SHARED BROADBAND ANNOYANCES | Home Networking Annoyances: How to Fix the Most Annoying Things about Your Home Network

OUTGROWING YOUR ROUTER?

The Annoyance:

Our Ethernet network shares a DSL connection with a router. The router has four ports, but now we're adding a fifth computer to the network. Do we have to buy another router?

The Fix:

When it comes to routers, it's one to a customerone router plugged into one DSL modem. Your solution lies in a hub or a switch, which connects computers together. The hub or switch, having collected the connections of multiple computers, can in turn be connected to the router. To connect the hub/switch to the router, use one of the ports you're currently using for a computer. Plug the computer you're removing from the router into the hub/switch. In fact, you could connect all the computers to the hub/switch. (See Chapter 1 to learn the differences between hubs and switches.)

WIRELESS ROUTER IN A WIRED NETWORK?

The Annoyance:

My husband won a door prizea wireless router. We have a wired network (two computers and a hub), and we share a telephone modem. It's annoying to think we have this free device that would let us switch to a cable modem for Internet access, and we can't use it unless we buy the equipment to change our network to wireless.

The Fix:

Hold it! You don't have to change a thing. Wow, a freebie for the most expensive device on the network. Good job! You can use a wireless router without moving your network topology to wireless communication because all routers, wireless or wired, have Ethernet ports.

Take a peek at the back of the router. You should see one port labeled WAN, and that's the port you use to connect to the cable modem (WAN stands for wide area network, and it's a reference to the Internet). Then look for one or more ports labeled LAN. Those are the ports you use to connect your computers to the router (LAN stands for local area network).

If you find one LAN port, run Ethernet cable between that port and your existing hub. Read the documentation that came with the hub and the router to see which port on the hub you should use for the connection (usually, it's the hub's Uplink port).

If you find two LAN ports, plug your two computers into those ports and sell the hub (or save it for the day when you expand your network with more computers).

CABLE MODEM SPEED VARIATIONS

The Annoyance:

We have cable access and we've noticed that during the early evening, when the whole family is usually on the network, our transmission speed is markedly slower. A friend told me that it's because the network is crowded with users sharing bandwidth. It's annoying that four people accessing the Internet could cause this slowdown. It's also annoying to spend this much money each month to get speeds that don't seem much faster than our previous telephone modem provided.

The Fix:

Your friend is correct, but he is rather imprecise. The network referred to is the cable access provider's network, not your home network. Cable access works more or less like your network, with a number of computers attached to a single network. The network "hub" (I'm using the term metaphorically) is at your cable company's Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS), the jargon for which is the head end. The head end has a certain amount of bandwidth, which is divided among the current users.

Most cable companies have plenty of bandwidth, and although you might notice a slower speed when the kids are out of school and the parents are home from work all over the neighborhood, it should never be as slow as your telephone modem. If it is, call tech support.

Tip: To test your broadband speed, check out CNET's Bandwidth Meter at http://reviews.cnet.com/Bandwidth_meter/7004-7254_7-0.html.

CABLE ACCESS UPLOAD AND DOWNLOAD SPEED DIFFERENCES

The Annoyance:

My cable company provides high-speed download capacity, but the upload speed is a fraction of the download speed. For this monthly fee, why don't I get equal speed?

The Fix:

The upload speed is always much slower than the download speed for several reasons. The slower upload speed lets the cable company save some bandwidth, which keeps the system robust when lots of users are online. Also, this is a way for cable companies to discourage users from running big, busy servers (such as a business would run) for the price of residential service. In truth, you don't really need a lot of upload speed unless you're running an Internet site from your home, or you use your computer for videoconferences.

Incidentally, when data is sent at a slower speed, data loss is usually less, and the cable system can manage any problem with signal quality. When data loss occurs at high speed, many data packets have to be sent again, which effectively reduces the speed of the data transfer. As a result, your download speed isn't necessarily what it's advertised to be, but the upload speed is usually right on target.

Some cable companies now offer "business packages" in which the upload speed is slightly higher than the normal residential upload speed. These packages are not designed to let you run business web servers, but they can be useful for workers who telecommute and upload a significant amount of data. If upload speeds are important to you, switch to DSL.

