Archive for the 'Networks' Category
Understanding the Components of a Home Network
Friday, September 25th, 2009 by adminManbeer Singh asked:
Home networks are becoming more common. People want to be able to share a single broadband Internet connection to several computers in the house. There are many different devices that you can use to make up your home network. If you have never heard network terminology device names like router, hub, etc may seem confusing.
The purpose of most of these devices is to control how the network passes around information. This information is sent in the form of “packets”. I will refer to the term packet several times in this article. It simply means the data that the network is transporting. I will now explain the purpose of the major components of a home network.
What is a Hub
A hub is a device that has several Ethernet ports on the back of the device. One of these ports will likely be labeled “Uplink”. This port allows you to connect multiple hubs together, if you run out of ports on your hub. If you do not have an uplink port on your hub, the hub cannot be easily extended if you run out of ports.
A hub is a device that attaches multiple computers on an Ethernet network. If you have a number different computers that you want to connect together, you could connect each to the hub. Any packet that is sent out by any computer on the network will immediately be transmitted to the other computers. Each computer will determine if the packet was really intended for it, and filter out packets that were intended for other computers.
You really should not use a hub in a modern home network. You should always use a switch in place of a hub. Switches will be discussed in the next section.
What is a Switch
A switch is a device that has several Ethernet ports on the back of the device. One of these ports will likely be labeled “Uplink”. This port allows you to connect multiple switches together, if you run out of ports on your switch. If you do not have an uplink port on your switch, the switch cannot be easily extended if you run out of ports.
A switch serves the same function as a hub. It allows you to connect multiple computers together, so that they can exchange packets. However, a switch is much more efficient than a hub. A switch will only send Ethernet packets to the computer that the packet was intended for. Because of this you should always use a switch in place of a hub.
What is a Router
A router is a device that has several Ethernet ports on the back of the device. One of the connectors will be labeled WAN. You should connect the WAN port to the Ethernet connection on a broadband source, such as a cable or DSL modem. The other ports on the router can be connected other computers or switches/hubs that will share the WAN connection.
Routers allow you to share your broadband connection with multiple computers in your house. Rather than connecting your computer directly into your cable or DSL modem you connect the router to the cable or DSL modem. Now any computer that you connect to the router will have access to the Internet.
If you run out of ports on your router you can always connect an additional switch to the router. To connect a switch to a router simply connects the switch’s “uplink” port to one of the routers Ethernet ports. Of course, don’t connect to the router’s WAN port. The WAN port should only be connected to something such as a cable or DSL router.
Some routers come with additional features installed. Most routers also include a firewall. Firewalls are discussed in the next section. Some routers will also include a wireless access point (WAP). The WAP allows you to use wireless devices, such as wireless laptops, with the Internet.
What is a Firewall
A firewall controls traffic flow between your network and the Internet. A firewall can be either hardware or software. Windows XP SP2 or higher includes a software firewall. A hardware firewall is included with most routers.
A firewall is a very good idea. It can protect you from inbound virus attempts. By inbound virus attempt I mean other computers that will connect to your computer and attempt to infect your computer. You do not want to run a computer directly connected to the Internet, without a firewall. There are just too many other computers out there that can connect and infect you without you even noticing.
What is a Network Attached Storage (NAS)
A network attached storage device is s device that allows a hard drive to be shared across the network. This hard drive is NOT attached to any of your computers. It is simply made available by the NAS. This can be a convent way to add a hard drive that can be accessed by several computers on your network. The other common way to add a network hard drive is to simply share a folder on one of your computers. However, with the NAS, you do not need to keep one of your computers on at all times.
There are two types of NAS commonly available. The first type comes with a build in hard drive. The second accepts a USB or Fire wire external hard drive. The advantage to using a USB or Fire wire hard drive is that you can upgrade the hard drive if it ever were to become too small.
