The main components are computers, broadband (high speed) Internet
access, a cable modem, a router, hubs, and Ethernet and wireless
connections as follows:
- The computers:
- a Lenovo T60 ThinkPad with Vista for me, which I use primarily
for business in my office, but which I can take elsewhere
- a NetVista desktop with XP for Kathy (upstairs)
- an IBM ThinkCentre A30 with XP that used to be used for
scanning, music storage, and system backup, but I have moved these
peripherals to my main computer via a powered USB port to avoid
networking hassles This computer can be used as a second screen or
guest access to the Internet.
- The Internet access: Time Warner Cable's Turbo Charged Road Runner broadband
service
- The modem: a cable modem supplied by
Time Warner as part of the monthly service fee
- A Cisco/Linksys WRT54GL Wireless-G Broadband Router with 4-Port
Switch -- which connects to the cable modem and then distributes
Internet access to the other components either wirelessly or via four
Ethernet ports (one of which is connected to a switch/hub for further
distribution). An important feature of this device is as a hardware
firewall, protecting my computers from hackers.
- Ethernet wiring (put in
when the house was built and known as CAT-5 cable)
between my office, where the modem and router are, and
the kitchen and one upstairs room
- Ethernet ports in each PC (these are
sometimes built-in to the motherboard, or can be on a
card with the modem, combined in a special USB cable, or
on a PCI or PCMCIA card by themselves)
- Wireless adapters built into laptops
- A new powered 7-port USB hub. This allows me to connect
all my USB peripherals to my computer via one plug. With this number,
it is essential that the hub be powered. I'm very pleased with the
price and performance of the Rosewill RHB-320 I bought from
newegg.com.
The SqueezeBox is described elsewhere on this website
and allows me to play all my digitally stored music throughout the house.
The
SlingBox is new and is intended to allow me to watch home TV at remote
locations on my PC either live or from my DVR; however, the remote aspect is not
working due to a problem attributed to interference from my virus protection and
firewall program (MS OneCare). More when I fix this!
There are many web sites which offer help on home networking.
I like the Practically
Networked site for terminology reference and product reviews,
but here's a link to get you to a list of them:
http://dir.yahoo.com/Computers_and_Internet/Communications_and_Networking/Home_Networking/
And on the bare chance that you have ever wondered (as I have)
what's the difference between a router, bridge, switch, and hub,
here's the explanation!
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/networking/bridge_types.htm
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