Part II ✦ Planning and Setting Up Networking — Hardware and Software
SMC produces the EZ Connect g CardBus adapter for a notebook or profile computer. The standard is 802.11g and 802.11b-compliant, so data rates are up to 54 Mbps. Operating range
is 1,155 feet with 40- and 128-bit encryption. Cost is around 75. Other good brands to use for 802.11g adapters include 3Com, Proxim, and Intel. There are
many, many manufacturers of wireless adapter cards.
802.11b access points and bridges
NETGEAR makes an 802.11b wireless access point named Model ME102. Connectivity is 11 Mbps, since it uses the 802.11b standard. The WAP has both 4064- and 128-bit encryption.
It connects to either an Ethernet network or a CableDSL router. The WAP has a 5-year war- ranty. NETGEAR has several access points similar to this model; prices range from around
70 to 110.
Sony Vaio offers a wireless LAN bridgeaccess point that enables you to connect your wired network to a wireless network. Data transfer speed is up to 11 Mbps, because the standard is
IEEE 802.11b for a range of up to 130 feet, line of sight. An additional standard is IEEE 802.11, which means there is an Ethernet interface: 10100 Ethernet with the R-45 interface.
3Com, Intel, Hawking, Proxim, and other manufacturers also produce access points not only for 802.11b but for 802.11a as well.
802.11g access points and bridges
The NETGEAR Model WG602 is an 802.11g wireless access point. The speed is 54 Mbps, and of course, the WAP works with 802.11b standard as well. WEP standard 128-bit encryption is
included. The cost is around 100. The Linksys Wireless-g access point provides the 802.11g standard, and it is also compatible
with the 802.11b standard. WEP is 4064- to 128-bit encryption. This WAP has MAC address fil- tering and IP addressing; it’s easy to configure and costs around 130.
Cisco, D-Link, Proxim, and other manufacturers also produce wireless access points and bridges.
Wireless antennas
You purchase antennas according to the distance between the buildings you need to link. You should also check to see if an antenna is made for inside or outside or both. You’ll also come
across the terms omnidirectional and directional. Omnidirectional means the antennas reach from point to several points. Directional goes from point to point. In addition, most antennas
are made to work with specific wireless products; so be careful when choosing antennas. Finally, you’ll need two of the same type of antennas to successfully work as a bridge between
two points; the following prices are only for one antenna.
If you use outdoor antennas, check with the manufacturers of the antennas about grounding wires and such. You don’t want a lightning storm to ruin your network.
NETGEAR ANT2405 omnidirectional antenna costs about 60 and works to extend coverage for existing 802.11b or 802.11g networks. This antenna configures for either omnidirectional or
directional. This smaller antenna is made to work indoors on a single-floor environment to opti- mize range. The antenna comes with a coax cable, can be used with Wi-Fi products, and includes
wall-mounting materials. This product is made to work with specific NETGEAR hardware.
Enterasys has a vehicle antenna you can use for around 70. The vehicle-mount antenna is a broadband antenna in the 2.4 GHz frequency with an omnidirectional pattern. Generally,
these antennas are used on forklifts or trucks, but you might find a use for it in your home, trailer, or vehicle.
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Chapter 7 ✦ Using Wireless Network Connections
D-Link has an outdoor antenna for around 120. The antenna provides extended coverage for any existing 802.11bg standards. It’s omnidirectional and waterproof for the outdoors, and it
includes a mounting kit, surge protector, and waterproof tape. The D-Link antenna supports only specific devices made by D-Link.
For around 250, the SMC wireless antenna kit achieves a range of up to 3.5 miles. The kit includes an antenna, a 24-foot cable, a desktop stand, and a lifetime warranty. This antenna
penetrates trees, structures, and other obstacles because of a patent-pending technology.
Mac wireless devices
Macintosh uses the Apple AirPort software and hardware for wireless. Since the standards are the same — 802.11b, 802.11g, and so on — the products should be able communicate with
other wireless devices on your network. You should test the products though and inquire before purchasing. AirPort software requires specific Mac OSs, base stations access points,
and specific versions of firmware for the wireless device. Check your Mac carefully to make sure you know versions and details before shopping for Mac wireless.
Table 7-1 shows a few of the requirements for using AirPort with various Mac OSs.