What is a Print Server
Just like you can buy a device to allow you to share a hard drive, you can do the same with a printer. A print server connects directly to your printer. Your printer is then shared to all of your computers on the network. This is convent because you do not need to leave the printer hooked to a computer, which must be turned on to print.
Conclusions
As you can see there are many different components. Perhaps the final component that I ave yet to mention is the cable. These components are connected together with CAT5 Ethernet cable.
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Home networks are becoming more common. People want to be able to share a single broadband Internet connection to several computers in the house. There are many different devices that you can use to make up your home network. If you have never heard network terminology device names like router, hub, etc may seem confusing.
The purpose of most of these devices is to control how the network passes around information. This information is sent in the form of “packets”. I will refer to the term packet several times in this article. It simply means the data that the network is transporting. I will now explain the purpose of the major components of a home network.
What is a Hub
A hub is a device that has several Ethernet ports on the back of the device. One of these ports will likely be labeled “Uplink”. This port allows you to connect multiple hubs together, if you run out of ports on your hub. If you do not have an uplink port on your hub, the hub cannot be easily extended if you run out of ports.
A hub is a device that attaches multiple computers on an Ethernet network. If you have a number different computers that you want to connect together, you could connect each to the hub. Any packet that is sent out by any computer on the network will immediately be transmitted to the other computers. Each computer will determine if the packet was really intended for it, and filter out packets that were intended for other computers.
You really should not use a hub in a modern home network. You should always use a switch in place of a hub. Switches will be discussed in the next section.
What is a Switch
A switch is a device that has several Ethernet ports on the back of the device. One of these ports will likely be labeled “Uplink”. This port allows you to connect multiple switches together, if you run out of ports on your switch. If you do not have an uplink port on your switch, the switch cannot be easily extended if you run out of ports.
A switch serves the same function as a hub. It allows you to connect multiple computers together, so that they can exchange packets. However, a switch is much more efficient than a hub. A switch will only send Ethernet packets to the computer that the packet was intended for. Because of this you should always use a switch in place of a hub.
What is a Router
A router is a device that has several Ethernet ports on the back of the device. One of the connectors will be labeled WAN. You should connect the WAN port to the Ethernet connection on a broadband source, such as a cable or DSL modem. The other ports on the router can be connected other computers or switches/hubs that will share the WAN connection.
Routers allow you to share your broadband connection with multiple computers in your house. Rather than connecting your computer directly into your cable or DSL modem you connect the router to the cable or DSL modem. Now any computer that you connect to the router will have access to the Internet.
If you run out of ports on your router you can always connect an additional switch to the router. To connect a switch to a router simply connects the switch’s “uplink” port to one of the routers Ethernet ports. Of course, don’t connect to the router’s WAN port. The WAN port should only be connected to something such as a cable or DSL router.
Some routers come with additional features installed. Most routers also include a firewall. Firewalls are discussed in the next section. Some routers will also include a wireless access point (WAP). The WAP allows you to use wireless devices, such as wireless laptops, with the Internet.
What is a Firewall
A firewall controls traffic flow between your network and the Internet. A firewall can be either hardware or software. Windows XP SP2 or higher includes a software firewall. A hardware firewall is included with most routers.
A firewall is a very good idea. It can protect you from inbound virus attempts. By inbound virus attempt I mean other computers that will connect to your computer and attempt to infect your computer. You do not want to run a computer directly connected to the Internet, without a firewall. There are just too many other computers out there that can connect and infect you without you even noticing.
What is a Network Attached Storage (NAS)
A network attached storage device is s device that allows a hard drive to be shared across the network. This hard drive is NOT attached to any of your computers. It is simply made available by the NAS. This can be a convent way to add a hard drive that can be accessed by several computers on your network. The other common way to add a network hard drive is to simply share a folder on one of your computers. However, with the NAS, you do not need to keep one of your computers on at all times.
There are two types of NAS commonly available. The first type comes with a build in hard drive. The second accepts a USB or Fire wire external hard drive. The advantage to using a USB or Fire wire hard drive is that you can upgrade the hard drive if it ever were to become too small.
