Home Networking

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Home Networking

• by David Jackson

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Topics covered

• What is Home Networking? The reasons for setting
  up a Home Network.
• Types of Home Networks and choosing your
  technology.
• Buying and installing the hardware.
• Configure the system and get the hardware talking
  to each other.
• Address any security issues to keep your Network
  safe.

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Home Networking
The technology that connects computers and other
electronic devices that allow you to

• Share a single printer between computers.
• Share a single Internet connection with all the
  computers in your house.
• Access shared files on any computer in your house
  (Pictures, MP3s, Documents Data).
• Play games that allow multiple users at different
  computers.
• Send the output of a device such as a DVD player
  or Webcam to your other computer(s)

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Types of Home Networking

• Sneaker Net The use of Diskettes, CD-R/CD-RW
  and USB thumb drives. Inexpensive, but
  inconvenient especially when the computers are
  not on the same floor.
• Link computers through the phone lines.
• Link computers through the power lines.
• Link computers wirelessly by WIFI.
• Link computers through wires by Ethernet

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HomePNA networking
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HomePNA 2.0 orPhone Line Networking
HPNA, PhoneLine or HomePNA networking operate
over the existing copper telephone wires in your
home without interfering with voice or DSL
communications. Typical speeds of 10Mbps can be
achieved. HomePNA 3.0 will push the speed up to
100Mbps when it is released.
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HomePNA networking

• HomePNA has several distinct advantages
• Inexpensive.
• Easy to install.
• Standardized.
• Reliable.
• Operates at a constant 10 Mbps, even when the
  phone is in use. Fast enough for bandwidth -
  intensive applications, such as video.
• Continued on next slide

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HomePNA networking

• Advantages (Continued)
• Requires no additional networking equipment
  (such as hubs or routers).
• Supports up to 25 devices.
• Compatible with other networking technologies.
• Works on Macs and older PCs as well as
  Windows systems.

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HomePNA networking

• HomePNA does have some drawbacks, though.
• Requires a phone jack close to each computer.
• Even though it operates at a very reasonable 10
  Mbps, it is still 10 times slower than fast
  Ethernet (100 Mbps)
• A physical limit of 1,000 feet (304.8 m) of
  wiring between devices
• The overall area of coverage should not exceed
  10,000 square feet (929 m2).
• Occasionally, HomePNA will not work on the
  existing wiring. Reports of voices sounding
  "funny" or of a lot of noise on the phone once
  HomePNA is installed.

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Power Line Networking
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Power Line Networking
Based on the concept of "no new wires.
Convenient. There will always be an electrical
outlet near a computer. Not every room has a
phone jack. Computers connect to one another
through any power outlet in the building.
Cheapest method of connecting computers in
different rooms, because it requires no new
wiring, and the network adds no cost to your
electric bill.
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Power Line Networking

• There are two competing power-line technologies
• The original technology is called PassPort,
  by a company named Intelogis.
• A new technology called PowerPacket, developed
  by Intellon, has been chosen by the HomePlug
  Alliance as the standard for power-line
  networking.

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Power Line Networking
The new PowerPacket technology is faster than the
older PassPort system. It is rated at 14 megabits
per second (Mbps). This speed allows new
applications, such as audio and video streaming,
to be available throughout the house.
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Power Line Networking

• Advantages of a power-line network
• Inexpensive. 50 US for a complete Intelogis'
  PassPort kit to connect two computers.
• Uses existing electrical wiring.
• Every room of a typical house has several
  electrical outlets.
• Easy to install.
• A printer, or any other device that doesn't need
  to be directly connected to a computer, doesn't
  have to be physically near any of the computers
  in the network.

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Power Line Networking
Doesn't require a card to be installed in the
computer, although there are companies working on
PCI-based systems.
PCI card
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Power Line Networking

• There are some disadvantages to connecting
  through power-lines when using the older PassPort
  technology
• Connection is rather slow -- 50 Kbps to 350
  Kbps.
• Performance can be impacted by home power usage.
  
• Can limit the features of your printer.
• Only works with Windows-based computers.
• Uses large plug-in devices that cover the entire
  electrical outlet.
• Can only use 110V standard lines.
• Requires that all data be encrypted for a secure
  network.
• Older wiring can affect performance.

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Power Line Networking
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Power Line Networking

• According to Intellon, PowerPacket technology
  eliminates many of these concerns, citing the
  following advantages
• Rated at 14 Mbps.
• Works independent of line voltage and frequency
  of current. This "avoids" disruptions in the
  power-line, maintaining the network's
  connections and speeds.
• Does not limit the features of your printer.
• Can be compatible with other operating systems
  (depending on driver availability).
• Can have the necessary circuitry embedded within
  the device, necessitating only a standard power
  cord to access an outlet.
• Includes encryption.
• In tests, shows no signal degradation due to
  older wiring.

