Choosing a Network Type

So far in this chapter, we have covered wired Ethernet solutions and what you can expect by creating and using one. We have also covered wireless solutions and what you can expect by choosing one of them. Table 2.1 summarizes the various technologies we have discussed.

Table 2.1. Comparison of Available Networking Solutions

Technology	Speed	Wireless
Ethernet 10	10Mbps	No
Ethernet 100	100Mbps	No
Gigabit Ethernet	1000Mbps	No
802.11b	11Mbps	Yes
802.11a	54Mbps	Yes
802.11g	54Mbps	Yes

Ease-of-use and installation are usually the prime decision-making factors in setting up a home network, so this book shows how to implement a wireless network. Specifically, it shows how to use 802.11g devices.

Remember that laptops can use PC card or USB NICs, while desktop computers use USB NICs for wireless networking. So the first order of business in setting up your network is getting everything set up so that your computers can communicate. At this point we will start delving into our projects, which detail the steps required to configure the computers in your home network. In these projects, you will connect your home network to the Internet through a wireless router. You will plug this device in to your ISP connection through a port designated for your Internet connection. (You need to refer to your manufacturer's instructions for specific details on how to do this.) It is important that you place the wireless router as close to the middle of your home network as possible, and you need to place it as high as you can.