What is a Print Server
Just like you can buy a device to allow you to share a hard drive, you can do the same with a printer. A print server connects directly to your printer. Your printer is then shared to all of your computers on the network. This is convent because you do not need to leave the printer hooked to a computer, which must be turned on to print.
Conclusions
As you can see there are many different components. Perhaps the final component that I ave yet to mention is the cable. These components are connected together with CAT5 Ethernet cable.
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Staying Trim In Today’S Economy- Buy And Sell Used Cisco Hardware
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009 by adminDarwin Redshield asked:
In today’s economy, running a lean, efficient business is often the only way to survive. Companies across the country are looking for various ways to cut costs, pinch pennies, and concentrate on the bottom line.
Many of today’s next-generation businesses spend a tremendous amount of money on their company’s network infrastructure. This is an important aspect of any modern business: the ability for management, processing, sales, and clients to effortlessly communicate across geographic barriers.
Just as important in this network infrastructure is the ability for a company to retain proprietary information without breaches in security. So how can a company stay lean and save money, while still getting the best enterprise network equipment available?
Cisco Systems makes quality networking equipment that often retains a great value even after a bit of wear and tear.
Some companies dispose of networking equipment that is no longer functioning, but can still be recycled and refurbished for sale and reuse. In today’s economy, many downsizing companies are also getting rid of ‘fresh out-of-the-package’ networking hardware because they no longer have the need for a large centralized network.
Either way, there are various ways for an enterprise to buy and sell used cisco hardware, or any brand name network equipment. Making an enterprise purchase of a used cisco router, firewall, or switch can often mean a difference in tens of thousands of dollars, with little difference in the quality of the purchase.
The money saved buying used networking hardware can be diverted to other integral parts of a business, like retaining a quality sales team.
There are several great ways to buy and sell used Cisco equipment. One is utilizing the world’s biggest rummage sale: Ebay.com. On Ebay you can browse through a wide assortment of networking hardware, including new, pre-owned, refurbished and used equipment from a variety of sellers. Some of these products often come at a fraction of the cost a business would pay for standard ‘off the shelf’ equipment.
The risk to using Ebay for network equipment purchases are the potential shipping costs and the fact that no product is 100% certified to give your business what it needs.
There are several online network hardware resellers who do provide both a trusted warranty and 100% product certification for used networking hardware. Many resellers offer large network hardware product catalogs as well as a slew of services for brand name equipment- from cisco repair to cisco buy back and recycling.
Using a trusted vendor can often mean a long standing B2B relationship, where they will provide only the best in products and services in return for repeat business. Just searching online for your desired product and you should be able to easily find a suitable network hardware vendor.
cisco routers
In today’s economy, running a lean, efficient business is often the only way to survive. Companies across the country are looking for various ways to cut costs, pinch pennies, and concentrate on the bottom line.
Many of today’s next-generation businesses spend a tremendous amount of money on their company’s network infrastructure. This is an important aspect of any modern business: the ability for management, processing, sales, and clients to effortlessly communicate across geographic barriers.
Just as important in this network infrastructure is the ability for a company to retain proprietary information without breaches in security. So how can a company stay lean and save money, while still getting the best enterprise network equipment available?
Cisco Systems makes quality networking equipment that often retains a great value even after a bit of wear and tear.
Some companies dispose of networking equipment that is no longer functioning, but can still be recycled and refurbished for sale and reuse. In today’s economy, many downsizing companies are also getting rid of ‘fresh out-of-the-package’ networking hardware because they no longer have the need for a large centralized network.
Either way, there are various ways for an enterprise to buy and sell used cisco hardware, or any brand name network equipment. Making an enterprise purchase of a used cisco router, firewall, or switch can often mean a difference in tens of thousands of dollars, with little difference in the quality of the purchase.
The money saved buying used networking hardware can be diverted to other integral parts of a business, like retaining a quality sales team.
