Appendix. Expanding the NetworkBecause this book is written for people who have a home network up and running, I haven't covered the basics of planning, purchasing, and installing equipment. Instead, this book focuses on the annoyances you face as you use and maintain your home network. However, one absolute rule of thumb (can a rule of thumb be absolute, or is that an oxymoron?) is that all networks are dynamicthey grow and change. You'll add more computers, and more equipment. You'll move existing equipment to make it more accessible to users or to redecorate your home. This appendix covers the basics, the stuff you need to think about, and know about, as you expand, change, and tweak your network. I'll talk about the planning process and the equipment available, some of which is necessary and some of which is just luxuriously nifty. |