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Why
Network?
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Benefits of Networking
A network is a group of desktop or laptop computers (and
other hardware devices, such as printers) that is connected
together with the primary purpose of communicating and
exchanging data. Networking is all about sharing, and it
allows your computers to connect to the Internet, talk to
each other, and share resources like files and printers.
Networking
adds a lot of flexibility in the way you work and spend time
with your computers and electronic devices. With a network,
you can:
- Share
a high-speed, broadband cable or DSL Internet connection
so everyone can surf the web simultaneously
- Access
your own private e-mail account while others cruise the
web
- Share
all types of files, including music, digital pictures,
and documents
- Store
your library of music, pictures, and files all in one
place
- View
your digital pictures and listen to your music anywhere
in the house
- Secure
your computers against Internet threats, like viruses
and worms
- Enjoy
multiplayer and head-to-head gaming with friends or
family from any room in the house
- Enjoy
gaming over the Internet with someone anywhere in the
world
- Save
money and time by sharing printers, scanners and other
peripherals
- Share
storage space and access files on another computer
through your LAN (local area network) when your hard
drive is full.
There are
two types of networks to choose from - wired and wireless.
You need to determine which one best fits your home network,
or you can even combine the two. Keep in mind that both has
its advantages as well as disadvantages. |
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Wireless vs. Wired |
There are two
kinds of network technologies:
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Wireless - communicates through radio waves
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Wired - communicates through data cables (most
commonly Ethernet-based)
Why
choose a wireless network?
Wireless networks
don't use cables for connections, but rather they use radio
waves, like cordless phones. The advantage of a wireless network
is the mobility and freedom from the restriction of wires or a
fixed connection.
The benefits of
having a wireless network include:
- Mobility
and freedom - work anywhere
- No
restriction of wires or a fixed connection
- Quick,
effortless installation
- No cables
to buy
- Save
cabling time and hassle
- Easy to
expand
Also known as
Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, wireless networks allow you to use
your network devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on
the patio. You can check your e-mail or surf the Internet on
your laptop anywhere in your house. There is no need to drill
holes in the wall and install Ethernet cables. You can network
anywhere - without wires. Outside your home, wireless networking
is available in public "hotspots," such as coffee shops,
businesses, hotel rooms, and airports. This is perfect for those
of you who do a lot of traveling.
Linksys wireless
routers are also equipped for wired connections - giving you the
best of both worlds - connect wirelessly when you'd like to roam
around your house, and connect wired when the utmost speed is
important to you. For convenience and ease of use, wireless
networking is the answer.
Why choose a wired network?
Wired networks
have been around for decades. Wired networking technology found
today is known as Ethernet. The data cables, known as Ethernet
network cables or wired (CAT5) cables, connect computers and
other devices that make up the networks. Wired networks are best
when you need to move large amounts of data at high speeds, such
as professional-quality multimedia.
The benefits of
having a wired network include:
- Relatively
low cost
- Offers the
highest performance possible
- Fast speed
- standard Ethernet cable up to 100Mbps.
- Faster
speed - Gigabit Ethernet cable up to 1000Mbps.
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