There are several great ways to buy and sell used Cisco equipment. One is utilizing the world’s biggest rummage sale: Ebay.com. On Ebay you can browse through a wide assortment of networking hardware, including new, pre-owned, refurbished and used equipment from a variety of sellers. Some of these products often come at a fraction of the cost a business would pay for standard ‘off the shelf’ equipment.
The risk to using Ebay for network equipment purchases are the potential shipping costs and the fact that no product is 100% certified to give your business what it needs.
There are several online network hardware resellers who do provide both a trusted warranty and 100% product certification for used networking hardware. Many resellers offer large network hardware product catalogs as well as a slew of services for brand name equipment- from cisco repair to cisco buy back and recycling.
Using a trusted vendor can often mean a long standing B2B relationship, where they will provide only the best in products and services in return for repeat business. Just searching online for your desired product and you should be able to easily find a suitable network hardware vendor.
cisco routers
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Understanding the Difference Between a Switch and a Router
Saturday, July 25th, 2009 by adminCisco Kits asked:
Switches and routers are special devices that enable you to make connections between and among computers, printers, peripherals, networked devices and/or other networks. A switch or a router has at least two ports into which you plug devices’ cables to make the connection, but the similarities more or less end right there. What goes on inside these units is what distinguishes one from another. The terms are often used interchangeably, which is dead wrong, and using the devices incorrectly can result in a network that is just plain dead.
Switches do what simpler devices called “hubs” do, but much more effectively, which is why hubs are decreasing in popularity. A switch will essentially “learn” about the network “traffic” that flows into and through it, and remember what the particular “addresses” represent. For a basic example, a switch will sense traffic from Computer #1 arriving via Port #2, so it knows that any signals that are bound for Computer #1 will have to go out that particular port, as well. Whereas the older, simpler hubs send every signal everywhere, a switch only sends traffic exactly where it needs to go. Busy networks will run dramatically faster with proper switches installed.
Routers big and small
Routers are many orders of magnitude more complex than simple, straightforward switches, and there are many different models in many different form factors from which to choose. Routers can be anything from a small, paperback-book-size, four-port, wireless broadband router to the mammoth and powerful devices that are the traffic cops at the main intersections of the Internet itself. Without these “intelligent appliances,” there would be no World Wide Web as there is today.
Simply put, a router is specialized computer that is programmed for its various important functions. It needs to be aware of the network data, as well as manage and manipulate it in various ways when required, while it also works tirelessly to route data both quickly and correctly. Today’s broadband routers use their special firmware (built-in software) to camouflage or hide computers behind what’s called a firewall. All routers have the ability to configure the handling of the network traffic through some kind of user interface running on the “administrator’s” computer.
Speed and connectivity
You will see a few terms that apply to both of these devices, the most important of which is network speed. Today’s switches and routers are commonly capable of both current and “legacy” (a fancy word for “old”) speeds, and will often be labeled 10/100/1000. These figures refer to the number of megabits, or millions of bits, per second (mbps) the device can handle. You may have or see some older devices labeled with only one speed, which limits its use to devices operating at the same level. However, “gigabit” devices (1000mbps) are the most common now, and as 10/100/1000 devices they handle all speeds well.
A growing number of home and business networks have gone wireless, and the trend is accelerating all the time. The technical term for the wireless router protocols are 802.11b, 802.11g and the newest one, 802.11n. Wireless transceivers in these routers basically add more “virtual ports” to the device. Wireless or wired, routers are standard equipment these days, and falling prices combined with increasing technological sophistication will see to it that they continue to spread.
There are some people who think that switches will eventually disappear as far as home use is concerned, although large businesses and web server companies will need them for a long time to come because of the varied connectivity requirements of their operations. As the so-called digital convergence continues, routers may end up being combined with cable or DSL modems to eliminate multiple pieces of equipment in the standard home or small-business network. If past is prologue in this field, then we can expect both switches and routers to get smaller, better, faster and cheaper all the time.
