If you have more than one computer in your home, a home based network is the way to go.    A home network will allow you to share files or printers between your computers.  You can even share you broadband  or DSL internet access.  We feature the Linksys Broadband Cable/DSL router.   This allows all the computers in your home to share access to the internet, as well as connect to each other.  There are two types of networks which we'll discuss below.

 

 Wired networks

Wired networks or LANs use a physical wire to connect your computers.  This wire is called Category Five or Cat5 for short.  Its run between the computers to a central location in your home.   Having the wiring run can be equally expensive as a wireless network but it is much more reliable.

 

 Wireless Networks

Wireless technology has improved and has become a viable option.  It is still more costly from a hardware standpoint , but is often more convenient, as it does not require physical wiring.   The main disadvantage to wireless is the difference in speed or (bandwidth).  Computers connected over wireless will connect to each other much more slowly.  Where a wired network runs at 100 Megabits a second a wireless network runs at a maximum of 11Mbps (802.11b), and now (802.11a) 54Mbps, but usually these connection speeds WILL differ depending on your immediate LAN environment.

 The great thing is that you can mix the two.  Say for example you have laptop that you like to move around the house, and you have 2 desktop computers.  One of the desktops is in your home office, has a laser printer and is connected to the internet with a cable modem.  The other is in the family room for the kids to use and has a color inkjet printer.  By mixing the two you would run wires between the desktop computers and use a wireless connection for your laptop.  You would then be able to share files and surf the internet from all of the computers.  And as long as the computer with the printer is turned on you can print to both printers from any of the computers and the laptop as well.

 The amazing thing is how inexpensive this really can be.  Call us today to find out just how little it will cost to get you Networked!.