UNCAP CABLE MODEM SPEED

The Annoyance:

I heard about a way to pay for one speed, and then change the way the cable modem operates to get the real maximum-possible speed. It's called uncapping, and it's annoying that it's apparently a secret known only to computer engineers.

The Fix:

Information on uncapping is available all over the Internet, and unfortunately, many of the web sites that describe it (or offer software to uncap your cable modem) don't explain the important features:

It's illegal, and cable companies have prosecuted people who try uncapping.
It's really close to impossible to do with today's cable modems.
If you manage to uncap your modem, your cable company will discover your trick quite quickly, and then you're in biggggg trouble.

Warning: Many of the software downloads offering uncapping features are really viruses.

If you've never heard of uncapping, see the sidebar "Uncapping Cable Modems: An Urban Myth in the Making."

Tip: The technology behind the uncapping function exists only for cable Internet access; DSL systems operate on a totally different technology that can't be tampered with.

UNCAPPING CABLE MODEMS: AN URBAN MYTH IN THE MAKING

Cable data transmissions can be blazing fast, but all cable companies cap the transmission speed to make sure multiple users get a fair share of the bandwidth. The cap is imposed on the modem, not the wires. Today's cable modems operate under a technology called DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) to manage the modem's behavior. DOCSIS controls the way the modem communicates with the cable company's head end. When the modem checks in, the head end matches the modem's MAC address (a unique number assigned to the modem during manufacturing) against the specifications for this connection (the package you purchased). The head end downloads a configuration file to the modem. The file contains the IP address, the settings for the speed cap, and other communications instructions. The cable modem begins communicating once it receives the configuration file.

You can't stop this process, so you can't uncap the speed. Some people think that if they can learn the MAC address of a modem belonging to a customer who's allowed to transmit at higher speeds, they can use known technology to change the MAC address of their modem to get a different configuration file from the head end (one with a higher-speed cap). This doesn't work because the head end won't let two MAC addresses on the network at the same time, just the way your home network won't let two computers with the same IP address participate on the network.

BUY YOUR OWN CABLE MODEM AND SAVE MONEY

The Annoyance:

My cable company will either rent or sell me a modem. Is it possible to buy a cable modem from a source other than the cable company?

The Fix:

Yes, you can now buy cable modems, so you're no longer locked in to your cable company's rates. A few years ago, the cable companies had a monopoly and forced you to either buy or rent a modem from them. Today, Linksys, Netgear, D-Link, and other manufacturers all offer cable modems.

Warning: Make sure the cable modem you purchase is DOCSIS compliant.

ENHANCE YOUR DSL SPEED

The Annoyance:

I have residential DSL service, but it seems a little slow. How can I increase the speed of my DSL modem?

The Fix:

There are two ways to get faster DSL transmissions:

Move closer to the telephone company's central office (CO).
Pay more.

The maximum speed available for DSL services depends on your location relative to the telephone company's CO. The further away you are, the lower the maximum attainable speed. When you sign up for DSL services, the telephone company tells you the maximum speed available for your house. If you live too far from a CO, you can't get DSL service for any price.

OVERVIEW OF DSL TECHNOLOGIES

A wide range of DSL technologies is available today, although some are specific to certain providers and some are available only in certain countries. However, a few are common enough to be available through any of the DSL service providers who serve your neighborhood. Your distance from the telephone company's CO can affect the maximum speeds mentioned here.

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is the common form of DSL for residential subscribers. The signal is asymmetric because most of the bandwidth is devoted to the downstream direction. A small portion of bandwidth is available for upstream communication. ADSL generally offers speeds up to 6.1 Mbps for downloading and up to 640 Kbps for uploading. When you subscribe to ADSL, the telephone company splits your phone line to separate the DSL data signals from your regular telephone services (telephone, fax, and telephone modem).

DSL Lite (sometimes called GLite, splitterless ADSL, or Universal ADSL) is a way to provide ADSL without sending a technician to split the line at the user end (the split is at the telephone company's CO). DSL Lite provides speeds up to 6 Mbps downstream and up to 384 Kbps upstream (slightly slower than ADSL, but very few people notice the difference).