Create a video blog
Switches and routers are special devices that enable you to make connections between and among computers, printers, peripherals, networked devices and/or other networks. A switch or a router has at least two ports into which you plug devices’ cables to make the connection, but the similarities more or less end right there. What goes on inside these units is what distinguishes one from another. The terms are often used interchangeably, which is dead wrong, and using the devices incorrectly can result in a network that is just plain dead.
Switches do what simpler devices called “hubs” do, but much more effectively, which is why hubs are decreasing in popularity. A switch will essentially “learn” about the network “traffic” that flows into and through it, and remember what the particular “addresses” represent. For a basic example, a switch will sense traffic from Computer #1 arriving via Port #2, so it knows that any signals that are bound for Computer #1 will have to go out that particular port, as well. Whereas the older, simpler hubs send every signal everywhere, a switch only sends traffic exactly where it needs to go. Busy networks will run dramatically faster with proper switches installed.
Routers big and small
Routers are many orders of magnitude more complex than simple, straightforward switches, and there are many different models in many different form factors from which to choose. Routers can be anything from a small, paperback-book-size, four-port, wireless broadband router to the mammoth and powerful devices that are the traffic cops at the main intersections of the Internet itself. Without these “intelligent appliances,” there would be no World Wide Web as there is today.
Simply put, a router is specialized computer that is programmed for its various important functions. It needs to be aware of the network data, as well as manage and manipulate it in various ways when required, while it also works tirelessly to route data both quickly and correctly. Today’s broadband routers use their special firmware (built-in software) to camouflage or hide computers behind what’s called a firewall. All routers have the ability to configure the handling of the network traffic through some kind of user interface running on the “administrator’s” computer.
Speed and connectivity
You will see a few terms that apply to both of these devices, the most important of which is network speed. Today’s switches and routers are commonly capable of both current and “legacy” (a fancy word for “old”) speeds, and will often be labeled 10/100/1000. These figures refer to the number of megabits, or millions of bits, per second (mbps) the device can handle. You may have or see some older devices labeled with only one speed, which limits its use to devices operating at the same level. However, “gigabit” devices (1000mbps) are the most common now, and as 10/100/1000 devices they handle all speeds well.
A growing number of home and business networks have gone wireless, and the trend is accelerating all the time. The technical term for the wireless router protocols are 802.11b, 802.11g and the newest one, 802.11n. Wireless transceivers in these routers basically add more “virtual ports” to the device. Wireless or wired, routers are standard equipment these days, and falling prices combined with increasing technological sophistication will see to it that they continue to spread.
There are some people who think that switches will eventually disappear as far as home use is concerned, although large businesses and web server companies will need them for a long time to come because of the varied connectivity requirements of their operations. As the so-called digital convergence continues, routers may end up being combined with cable or DSL modems to eliminate multiple pieces of equipment in the standard home or small-business network. If past is prologue in this field, then we can expect both switches and routers to get smaller, better, faster and cheaper all the time.
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New Wireless Technology – Wi-fi:
Friday, July 17th, 2009 by admintindestiny asked:
Wireless Technology:
About Wireless Connection:
Wireless network refers to any type of computer network that is wireless, and is commonly associated with a telecommunications network whose interconnections between nodes is implemented without the use of wires, such as a computer network.
Wireless Connectivity Types:
Wireless LAN: Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is similar to other wireless devices and uses radio instead of wires to transmit data back and forth between computers on the same network.
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is a commonly used wireless network in computer systems which enable connection to the internet or other machines that have Wi-Fi functionalities. Wi-Fi networks broadcast radio waves that can be picked up by Wi-Fi receivers that are attached to different computers or mobile phones.
• Fixed Wireless Data: Fixed wireless data is a type of wireless data network that can be used to connect two or more buildings together in order to extend or share the network bandwidth without physically wiring the buildings together.