Table 7-1: AirPort Compatibility
Software OS Required
Base Station Firmware AirPort 2.0.2
Mac OS 9.0.4 or later 3.844.0.2
AirPort 2.0.5 Mac OS X 10.1.5
3.844.0.7 AirPort 3.0.4
Mac OS X 10.2 3.844.0.85.0.1
Firmware Update AirPort 4.0.7
Windows 98, 2000, XP Utilities for Windows
AirPort Admin Windows 98, 2000, XP
AirPort adapter cards
AirPort’s Extreme card costs around 100 and supplies speeds of up to 54 Mbps. AirPort Extreme cards are only for AirPort Extreme-ready systems. AirPort Extreme is a newer wire-
less specification, and it uses the standard 802.11g. This standard is compatible with 802.11b and Wi-Fi-certified products. The range of AirPort Extreme base station access point is up to
50 feet at 54 Mbps and up to 150 feet at 11 Mbps.
Some AirPort cards require the use of an AirPort Card Adapter kit to work with some iMac models. If your iMac is a G3-based, slot-loading, AirPort-ready iMac, it does require the
adapter kit. Check your iMac documentation. The iBook, PowerMac, and PowerBook do not require the adapter kit.
Apple has a PC Card for iBooks that enables 11 Mbps at a distance of up to 150 feet. You need a base station with the card to create a wireless network. The card costs around 80.
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Part II ✦ Planning and Setting Up Networking — Hardware and Software
AirPort Base Station
The AirPort Base Station supports wireless connections between Mac systems with AirPort and AirPort Extreme cards. You can also use the base station in conjunction with an Ethernet
connection. The base station also supports USB and Ethernet wireless printer sharing. Up to 50 users can work simultaneously up to 150 feet away from an Ethernet connection. AirPort
and AirPort Extreme also support 128-bit encryption.
AirPort Base Stations come in omnidirectional or directional to extend the range of the net- work. Base stations also come in two configurations: one includes a 10100Base-T Ethernet
LAN and wide area network WAN port and a USB port; the second configuration includes the previous ports plus a built-in v.90 modem with a phone jack and an external antenna port.
The AirPort Extreme Base Station with a modem and antenna port costs 250. It provides speeds of up to 54 Mbps. The AirPort Extreme Base Station without modem and antenna
port costs 200. Speeds are still up to 54 Mbps.
Summary
In this chapter, you’ve learned about using wireless networking in the home. Specifically, you’ve learned about the following:
✦ Using wireless standards
✦ Configuring wireless access points
✦ Setting up a wireless workgroup
✦ Using wireless networking with cabled networking
In the next chapter, you learn about using alternative cabling methods, such as phone line networking and using the house wiring for networking computers.
✦ ✦
✦
Using Alternative Cabling Methods
I
f speed isn’t a main concern in your home network, you can use various other methods of connecting your computers. Each of
these methods is useful for file and printer sharing. Some tasks, how- ever — such as exchanging large files, playing network games, and so
on — might not work when you use alternative cabling methods. On the positive side, these alternatives are easier to set up than Ethernet
cabling and many kits are available for both phone line networks and electrical wiring networks.
Connecting Two Computers or Two Users
You might have need for file sharing in your home but no interest in putting a lot of time, money, and effort in setting up a network. You’ll
be happy to know that you can share resources between two comput- ers — two desktop PCs, for example, or a desktop and notebook PC —
for less than 25.
If you want to connect two computers for sharing files, you can accom- plish that easily and inexpensively. You use a cable that directly con-
nects the two computers without the use of network cards, hubs, or other hardware equipment.
Alternatively, you might have only one powerful computer but two people who want to use it at the same time. You can share applica-
tions, files, printers, and so on using the same computer central pro- cessing unit CPU but with separate mice, keyboards, and monitors.
Using a direct cable
You can use a feature in Windows called Direct Cable Connection DCC to share resources between two computers over just a cable.
The connection is slow, but it’s also inexpensive. All you have to do is pay for the cable and attach the two computers to it. This approach
works with Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, and 2000 computers. The DDC software is not available in Windows XP.
8 8
C H A P T E R
✦ ✦
✦ ✦
In This Chapter
Connecting two computers or two users
Using phone lines for your network
Using electrical wiring for a network
Looking at the future of networking alternatives
✦ ✦
✦ ✦
Part II ✦ Planning and Setting Up Networking — Hardware and Software
You can use DCC networking at your office to connect your laptop to a desktop computer. Also, if your desktop computer is connected to a network, such as Ethernet, you can transfer
files from the laptop to the desktop, to a server, or to another computer on the network and back again. Extending the network to your laptop in this way can save time, money, and net-
working headaches in many situations.
