Escient FireBall H-40 Remote control User's Guide download pdf (Page 176)

HOME NETWORKING PRIMER WD005-1-2

12/22/2003

6325 Digital Way Indianapolis, IN 46278 317.616.6789 phone 317.616.6790 fax www.escient.com

Home Networking F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked

Questions)

Q: What is Home Networking?

A: Home networking refers to technology that connects computers and other electronic devices

for the purpose of sharing audio, video, peripherals, or a broadband Internet connection.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: Basic networking (linking PCs to share a printer) costs about $50 for Ethernet cards and

cables. More elaborate setups to split a broadband connection cost more. Wireless and

Powerline networking products are about two times more expensive but are somewhat easier

to set up and more convenient.

Q: Do I really need a home network?

A: For households with more than one PC, a simple home network is worth the expense.

Rather than buy a dedicated peripheral for each PC, one can be shared. Even better, but more

complicated to set up, is splitting a broadband connection among several PCs.

Q: Can I mix and match networking products from different vendors?

A: Yes, but unless you're technically proficient, this isn't advised, particularly for newer wireless

networks. That's because there are competing standards for wireless, and they don't all

communicate correctly. Even products that support the same standard, such as 802.11b, don't

always work together smoothly.

Q: Who makes networking products?

Several companies make wired and wireless network products for the home. Some

of the most prominent are:

 Linksys

 3Com

 Intel

 D-Link

 NetGear

 Apple Computer

 Cisco

 Belkin

1 2 ... 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 ... 188 189

No comments

Escient FireBall H-40 Remote control User's Guide Page 176