1. How to Set Up, Secure and Manage A Network
Home Networking 101
How to Set Up, Secure and Manage A Network

2. Why Network
Networking is all about sharing, and it allows your computers to connect to the Internet, talk to each other, and share resources like files and printers

3. What is A Computer Network
Communication system between 2 or more computers or other devices such as printers

4. Benefits of Networking
Networking adds flexibility to the way you work with your computers and electronic devices. You can:
Share a high-speed, broadband cable or DSL Internet connection so everyone can surf the web simultaneously
Access your own private account while others cruise the web
Share all types of files, including music, digital pictures, and documents
Store your library of music, pictures, and files all in one place
View your digital pictures and listen to your music anywhere in the house
Enjoy multiplayer and head-to-head gaming with friends or family from any room in the house
Save money and time by sharing printers, scanners and other peripherals

5. Network vs Networking
Network—Physical infrastructure, enables transmission of data—Hubs, repeaters, routers, cables, fiber optics and microwave dishes
Networking—Preparation of data for transmission and submission of data to the network, enabled by software

6. LAN vs WAN
LAN—Local Area Network—Devices connected in a single office or building
WAN—2 or more interconnected LANs, geographically distant
The best example of a WAN is the Internet, which spans the entire world

7. Wired vs Wireless Wireless - communicates through radio waves
Wired - communicates through data cables (most commonly Ethernet-based)

8. Advantages of Wireless
Mobility and freedom - work anywhere
No restriction of wires or a fixed connection
Quick, effortless installation
No cables to buy or install
Easy to expand

9. Advantages of Wired Relatively low cost
Offers the highest performance possible
Fast speed - standard Ethernet cable up to 100Mbps.
Faster speed - Gigabit Ethernet cable up to 1000Mbps.
Wired networks are best when you need to move large amounts of data at high speeds,

10. Wireless Standards Wireless-B (802.11b)
Operates on the 2.4GHz frequency band and can transmit data at speeds of up to 11Mbps within a range of up to feet.
Wireless-A (802.11a) –
Operates at the frequency of 5 GHz, which is less crowded than 2.4GHz where telephones and microwaves may cause interference. Although the speed is up to 54Mbps, the range is only up to 75 feet. Wireless-A is incompatible with both Wireless-B and G because it operates at a different frequency.
Wireless-G (802.11g) –
Features the same benefits as Wireless-B, but offers 5X the speed at up to 54Mbps. Wireless-G currently offers the best combination of performance and value. You can mix Wireless-B with Wireless-G equipment, but you will lose the higher performance speeds of Wireless-G.
Wireless-N (802.11n) - The next generation of high-speed wireless networking, capable of delivering the range and capacity to support today's most bandwidth-hungry applications like streaming high definition video, voice, and music. Wireless-N is based on MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology, which uses multiple radios to transmit multiple streams of data over multiple channels.

11. Network Hardware
Router: This is considered the heart of your network and is the device that routes all the traffic to and from the Internet to the various computers on your network.
Modem: Connects your Internet service to your computer. Depending upon what type of broadband service you have, you will need either a DSL or cable modem. Or, you can purchase a gateway router which is an all-in-one solution that combines the functions of a router with a cable or DSL modem so that two separate devices are not required.

12. Network Adapters: For a desktop computer: For a laptop computer:
PCI Adapter - connects inside your computer
USB Adapter--plugs into a USB port on the outside of your computer
For a laptop computer:
A PC (PCMCIA) Card--slides into a slot on your laptop computer
USB Adaptor--plugs into a USB port on the outside of your computer
**Most new computers come with built in devices (wired and/or wireless)

13. To Expand Your Coverage
High Gain Antenna and Antenna Stands
Range Extenders or Access Points