Home Networking
Home networking
It seems more and more houses now have more than one PC, and it makes sense to link these up to share resources such as printers and Internet connections. Below is a brief outline of some of the current technologies and techniques available to connect one of more PC’s together.
Assumptions
For this article I will assume that we are connecting two PCs together, one has an internet connection via a cable modem or ADSL. I will also assume that this main PC is working OK.
Both PC’s have network interface cards (NICs)
Understanding of configuring windows networking and sharing. An article will follow on this.
This is an important factor to take into account before you design and plan your network.
This is the cheapest and easiest scenario to work with, as we have no holes to drill, cables to run etc.
Options
1). Cross over network cable.
This is a special type of network cable, most Cat5 Ethernet cables are straight through connections, but it is possible to buy a cross-over cable, these are mainly used for connected hubs, switches, routers etc. These days most network devices auto detect what type of cable you have connected. Plug your one end of your cross-over cable into PC1 and the other end into PC2, on both PC’s you should get the connect light on the NIC.
The two connect lights are normally a good sign of a physical connection, you now need to configure windows networking on both PC’s. (Not covered in the article)
2). Network switch / hub
This will link the PCs together with normal CAT 5 cables, this could be a good options if you will be adding more PC’s at a later date, they can be bought from 4 port upwards. They will need separate power.
Most ADSL / Cable modems have a network switch built in, normally 4 port. So if your Internet connection has this option then plus the PCs directly into your modem. Most switches as part of a modem will also handle DHCP, a dumb switch hub will normally not provide DHCP just connectivity.
3). Wireless
This is always an option, however I my opinion you cant beat a solid cable connection for reliability and security. As soon as you go wireless then you introduce many factors into the equation (interference, security etc)
Following the same options as above I would take the view that a fixed cable connection will give the best performance over time, and should be looked at if at all possible.
CAT5 Box’s
Run the cat5 cable from one room to another, take the easiest and shortest route possible. (under floor, through wall, into loft, around edges of walls are just some ways).
This is the way I normally do this job as it can be expanded to more PC’s when required.
For every PC but two cat5 sockets, you can buy doubles.
Install a single Cat5 socket near the PC connect the cable (push fitting, either buy special tool or use a small screwdriver) at the other end of the cable near your switch / hub / modem. So you will have a cable running between the PC and switch with a back box and cat5 socket. This allows you to plug a cat5 cable from the socket to your PC at one end and switch at the other. Even if you have 4 PC;s in your house you will need two double socket at the switch and one each by each PC. This makes the connection look neat and professional.
As well as the options above LAN over power lines is becoming increasingly popular. Basically you buy 2 or more devices that plug into a standard mains socket in your house, and the network runs over the mains wiring.
My experience so far with these has not been great, I bought two to try which were 85Mbits but I could only get 10Mbits, also they ran very hot, ie the box was how. These could be a good solution in a small house or where cabling is an issue.
More on home networking later.