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WiFi Networking
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WiFi Networking
WiFi is the wireless way to handle networking.
It is also known as 802.11 networking, or
wireless networking. The big advantage of WiFi
is its simplicity you connect computers anywhere
in your home or office without wires. The
computers connect to the network using radio
signals, and can be up to 100 feet apart.
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WiFi Networking

• The radios used in WiFi are similar to the radios
  used in 5 walkie-talkies, with the ability to
  transmit and receive.
• They convert the digital 1s and 0s into radio
  waves and back into 1s and 0s.

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WiFi Networking

• There are currently three different WiFi systems
  
• The 802.11b and 802.11g standards transmit at
  2.4 GHz, while the 802.11a standard transmits at
  5 GHz. The higher frequency allows higher data
  rates.

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WiFi Networking

• There are two coding techniques
• The 802.11a and 802.11g, known as orthogonal
  frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), provide
  higher data rates
• The 802.11b, which is called Complementary Code
  Keying (CCK).

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WiFi Networking

• WiFi has the ability to change frequencies
• 802.11b cards transmit directly on any of three
  bands.
• The 802.11a and 802.11g split the available radio
  bandwidth into dozens of channels and frequency
  hop rapidly between them. The advantage of
  frequency hopping is that it is much more immune
  to interference and allows dozens of WiFi cards
  to talk simultaneously without interfering with
  each other.

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WiFi Networking

• 802.11b can handle up to 11 megabits per second,
  although 7 megabits per second is more typical,
  and may fall back as low as 1 or 2 megabits per
  second if there is a lot of interference.
• 802.11a and 802.11g can handle up to 54 megabits
  per second, although 30 megabits per second is
  more typical.

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Ethernet Networking
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Ethernet Networking
Ethernet is the most common networking system.
The equipment needed for an Ethernet-based
network can be as simple as two network interface
cards (NIC) and a cable, or as complex as
multiple routers, bridges and hubs. It is this
versatility that makes it so useful to
businesses. We will focus on the basics for
creating a home network using this method. For
this demonstration, a typical four-port Router
with a WAN (wide area network) for a Cable or DSL
modem will be used.
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Ethernet Networking

• Ethernet has many advantages
• Fastest home-networking technology (100 Mbps).
• Can be inexpensive if the computers are close to
  one another.
• Extremely reliable.
• Easy to maintain after it is set up.
• Virtually unlimited number of devices that can
  be connected.
• A great deal of technical support available.

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Ethernet Networking

• Disadvantages
• If you have more than two computers, you'll need
  additional equipment.
• Can be expensive if wiring and jacks need to be
  installed.
• Set-up and configuration can be difficult.
• Technical jargon and the number of options can
  be confusing.

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Ethernet NetworkingBuying and installing the
hardware.
Ethernet is available in two speeds 10 Mbps and
100 Mbps. Most NICs are capable of operating at
either speed, but you should check to be sure
before purchasing. Get cards capable of the 100
Mbps data rate. You will need a NIC card for
each computer.
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Ethernet NetworkingBuying and installing the
hardware.
There are two different ways to connect Ethernet
cards Coax and Cat 5 cabling. Coax was once the
more popular of the two, but today just about
everyone uses Cat 5 because it is easier to
configure. Cat 5 has a cable that looks a lot
like a telephone cable. You run one cable from
the router to each computer.
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Ethernet NetworkingBuying and installing the
hardware.

The hub or router takes the signal from each
computer and sends it to all of the other
computers and devices in your home.
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Ethernet NetworkingBuying and installing the
hardware.

Follow the manufacturers installation guide for
each of the NIC cards and the Router Because of
the large number of possible configurations in an
Ethernet network, you likely will not have any
type of automated installation software. This
means that you may have to manually configure all
the options. If you have problems, the best
source of information is probably the
manufacturer of your NIC cards.
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Ethernet Networking Configuring the systemEasy
Networking
There are several "home-networking kits"
available,and they often include an installation
CD that makes configuration very easy. Windows
XP comes with a "Network Setup Wizard" that helps
with network configuration. There are also
contractors who will set up a network in your
home for a fee. The software or contractor will
take you through each step of naming the
computer, sharing files, sharing printers and
sharing an Internet connection.
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Ethernet Networking Configuring the systemEasy
Networking

• However, if you have problems, or if your kit
  does not include a configuration program, you'll
  need to know how to set your network up manually.
  
• You also need to understand a manual setup if you
  plan to do-it-yourself.
• To assist you with setting up your network, we'll
  discuss the following tasks
• Naming the PC
• Sharing files
• Sharing printers
• Security
• Sharing an Internet connection

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Ethernet Networking Configuring the
systemNaming the PC

• Once you have the hardware installed, you are
  ready to configure your network.
• The first configuration step is naming the PCs
  in the network. Before your computer can become
  part of a network, it has to have a name and a
  workgroup.
• Each computer in your home network needs to
  have a different name, and they all need to be in
  the same workgroup.

