Why are wireless networks so popular?
Because they are wireless, of course!
The main reason to install a wireless network in your home is because it will eliminate the need for ugly, dangerous and costly wires lying all across your home or business. With a wireless connection, you can easily use your computer anywhere in your home. No longer do you have to be “trapped” in the corner next to the outlet, or deal with a mess of tangled wires throughout the home. Not to mention, the actual cost of adding plenty of Ethernet cables to a home can be high and, in some cases, you might have to put holes in the wall to accommodate the wired network.
Wireless is the future. In fact, modern home entertainment electronics, such as DVRs and video game consoles support wireless networking. This means that it just makes sense to go the easier, more affordable and smarter route – wireless.
When you create your own wireless home network, you will be able to learn about the technology behind it and even let your friends and family know how convenient it is and how well it works. You will also be ready for any future advances in the realm of network technology.
Switches and Hubs
These are the devices used to extend your wireless network. Essentially, you are taking a single port in your router and turning it into several more ports.
Switches are available in a number of sizes, with the most common being 24, 12, 8, and 4 port models. While the terms switches and hubs are often used interchangeably, there used to be a difference in the way they relayed the signal.
- Hubs blindly repeat incoming signals to other machines on the network.
- Switches are more intelligent and take the incoming signal, determine where it was headed and only relay it to the proper outbound port.
Today; however, these terms mean the same thing.
The majority of switches you will find in a home network are considered unmanaged. This means there is nothing that needs to be configured. All you have to do is plug them in and they work. This is often referred to as “plug and play” technology.
There are also managed switches. These are more expensive and can be integrated with features including Quality Of Service. This means you can provide priority to certain data-packs from Skype, for example, which means you will always have the highest call quality.
Wi-Fi/Wireless LAN
When you decide to install a wireless network, it will not require any wires. This is because it works over radio waves. While this sounds fantastic in theory, there are some wireless connections that suffer from interrupted or limited range because of the building’s structural elements or due to interference from other devices.
The most current Wi-Fi standard is 802.11ac, commonly just referred to as AC. This provides a gigabit of speed; however, it requires you to have a router that is compatible, as well as Wi-Fi devices that are compatible, as well as ideal conditions.
Rather than just blindly sending the same signal out in all directions, the 802.11ac gives the router the ability to create a focused signal that is centered on the remote device. This creates a more reliable, faster connection.
Since there is a higher latency, it can become more prone to errors and interference, which means Wi-Fi only needs to be used with completely necessary – such as with mobile devices. In most cases, cabled connections are the preferred option for media centers, gaming consoles, and full-size desktops.
Teague is dedicated to providing assistance to the end user in understanding and optimizing their network. They will also help to create a more secure and faster networking experience. From creating a home network, being able to use the internet with ease and integrating all of your home entertainment and automation needs, Teague is able to configure everything. This leaves you with an efficient and smooth home network.