The direct cabling method of networking is great for transferring or copying files — say, from a laptop to a desktop — or for installing software on a laptop with no CD-ROM drive.
Another benefit of direct cabling is evident if one of your computers is attached to a net- work: The computer that is directly cabled to the network also can access network files.
Naturally, the DCC method has limitations. As previously mentioned, the connection is slow. Also, when using the DCC method, you cannot share a printer; you can, however, transfer a
file from one computer to the other and then print from the computer attached to the printer. One other hindrance with DCC is that the two computers must be close together — at least in
the same room and perhaps on the same desk or table. The cable itself imposes this limit. IEEE standards specify that direct cables should be no longer than 6 feet; however, some
manufacturers make direct cables up to 50 feet long.
Physically connecting the computers
You can connect two computers by using a cable or a wireless connection. Both methods are relatively inexpensive to use. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
Cable
To connect the two computers with cable, you can use a parallel file-transfer cable, also called a high-speed direct parallel cable. The cable costs 25 to 30, and it connects to the
parallel port LPT port on each computer. Alternatively, you can use a serial cable, which costs only about 10 but transfers data at a slower rate 10 Kbps than a parallel cable 60 to
80 Kbps. You can use a USB cable as well.
You can use any of the following cables for a direct connection: ✦
A standard RS-232 cable the RS is short for Recommended Standard. This cable transmits data at about a 20 Kbps. A serial cable generally used for connecting a com-
puter to a peripheral device, the RS-232 has a maximum cable limit of 15 meters, or about 50 feet.
✦
A null modem cable, or RS-232-C cable. This cable connects two computers so that they can communicate without the use of a modem. A null modem cable connects the
serial ports. Speeds with a null modem cable usually average around 20 Kbps. ✦
A standard 4-bit cable, such as LapLink or InterLink cables. These cables were avail- able before 1992. Four-bit cables are parallel cables; speeds are often up to 60 Kbps.
✦
An Extended Capabilities Port ECP cable. Use this cable with an ECP-enabled paral- lel port; it enables data to transfer more quickly 60 to 80 Kbps than standard cables.
The ECP must be enabled in the basic inputoutput system BIOS. The BIOS is a set of instructions that enables the computer’s hardware and operating system to communi-
cate with peripheral devices.
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Chapter 8 ✦ Using Alternative Cabling Methods
✦ A universal cable module UCM cable. A parallel cable, the UCM supports connecting
different types of parallel ports. ✦
A universal serial bus USB cable. A USB cable transfers data up to 500 Kbps. You need to purchase a special cable for transfers between computers; specify you want a
USB connection cable to enable PC-to-PC file transfer. The parallel port is an inputoutput port that manages information 8 bits at a time; parallel
ports also are often used for connecting printers to a computer. You can generally find a high- speed direct parallel cable at any computer store.
A serial port transmits data more slowly, one bit at a time. Serial cables transmit data sequen- tially over only one pair of wires. Because parallel cables transmit data simultaneously over
multiple lines, parallel is the faster of the two connection methods: serial and parallel. USB ports transmit data very quickly and with the use of a USB hub, you can transfer data to
multiple computers.
Wireless connection
Another alternative is to set up a Direct Cable Connection using infrared light rather than a physical cable. Infrared is a method of making wireless network connections by using high-
frequency light waves to transmit the data instead of cabling. With infrared, you must have clear line of sight between the two computers because the light waves cannot penetrate
obstacles. You can use infrared to connect two or more computers in a network.
Infrared does supply high bandwidths, and it’s an inexpensive technology. If you don’t have a fairly short transmission distance, however, interference can be a problem. You configure an
infrared connection the same way you configure a Direct Cable Connection, except when you are asked about the port, you choose the infrared communications port.
Infrared connections usually are limited to 1 meter about 3 feet, but some manufacturers offer connections of up to 3 meters about 10 feet.
If you install infrared ports on your PCs, Windows automatically detects any other infrared device within line of sight and displays the connection. If the connection becomes broken or
interrupted, Windows indicates the problem with an audible signal and automatically tries to reestablish the signal for a period of time.