? Wi-Fi Technology:
The purpose of Wi-Fi is to hide complexity by enabling wireless access to applications and data, media and streams. The main aims of Wi-Fi are:
• Enable access to information easily
• Ensure compatibility and coexistence
• Get rid of cabling and wiring
• Get rid of switches, adapters, plugs and connectors.
? Uses of Wi-Fi:
A Wi-Fi enabled device such as a PC, game console, cell phone, MP3 player or PDA can connect to the Internet when within range of a wireless network connected to the Internet. The coverage of one or more interconnected access points called a hotspot can comprise an area as small as a single room with wireless-opaque walls or as large as many square miles covered by overlapping access points. Wi-Fi technology has served to set up mesh networks.
Wi-Fi also allows connectivity in peer-to-peer (wireless ad-hoc network) mode, which enables devices to connect directly with each other. This connectivity mode can prove useful in consumer electronics and gaming applications.
Many consumer devices use Wi-Fi. Amongst others, personal computers can network to each other and connect to the Internet, mobile computers can connect to the Internet from any Wi-Fi hotspot, and digital cameras can transfer images wirelessly.
WiFi Phones:
A WiFi phone is a wireless telephone that looks similar to a mobile phone but places calls via a combination of voice over IP and WiFi rather than via a cellular network. Some WiFi phones use Skype or Vonage for their voice over IP service such as current Belkin and Netgear WiFi phones. Several cellular carriers have created “Dual-mode phones” to compete with WiFi Phones, which can be easily switched between using a WiFi connection when one is available and a traditional cellular network connection when WiFi is not available.
? Advantage Sides:
It’s fast.
Wi-Fi’s latest version is many times faster than DSL or cable connections, and literally hundreds of times faster than those old dial-up connections. That’s particularly handy when you’re working on the run, on the road, or from home: If you’ve ever watched seconds tick by while watching Web pages load, you’ll appreciate the potential productivity gain.
It’s convenient.
As soon as a Wi-Fi-equipped device is within range of a base station, it’s online. With no wires, you can move your laptop computer from place to place — for instance, from your office to a conference room down the hall, without losing your network connection. When traveling, you can set up shop anyplace equipped with a Wi-Fi network: another company’s office, a hotel room, or a convention center.
It’s everywhere.
Public Wi-Fi access sites — or “hot spots” — are multiplying faster than rabbits on Viagra. They’re in bookstores, airport lounges, fast-food restaurants (including some McDonald’s and Schlotzky’s Deli outlets), and coffee shops. In addition, local merchants from Cincinnati to Athens, Ga., to Portland, Ore., are footing the bill for bigger hot spots, accessible throughout a business district or neighborhood.
? Drawbacks:
Range:
Wi-Fi networks have limited range. A typical Wi-Fi home router using 802.11b or 802.11g with a stock antenna might have a range of 32 m (120 ft) indoors and 95 m (300 ft) outdoors. Range also varies with frequency band.
Although you lose the wires, you’re still limited to the base station’s range, typically 75 to 150 feet indoors and a few hundred feet outdoors, depending on equipment, radio frequency, and obstructions.
Power drain:
Networks using early versions of Wi-Fi technology tend to quickly gobble power - a disadvantage for battery-dependent laptop users.
Security:
Here’s the downside of providing fast, easy access. Outsiders can sometimes get into your wireless networks as fast and easily as you can. Check with hardware vendors about the latest security precautions and products. The Wi-Fi Alliance currently recommends using Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) technology, which both authenticates users and encrypts data.
To know more about New Mobile & Wirless Products & technology Visit on Smart Devices Direct: Posted in Networks | Leave a Comment »
Wireless Technology:
About Wireless Connection:
Wireless network refers to any type of computer network that is wireless, and is commonly associated with a telecommunications network whose interconnections between nodes is implemented without the use of wires, such as a computer network.
Wireless Connectivity Types:
Wireless LAN: Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is similar to other wireless devices and uses radio instead of wires to transmit data back and forth between computers on the same network.
