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Why Network?

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Why Network?

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.

Wireless vs. Wired

There are two kinds of network technologies:

Wireless - communicates through radio waves
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.