Many notebook computers have infrared technology built in. Check your computer for a small dark-red glass rectangle to find out if you have an infrared port. Two computers with
infrared ports can communicate with each other.
Configuring the connection in Windows
To use the Direct Cable Connection in Windows, it first must be installed on your computer. DCC may not be installed by the manufacturer, in which case you need to install it yourself.
After installation, Windows provides a wizard to help you complete the configuration of the connection.
To determine whether DCC is installed on your computer, choose Start ➪ Programs ➪ Accessories ➪ Communications ➪ Direct Cable Connection. If Direct Cable Connection isn’t
listed on the menu, you must install it discussed in the next section. If it is listed on the menu, skip to the section entitled “Configuring the Direct Cable Connection.”
Part II ✦ Planning and Setting Up Networking — Hardware and Software
Installing the Direct Cable Connection
If you have not installed DCC, you might need your Windows CD-ROM. You need to install DCC on both of the computers. Follow these steps:
1. Choose Start ➪ Settings ➪ Control Panel. 2. Double-click AddRemove Programs. The AddRemove Programs Properties dialog box
appears.
3. Choose the Windows Setup tab, as shown in Figure 8-1.
Figure 8-1: Use the Windows Setup tab of the AddRemove Programs Properties
dialog box.
4. Choose Communications, and then click the Details button. 5. Select Direct Cable Connection by clicking the check box to the left of the option, as
shown in Figure 8-2.
6. If Dial-Up Networking is not installed, select it as well by clicking the check box. Dial-Up
Networking contains features required by the Direct Cable Connection.
7. Click OK to return to the AddRemove Programs Properties dialog box. Click OK again
to install the features. Figure 8-3 shows the components installing. Insert the Windows CD-ROM if prompted. Close the Control Panel when you are finished.
Chapter 8 ✦ Using Alternative Cabling Methods
Figure 8-2: Choose to install DCC.
Figure 8-3: Windows installs the software. Your next step is to configure the Direct Cable Connection.
Configuring the Direct Cable Connection
Configuring the Direct Cable Connection is simple, because Windows supplies a wizard to help. To connect the two computers, you must designate one computer as the host and one
as the guest. The host computer provides the resources, similar to a server, and the guest uses the resources, similar to a client.
You also can share guest’s resources with the host; however, sharing is somewhat limited. Make sure that you select and indicate drives and folders on the guest as shared, and turn on
file and print sharing, as outlined in the following section.
After you set up the host computer, you need to go through these steps again to set up the guest computer.
Note
Part II ✦ Planning and Setting Up Networking — Hardware and Software
To set up DCC, follow these steps on the computer to be used as the host:
1. Choose Start ➪ Programs ➪ Accessories ➪ Communications ➪ Direct Cable Connection.
The Direct Cable Connection Wizard dialog box appears, as shown in Figure 8-4.
Figure 8-4: The wizard guides you through setting up the connection.
2. Click the Host button to set up the first computer as the host computer. Click the Next
button.
3. The next wizard dialog box lists the available ports on the computer, as shown in
Figure 8-5. Choose the port that corresponds with the direct cable you’re using. Note that you must use the same port on both computers; that is, if you use a parallel port
on one computer, you must use a parallel port on the other computer.
Figure 8-5: Select the port for the Direct Cable Connection.
4. Plug the cable into the ports, and then click the Next button. The last wizard box
appears, telling you that the setup was successful. If you want, you can set a password for the guest computer. Setting a password means that only the user who knows the
password can access your computer from the other one.
Chapter 8 ✦ Using Alternative Cabling Methods
Now you can set up the guest computer. Follow the preceding set of instructions, but in Step 2, click the Guest button in the first wizard dialog box. The host computer displays a dialog
box that states the connection’s status, as shown in Figure 8-6. When you complete the guest setup, the two computers communicate.
Figure 8-6: The host looks for the guest computer.
Configuring Windows to share
You need to tell Windows you want to share the files and printer on the host machine. You also need to check the name of the computers and the workgroups, check the protocols, and
share the drive or folders. To share, follow these steps:
Each of the following steps is explained in more detail in the following chapters. For infor- mation about configuring protocols, see Chapter 9. For information about accessing the files,
see Chapter 14.
1. Locate the Network Neighborhood on the desktop. 2. Right-click the Network Neighborhood icon and choose Properties from the quick menu.
