Networking and Sharing Computers, Printers, Devices

Networking - Essential Even in homes, networking has become almost essential. Minimum would be one computer (or other device) connected through some ISP to the Internet. That wiring is simple: Cable/DSL Modem connected to Computer OR Cable/DSL Modem connected to Wireless Router, which connects to the Computer.

We tend to add Devices With only one Computing Device, a Printer might be connected by USB to a Computer. Wireless Devices require that the Printer be network accessible. With more than one Device, it makes more sense for Printers to be Networked, for easy access by all Devices.

HOW can we connect? There are three main ways to connect: Wired connection – usually by multi-conductor copper cable between devices. Kind of Wired connection – using PowerLine Networking, where the AC power line is used between Adaptors, and wired connections to the devices. Wireless connection – typically called “wi-fi”

Advantages of each Wired – Definitely fastest, especially with multiple devices. Up to 1 gigabit data rate. PowerLine – Possibly as fast as Wired, but may be reduced by distance and intervening transformers. Wireless – Most convenient, no wiring required between devices (except Router to Modem)

Drawbacks of each Wired – Difficult and expensive (labor) to add to existing structures. PowerLine – Data Rate dependent on attenuation, and somewhat on number of devices. Wireless – Data Rate dependent on attenuation and number of devices. Security problematic, since the RF field will extend beyond the home to some extent. Possible congestion due to other Wireless systems interfering. “Holes” in coverage. Larger homes will not be fully covered without multiple access points or extenders. Extenders do not work well.

Modest typical home network

Simple Internet comes in to Cable or DSL Modem, short cable to Wireless Router. Two AC power supplies. All else handled by the Wireless Signal. Probably by far the most common Home Networking today.

Large Home Wired Network

Great if building a new home The Home Network pictured is similar to my own home’s system. Signal comes in from Internet, Cable Modem to Firewall/Router, out to a 24 port Switch (in another room), from there wired to one or more connections in most rooms. This was wired during the time that Insulation under home was being replaced.

Additions to my system The network was originally installed strictly as a wired network (maximum security). Also, a Fiber connection to the shop building, with another 24 port switch located there. With the rise of wi-fi portable devices, I first added a single Access Point in the home, then another at the other end of the home and one in the shop; which provides good wireless coverage over home and shop (and in between).

Similar (but wired wherever possible)

Typical 8 port Gigabit Switch

PowerLine Networking Devices

Much easier to add Powerline Networking feeds the signal over the existing home AC Power Wiring. The devices started at very low speeds, but maximum speed is now Gigabit. Powerline can still be attenuated by distance and type of wiring (old 2-wire without ground is a problem, and all parts MUST be fed by the same phase of the same utility transformer)

Example – Powerline and Wireless

Powerline vs. Wireless

Example Wireless Router

Wireless & 8 port Switch

Extenders can also be Powerline

Wireless Security Security is VERY important on Wireless Systems. Current Residential Practice uses WPA 2 (Wireless Protected Access) encryption keys. The Key chosen really needs to be un-guessable (mixture of Capitals and Small Letters, Numbers, and Symbols)

Even if your Network is only Wired If you do not have Wireless set up at all (all devices wired by Ethernet Cables to Switch, Router, and Modem), you are still at some risk of hacking if you have even a single notebook computer attached which has both Ethernet and Wireless capability, unless the Wireless capability is cut off.

2.3 and 5 Ghz Bands The original wi-fi devices all worked (in the US) within eleven channels in the 2.3 gHz range (shared with cordless phones, microwave ovens, and other unlicensed devices). A 5 gHz band was added, and most modern devices support both. The 5 gHz typically has less range, but also likely to have much less congestion, which may result in better range at any specific location.

Wireless Speeds Understand that the speed listed by the manufacturer is MAXIMUM possible with a single connection. Actual speed falls off quite quickly with distance and with number of devices sharing the network. Even if it says 300 meg – you may actually get a meg or two under many circumstances. Wired is the only current way of always getting maximum speed.

“Guest” Wi-Fi

You may wish to allow visitors and out-of-town family to access the Internet, but NOT want them to be able to get into your computers and other devices. Most current Wireless Routers have the capability of setting up a separate “Guest” Network. It will have a different name, and different (or no) password. I encourage at least a moderate password, so people driving by and neighbors don’t wind up using YOUR access. NOT the same password as your own wi-fi network.

Sharing on my normal wireless network

NO Sharing on the Guest Network

Some of Networks Available

Sharing Inside Your Network If you have multiple devices, with a bit of planning, sharing files, printers, network scanners, media devices can be reasonably simple. Both Windows and Mac provide a Public (Windows) and Shared (Mac) area. Files placed in those places are automatically sharable.

Sharing made simple IF you choose the same user name and password on each device, sharing of files that are not in the Public/Shared area is simplified. It can be worked around even if this is not done. If your Macs are setup to use both Apple and SMB sharing, files can also be exchanged between Windows and Mac OS.

Win - Computer Name and Workgroup

Win – Change Setting

Win – Workgroup change

Windows Pro vs Home The previous was made using Windows 10 Professional. Windows Home does not allow membership in a Domain. With either – Computer Name change to something easier to use. Workgroup name can usually remain at “Workgroup” but can be changed in situations where there is more than one group of computers that need to separately share.

Mac – System (like Control Panel)

Mac - Network

Mac - Sharing

Mac – Windows File Sharing

Mac – Computer Name & Workgroup

Example of sharing

Network Attached Storage The device named PROMLANNAS is a 6 TB Seagate NAS unit which can work with files in Windows, Mac, and Linux formats; and is used for backup storage of all data. It can be accessed (with proper password) remotely across the Internet.

Copyright 2017 by James Cason