the common USB type of broadband modem for the simple reason
that these devices are powered and controlled by a PC. Most people use their
main desktop PCs as the server because it is the easiest and least disruptive
option but this is also a good way of putting a retired PC back into gainful
employment. It is not an especially demanding job, nothing an 8-year old
Windows 98 machine cannot handle. If you also connect your printer to it all of
the other PCs in your network will be able to use it and you could fit a second
hard drive and use your server PC for backups or for storing your music or
video files, which your other network PC’s can access. The only real
disadvantage with this arrangements is that the server PC has to be left
running all of the time, to keep the broadband connection alive but the monitor
doesn’t have be to be switched on, or you could pair it with your main PC and
use a KVM switch to share the keyboard, monitor and mouse.
The server-less Infrastructure network
mentioned a moment ago is becoming a more popular and relies on a type of broadband
modem that works independently of a computer. Network modems can log on and
establish a broadband connection without the need for a PC and these connect
directly to the router by Ethernet cable, providing an always-on network
connection and around the clock Internet access to any PC linked to the router
by wireless or cable connection.
Even more convenient are ‘Combination’ Wi-Fi
routers with a network broadband modem built in. A growing number of ISPs are
now supplying them and they’re usually called ‘home hubs’ or ‘Internet
centres’. And very good they are too because it means everything you need to
set up a wireless network is contained in one box. The downside is that some of
them are not very flexible and some of them only have one LAN socket, which can
be a serious disadvantage if you have more than one PC or network device that
you want to connect (see also this week’s Top Tip). They can also be difficult
to configure when using third-party adaptors or you may even find yourself
locked into the hub manufacturer’s own brand of Wi-Fi adaptor. Nevertheless,
these are ideal for many home users looking for a quick and simple way to
network a couple of PCs and a laptop.
If you want to add a printer to this kind of
network you will need a specialist printer with network connectivity or use a
device called a Print Server. This effectively takes the place of the computer
to which the printer would normally be connected and links the printer to the
network wirelessly, or by a cable.
Next Week -- Wireless Networking, pt 3
JARGON FILTER
ETHERNET
Industry
standard networking system that allows the transfer of data over cables at
speeds up to 100 megabits per second
KVM
SWITCH
Keyboard,
Video Mouse -- a simple and inexpensive electronic device connected to two PCs
that allow them to share one keyboard, monitor and mouse. Switching between the
two PCs is usually by a keyboard shortcut or ‘hotkey’
VOIP
Voice over
Internet Protocol - method of making telephone calls over a broadband Internet
connection to other PCs or to landline and mobile telephones, though the latter
usually involves paying call charges or a subscription
TOP TIP
A home wireless network built around a network
modem and a wi-fi router or a combi modem/wi-fi router (home hub) is also the best
way to go if you want to take full advantage of Internet telephony or VOIP
(Voice Over Internet Protocol). VOIP technology uses broadband Internet for
making and taking telephone calls. There are several free systems, like SKYPE
that lets you call other broadband users, and a growing number of subscription
services that provide you with a phone number and you can call (and receive
incoming calls) fixed line and mobile telephones at greatly reduced rates.
Special VOIP phones simply plug into a spare LAN socket on your router or home
hub and because the Internet connection is always on it works like a normal
phone and there’s no need to have any PCs running.
---end---
© R. Maybury 2006, 1812
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