Computer networking has been significantly simplified by the improvement of operating system and networking technologies over the years. Additionally the storage and networking devices and peripherals have been greatly modified to include plug and play capabilities.
There are two options of setting up a network in a house or apartment that is wireless and wired networking. In this case the most appropriate option is the use of wireless network this choice is appropriate due to the fact that wireless networking are more convenient, one can use his/her computer from any point within the radius of the network signal. In the recent past wireless networking has become relatively cheap and is now supported by majority of the operating systems and computer hardware and software.
Wireless networking can be achieved either through infrastructure wireless network and ad hoc wireless network. The infrastructure wireless type is basically laid out like a wired network but without wires and cables. To set up this network one would need the basic network hardware and software to enable connection and communication in the network:
Computers are needed to get a network connection, modern operating systems such as windows Vista, Windows 7, and Apple Mac OSX have been modified and thus provide wireless network support therefore up to date laptops and PCs can easily connect to the network much easily. However the following media will be needed for the network connection.
- Wireless router:
This is the major component of a wireless network, this is a central point where computers in the network are provided with the network access. This device manages the network and further provides access to the internet. There are varieties depending on the manufacturer but all serve the same purpose of wireless network management.
- Wire-based connections:
The wire based connections are basically used to connect the wireless router with other network devices such as the broadband modem.
- Wireless NIC adapter:
The computers in the network must have a wireless Network interface card. The laptops come with preinstalled NICs. If a PC is to be connected then an external Nic is needed. The Nic acts as an interface between the computer and the wireless network router without it the computer will not connect to the network.
The network will use the 802.11a IEEE standard that is established for use in wireless networking. The standard has the capability to shield the network from external frequency interference from other frequency signals in. In this standard the internet protocol version four (TCP/IP V 4) and internet Protocol Version six (TCP/IP V 6) will be used for internet access. These protocols also provide communication across diverse interconnected devices.
DHCP dynamic Host Configuration protocol this protocol: this protocol is used to dynamically assign network addresses to hosts in the network which will include computers and other network devices. In this case the internet protocol addresses and the default gateway addresses are assigned automatically.
The use of wireless networking for communication and internet connectivity is ideal for a home or office due to its portability. Incase of need for movement and further construction the same network can be used without further purchase of additional hardware. Computers and other network devices in the new building can still utilize the same network. The signal can only be strengthened by using a repeater.
Network diagram:
References
About.com. (2011, FEBRUARY 20). 802.11 wireless networking standards. Consulté le April 5, 2013, sur About.com: http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wireless80211/80211_Wireless_Standards.htm
Michael, T. (2010, November 18). Equipment Needed for a Wireless Network. Consulté le April 4, 2013, sur family Search: https://familysearch.org/techtips/2010/11/equipment-needed-wireless-network
Mohamed, A. (2012, March 12). How to set up your small business computer network - Essential Guide. Consulté le April 4, 2013, sur ComputerWeekly.com: http://www.computerweekly.com/feature/How-to-set-up-your-small-business-computer-network-Essential-Guide
