Appendix Adding a Server

In this chapter...

• Wirelessly Connecting a New Server

• Setting Up File and Printer Sharing

• Adding a Wireless Printer Server

• Protecting Your Server

One of the greatest things about a home or small office wireless network is the ease in which you can set them up to communicate directly between computers. Unlike the networks used by many medium- to large- sized offices, your requirements probably don't necessitate using a server. However, if you have an extra computer, or would like to share data between home or office users without necessarily tapping your computer's resources each time someone connects, you can add a server to your network as easily as adding a wireless network adapter to a PC.

Many office networks use a powerful server to host software that is shared by many users (instead of installing the software on each individual PC). This makes the network administrator's job easier, and has other financial and ease-of-setup benefits. If you share data and printers among those connected to your network, you too might consider using a separate computer to handle data sharing and printing, centrally located in your wireless network.