The Network dialog box appears, as shown in Figure 8-7. You might or might not have the same components listed in your computer as in the figure.
3. In the Configuration tab, click the File and Print Sharing button. The File and Print
Sharing dialog box appears, as shown in Figure 8-8.
4. Check both check boxes: I Want to Be Able to Give Others Access to My Files and I
Want to Be Able to Allow Others to Print to My Printer.
5. Click OK to close the dialog box. 6. Select the Identification tab, and then check your computer name and the workgroup
name, as shown in Figure 8-9. Windows inserts a default name that might not be the name you want to use. The host and guest computers should have different computer
names, such as Sue and Molly or Win98 and Win2000. The workgroup name should be the same. You can name your workgroup “Workgroup” or your family name, for example.
Cross- Reference
Part II ✦ Planning and Setting Up Networking — Hardware and Software
Figure 8-7: Use network settings to set up file sharing.
Figure 8-8: Tell Windows you want to share your files and printer.
7. Go back to the Configuration tab and check to see if a network protocol is showing, such
as Transmission Control ProtocolInternet Protocol TCPIP or NetBIOS Extended User Interface NetBEUI. NetBEUI is the best choice for any Windows network if you’re new
to networking; it’s the easiest protocol to set up and use. TCPIP, on the other hand, offers many advantages over NetBEUI, such as speed and flexibility. Both computers
must use the same protocol to be able to communicate over the network. When you install the dial-up adapter, a protocol for the adapter is installed at the same time.
Chapter 8 ✦ Using Alternative Cabling Methods
You can add a protocol if one isn’t listed. For more information about adding a proto- col, see Chapter 10. Figure 8-10 illustrates the TCPIP protocol as installed for the dial-
up adapter. In the Network Components list, the entry that says TCPIP -Dial-Up Adapter is the one used for DCC.
8. Click OK to close the Network dialog box. If Windows prompts you to restart your com-
puter, do so now.
Figure 8-9: Check the computer name and workgroup name for each computer.
Figure 8-10: Both computers must have the same protocol installed.
Part II ✦ Planning and Setting Up Networking — Hardware and Software
Now you must share the drive or folder in the Windows Explorer or My Computer window. For information about sharing drives and folders, see Chapter 12.
Running the Direct Cable Connection
Anytime you want to connect the two computers, you first must start the host and then start the guest. You can use the Network Neighborhood to view the two computers and to share
files and printers. To establish a connection between the two computers, follow these steps:
1. On the host computer, choose Start ➪ Programs ➪ Accessories ➪ Communications ➪
Direct Cable Connection. The Direct Cable Connection dialog box appears, as shown in Figure 8-11.
Figure 8-11: Listen for the guest computer.
2. Click the Listen button. The Status dialog box appears. 3. Move to the guest computer and repeat Step 1. In the Direct Cable Connection dialog box,
click the Connect button. The connection is established between the two computers.
4. Anytime you want to view the host from the guest, after he or she is connected, you
can click the View Host button. When you view the host, you see the desktop of the other computer.
When you want to view files, you can open files from the Network Neighborhood, the Windows Explorer, or My Computer, just as if you were on your own computer. Figure 8-12
shows the guest and host computers in the Network Neighborhood. For information about how to use the Network Neighborhood, see Chapter 14.
Troubleshooting connections
You might find that you have some trouble with the Direct Cable Connection. Following are some common problems and their solutions:
✦ If you get the message “Unable to browse the Network” when you’re in the Network
Neighborhood or when you click the View Host button, it might be because the connec- tion is slow. Give the computers a few more seconds to connect, and try again.
✦ You don’t need an Ethernet network card to make DCC work. If you don’t have a net-
work card in your computer, however, you must enable the Browse Master for file and
Chapter 8 ✦ Using Alternative Cabling Methods
print sharing on the host computer only. To do that, open the Network properties dia- log box right-click the Network Neighborhood or My Network Places on the desktop
and choose Properties. In the Configuration tab, select File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks in the list of network components. Click the Properties button. The
File and Printer Sharing dialog box appears. In the Property list, select Browse Master; in the Value list, select Enabled. Click OK twice to close the dialog boxes.
✦ If you’re having trouble connecting the guest to the host, make sure that the computers’
names are different. ✦
If you’re having trouble using TCPIP with DCC, delete the TCPIP protocol and use NetBEUI instead. