- Home Networking
Understanding Home Networking
Please select a category to the left. - Router
Wired and Wireless Routers
- A router is the main device for your home network
- With a router, multiple computers or devices in your home can access your internet connection
- A router allows files and printers to be shared accross 2 or more computers in your home
- Your internet speed is SLOWER (5-25 Mbit/s) than your router, so a faster router will not increase your internet speed
- Ethernet
100 Mbit/s Fast Ethernet
- This is the most common speed for wired home networking
- Good to use for basic file and print sharing, as well as streaming audio and video around your house
- a 100 Mbit/s ethernet router describes the connection speed between multiple WIRED computers or devices in your house
- This is NOT your internet speed. That is provided to you from your Internet service provider (Shaw or Telus)
- Ethernet CABLE is used as the connection between your modem and your router, as well as the connection between your router and your computer
- Gigabit Ethernet
1000 Mbit/s Gigabit Ethernet
- In order for you to enjoy Gigabit speeds, both your router and computer must have the required parts (If they do not, they can be upgraded)
- Gigabit routers are used to transfer LARGE files quickly between computers in your home
- Good for streaming High Definition video around your house
- a 1000 Mbit/s ethernet router describes the connection speed between multiple WIRED computers or devices in your house
- This is NOT your internet speed. That is provided to you from your Internet service provider (Shaw or Telus)
- Wireless G
Wireless G (802.11g)
- This is the most common speed for wireless home networking
- Wireless G has a maximum speed of 54 Mbit/s
- 802.11g operates on the 2.4Ghz wireless band, which is shared with microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, baby monitors and cordless telephones which can cause interference issues
- Wireless N
Wireless N (802.11n)
- In order for you to enjoy Wireless N speeds, both your router and computer must have the required parts (If they do not, they can be upgraded)
- Current Wireless N speeds are up to 300 Mbit/s (which is faster than a wired fast ethernet connection)
- Operates on a different frequency than wireless G so there is much less interference
- Wireless N has roughly double the range of standard wireless G signals
- Wireless Security
Wireless Network Security Information
- Without wireless security, you home network (both files and internet connection) can be easily accessed
- WEP (Wired Equivanlent Privacy) is the least secure, and can be cracked with readily available software
- WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) has replaced WEP and is now the standard in wireless security