SDSL (Symmetric DSL) offers speeds up to 1.544 Mbps (higher in Europe) in both directions (that's why it's called symmetric). SDSL doesn't use an existing telephone line split for DSL services. Instead, the telephone company runs a line specifically for the service. Many DSL providers call this "Business DSL." The service usually includes a number of fixed IP addresses.

DSL Filters Are for Self-Installed Systems

Usually, you need filters only if you installed your DSL equipment yourself. More and more DSL providers offer a self-install option, and to make self-installation more attractive, they charge you for a professional installation. They send you the modem, a piece of Ethernet cable, and some filters.

The big difference between a self-install and a professional install isn't the way the equipment is installed and connected (a modem connection to a computer, or to a router, is the same no matter who does it); it's in the way the telephone line is split.

When the telephone company sends a professional installer to your house, the telephone line is split just as it enters your house (usually at the gizmo attached to your house by the telephone company, which is called a Network Interface Device Box). The wires carrying the DSL frequencies are directly attached to the phone jack you're using for your modem; in fact, most of the time the installer adds a new phone jack just for this purpose. That jack is delivering pure DSL frequencies, and because you never use it for telephone services, you won't have a problem.

When you install your own DSL equipment, no telephone company personnel come to your house. Your telephone line is split back at the telephone company's office, and the DSL frequencies are connected to your DSL port at the phone company. This means the lines coming into your house are ready for (and are delivering) both DSL and telephone services. It doesn't matter what telephone jack you use for your DSL modem, and because it doesn't matter, you might have a problem. Hence, the need for filters.

The general rule of thumb is that you must live within 18,000 feet (about 3.5 miles) of the CO. However, other factors can extend this distance. If your phone company uses 24-gauge wire instead of the older 26-gauge wire, the data signal can be carried a couple hundred feet further. If your phone company uses fiber-optic cable (not a common scenario), you gain several hundred feet more.

DSL services are priced by speed. If you live close enough to the CO to have plenty of choices, your maximum speed is a matter of how much you're willing to pay each month.

DSL UPLOAD AND DOWNLOAD SPEED DIFFERENCES

The Annoyance:

My DSL service has a pretty fast download speed, but a much slower upload speed. I maintain web sites and need to increase the upload speed.

The Fix:

You can buy DSL services with high upload speeds, as long as you're willing to pay the priceand it can be a rather hefty price. You might have to change the type of DSL service you subscribe to, and that, in turn, can change the way your telephone lines are used (see the sidebar "Overview of DSL Technologies").

Tip: Unlike users of cable services, DSL users don't compete for bandwidth with their neighbors. Each DSL line is independent, which makes it easier to custom-design your upload and download speeds.

DSL LINE FILTERS

The Annoyance:

I was told that the DSL signal uses a totally different part of my telephone line than my telephone. However, my DSL provider said I had to put a filter on every telephone jack in the house. Why don't they warn you that DSL messes up your telephone service?

The Fix:

You have it backward. Your DSL provider isn't using filters to protect your phone lines from DSL interference; the filters protect the DSL frequencies from telephone frequency interference. Telephone equipment is always "listening in" on the phone line, so the telephone knows when to ring and the fax machine knows when to pick up. The circuitry that performs these tasks isn't "high tech," and can cause a short circuit in the DSL signal and interfere with data communication.

The filters provide a way to stop the telephone frequency from moving into the DSL frequenciesfrequencies it has no business occupying (see Figure 6-6). Plug one end of the filter into the phone jack, and plug your telephone or fax machine into the RJ11 connector (which should have a marking, such as the word "phone" or an icon that looks like a telephone).

Figure 6-6. Filters protect your DSL signal from your telephone signal.

Tip: If you have more than one telephone line coming into your house, you have to filter only the telephone jacks that serve the line your DSL uses.

DSL AND HOME SECURITY SYSTEMS

The Annoyance:

Our home security system dials out when security is compromised. It uses the same telephone line as our DSL modem and telephones because we have only one line. After experiencing all kinds of trouble with our DSL Internet access, we learned that the security system is interfering with the DSL frequencies. We're told we have to bring in a second telephone line and use it for either the security system or the DSL service.