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Ethernet Networking Configuring the
systemNaming the PC

• Here's how you can name your PC and create a
  workgroup
• In Windows XP, click the Start button (bottom
  left hand corner) and select the Control Panel.
• If not already in the "Classic view", select the
  Classic view option (upper left corner of the
  window - you can switch between the classic view
  and the category view).
• Click on the "System" icon.
• Select the "Computer Name" tab.
• You will see that the computer has a "Full
  Computer Name" and a "Workgroup". Click the
  "Change" button to change them.
• In the first box, enter the name you wish to give
  the computer. You can name it anything, but each
  computer in your home must have a its own unique
  name.
• In the second box, enter the name you plan to use
  for the workgroup -- make sure all of the
  computers have the same workgroup name. You may
  want to write it down to make sure that you enter
  the exact same workgroup name on each computer in
  your home network

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Ethernet Networking Configuring the
systemNaming the PC

• In Windows 98/ME, move the mouse pointer over the
  Network Neighbourhood icon on the desktop and
  click the right mouse button once.
• Select Properties from the menu. The Network
  Properties window will pop up, listing
  information about the network adapter(s) and
  protocols installed on that computer.

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Easy NetworkingNaming the PC Windows 98/ME

• When the window opens, click the Identification
  tab. You will see three boxes.
• In the first box, enter the name you wish to
  give the computer. You can name it anything, but
  each computer in your home must have a its own
  unique name.

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Easy NetworkingNaming the PC Windows 98/ME
In the second box, enter the name you plan to use
for the workgroup -- make sure all of the
computers have the same workgroup name. You may
want to write it down to make sure that you enter
the exact same workgroup name on each computer in
your network.
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File Sharing Windows XP
Microsoft recognized the growing popularity of
home networks and first implemented Internet
Connection Sharing (ICS) in Windows 98. This
feature (much improved) is also available in
Windows XP. ICS lets you connect one computer
to the Internet by whatever means (modem, DSL,
ISDN or cable) and share that connection with any
other Windows 98/ME computer on the network.
Though simple in theory, the first implementation
of ICS proved problematic for many users. Windows
98 v.2 improved ICS, and Windows XP makes it even
simpler.
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File SharingWindows XP

• In Windows XP, click the Start button (bottom
  left hand corner) and select the Control Panel.
• If not already in the "Classic view", select the
  Classic view option (upper left corner of the
  window - you can switch between the classic view
  and the category view).
• Click on the "Network Connections" icon.
• Right click on the icon under the "LAN or High
  Speed Networking" option. Select Properties from
  the menu that appears.
• You will see that the computer has a "Full
  Computer Name" and a "Workgroup". Click the
  "Change" button to change them.
• Select the "Advanced" tab.
• Click on the "Allow other network users to
  connect..." option.
• Follow the directions in the dialog that appears.
  

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By default, the ICS components are
not installed on your computer. You only run ICS
on the computer that is actually connected to the
Internet
File SharingWindows 98

• Go to the Control Panel and double-click
  Add/Remove Programs.
• Select the Windows Setup tab and open the
  Internet Tools option.
• Enable the Internet Connection Sharing component
  by clicking on the box next to it and then
  clicking on OK.
• Once the ICS components are installed, the ICS
  wizard will pop up. Follow the prompts and keep
  clicking Next. If your Internet connection is not
  already configured on this computer, the wizard
  will open the Internet Connection Wizard (don't
  get these two wizards confused!) so that you can
  set up an Internet connection. Simply follow the
  prompts. When you're done, you'll be returned to
  the ICS wizard.
• The ICS wizard will gather some information and
  prompt you to insert a 3.5-inch diskette. This
  diskette will then be used to configure the other
  Windows 98/ME computers on your network for
  Internet access.

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File SharingWindows 98

• Once the ICS components are installed, the ICS
  wizard will pop up. Follow the prompts and keep
  clicking Next. If your Internet connection is not
  already configured on this computer, the wizard
  will open the Internet Connection Wizard (don't
  get these two wizards confused!) so that you can
  set up an Internet connection. Simply follow the
  prompts. When you're done, you'll be returned to
  the ICS wizard.
• The ICS wizard will gather some information and
  prompt you to insert a 3.5-inch diskette. This
  diskette will then be used to configure the other
  Windows 98/ME computers on your network for
  Internet access.

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File SharingWindows 98

• While file and printer sharing are still
  relatively easy on either operating system,
  Internet-connection sharing using only software
  can be a good deal trickier.
• In most cases, if you are sharing a high-speed
  connection with several computers in your home
  (and especially if you are doing it wirelessly)
  it is easier to purchase a wireless hub/router
  and let it do the connection sharing for you.
  Lynksys' or Netgear's wireless hubs/routers are
  inexpensive, very easy to set up and also have
  the added benefit of providing a hardware
  firewall to protect your network.

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The Demonstration