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is a commonly used wireless network in computer systems which enable connection to the internet or other machines that have Wi-Fi functionalities. Wi-Fi networks broadcast radio waves that can be picked up by Wi-Fi receivers that are attached to different computers or mobile phones.
• Fixed Wireless Data: Fixed wireless data is a type of wireless data network that can be used to connect two or more buildings together in order to extend or share the network bandwidth without physically wiring the buildings together.
? Wi-Fi Technology:
The purpose of Wi-Fi is to hide complexity by enabling wireless access to applications and data, media and streams. The main aims of Wi-Fi are:
• Enable access to information easily
• Ensure compatibility and coexistence
• Get rid of cabling and wiring
• Get rid of switches, adapters, plugs and connectors.
? Uses of Wi-Fi:
A Wi-Fi enabled device such as a PC, game console, cell phone, MP3 player or PDA can connect to the Internet when within range of a wireless network connected to the Internet. The coverage of one or more interconnected access points called a hotspot can comprise an area as small as a single room with wireless-opaque walls or as large as many square miles covered by overlapping access points. Wi-Fi technology has served to set up mesh networks.
Wi-Fi also allows connectivity in peer-to-peer (wireless ad-hoc network) mode, which enables devices to connect directly with each other. This connectivity mode can prove useful in consumer electronics and gaming applications.
Many consumer devices use Wi-Fi. Amongst others, personal computers can network to each other and connect to the Internet, mobile computers can connect to the Internet from any Wi-Fi hotspot, and digital cameras can transfer images wirelessly.
WiFi Phones:
A WiFi phone is a wireless telephone that looks similar to a mobile phone but places calls via a combination of voice over IP and WiFi rather than via a cellular network. Some WiFi phones use Skype or Vonage for their voice over IP service such as current Belkin and Netgear WiFi phones. Several cellular carriers have created “Dual-mode phones” to compete with WiFi Phones, which can be easily switched between using a WiFi connection when one is available and a traditional cellular network connection when WiFi is not available.
? Advantage Sides:
It’s fast.
Wi-Fi’s latest version is many times faster than DSL or cable connections, and literally hundreds of times faster than those old dial-up connections. That’s particularly handy when you’re working on the run, on the road, or from home: If you’ve ever watched seconds tick by while watching Web pages load, you’ll appreciate the potential productivity gain.
It’s convenient.
As soon as a Wi-Fi-equipped device is within range of a base station, it’s online. With no wires, you can move your laptop computer from place to place — for instance, from your office to a conference room down the hall, without losing your network connection. When traveling, you can set up shop anyplace equipped with a Wi-Fi network: another company’s office, a hotel room, or a convention center.
It’s everywhere.
Public Wi-Fi access sites — or “hot spots” — are multiplying faster than rabbits on Viagra. They’re in bookstores, airport lounges, fast-food restaurants (including some McDonald’s and Schlotzky’s Deli outlets), and coffee shops. In addition, local merchants from Cincinnati to Athens, Ga., to Portland, Ore., are footing the bill for bigger hot spots, accessible throughout a business district or neighborhood.
? Drawbacks:
Range:
Wi-Fi networks have limited range. A typical Wi-Fi home router using 802.11b or 802.11g with a stock antenna might have a range of 32 m (120 ft) indoors and 95 m (300 ft) outdoors. Range also varies with frequency band.
Although you lose the wires, you’re still limited to the base station’s range, typically 75 to 150 feet indoors and a few hundred feet outdoors, depending on equipment, radio frequency, and obstructions.
Power drain:
Networks using early versions of Wi-Fi technology tend to quickly gobble power - a disadvantage for battery-dependent laptop users.
Security:
Here’s the downside of providing fast, easy access. Outsiders can sometimes get into your wireless networks as fast and easily as you can. Check with hardware vendors about the latest security precautions and products. The Wi-Fi Alliance currently recommends using Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) technology, which both authenticates users and encrypts data.
To know more about New Mobile & Wirless Products & technology Visit on Smart Devices Direct: Posted in Networks | Leave a Comment »
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