The Fix:

If your DSL system was professionally installedand your line was split at your house and the DSL frequencies were delivered to the telephone jack for your modem. Unfortunately, DSL providers usually ignore this whole subject, and don't inquire about security systems when you're asked if you want to self-install your system. If you have a security system, tell your DSL provider you need a professional installation.

BUYING DSL SERVICE FROM THIRD-PARTY PROVIDERS

The Annoyance:

My local telephone company offers DSL services, but I'm really not a fan of their service and response time for my telephone service. Can I buy DSL services from somebody else?

The Fix:

Yes, unlike cable companies that usually have exclusive franchises for an area, the services available over telephone lines are open to competition. DSL services are included in that paradigm. Before you get excited, remember that no matter who provides your DSL service, they have to use your telephone company's lines. So, in a way, you're still locked into your local telephone company.

THIRD-PARTY DSL: A PERSONAL VIEW

I use a third party DSL provider for my broadband connection, and I've been happy with the service. My DSL provider (Speakeasy.net) actually subcontracts the technical side to another company (COVAD). When I have a problem, I call Speakeasy and they immediately begin diagnostic procedures while I'm on the telephone with the support person. They check the modem, and the configuration back at the CO. (COVAD has a cubicle in the phone company's CO.) If the problem is with the phone line (the most common scenario), COVAD notifies my local phone company (perhaps they just yell down the hall), so I don't have to make that call (which is always a frustrating experience). The phone company makes repairs under the aegis of COVAD, and that seems to hasten the telephone company response time. At one time I thought I might be imagining the improved service the telephone company provides for my DSL services, but my neighbor who gets her DSL directly from the telephone company invariably has longer outages and more frustrating support experiences than I do. Oh yeah, my monthly cost is the same as my neighbor's, (the telephone company customer).

ROUTERS ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO MODEM TYPES

The Annoyance:

I went to a local store to buy a router to share our DSL connection. How can you tell whether the router is for a DSL modem or a cable modem? Is there some technical code in the model number that I don't know about?

The Fix:

Routers talk to both DSL and cable modems because the router's technical job is unrelated to the type of broadband communication your modem provides. Your modem connects your home network to your broadband provider, which in turn sends your communications on to the Internet. Your router's job is to merge the multiple components of your network (your computers) so that they can address the modem. The router just delivers the data; the modem translates the data signal into the proper technology for your broadband provider.

ROUTERS AND FIREWALLS

The Annoyance:

Our network shares a DSL connection with a router. The router doesn't have a built-in firewall, and I'm not sure how to protect the network.

The Fix:

If your router doesn't have a firewall, you must run a firewall on every computer on the network. The router sits between your network and the Internet, and if an Internet intruder can get past the router (which he can if the router isn't protected with a firewall), he can get to every computer connected to the router (even if the computers are connected to a hub or a switch, which in turn are connected to the router). Look at Zone Labs' ZoneAlarm firewall, which you can download for free at www.zonelabs.com.

WIRELESS ACCESS TO A WIRED ROUTER

The Annoyance:

We have a wired network and share our broadband connection with a wired router. My laptop from work has a wireless network adapter. How do I join this computer to the network so that I can get to the Internet?

The Fix:

You have two choices for mixing a wireless computer with a wired network:

Buy an Ethernet network adapter for the laptop and plug directly into the hub, switch, or router.
Buy an access point.

An access point is a device that connects to both wireless and wired devices. It has an antenna (to communicate with wireless devices) and an Ethernet port. Use an Ethernet cable to connect the access point to your wired router.

CONNECT PHONELINE AND POWERLINE DEVICES TO A ROUTER

The Annoyance:

Our home network is growing into a mix-and-match configuration. The original network, two computers and a router, is located on the second floor. On the first floor, we want to network two computers using either phoneline or powerline connections so that we don't have to run Ethernet cable to the first floor. How do we get the first-floor computers on to the Internet?

The Fix:

You need a bridge, which is a device that connects to both an Ethernet device (your router) and a phoneline or powerline device. Locate the bridge on the second floor, near the router. Use an Ethernet cable to connect the bridge to the router. Then, plug the bridge into the appropriate connector (a phone jack for a phoneline network or a wall plug for a powerline network). All manufacturers of networking equipment sell bridges.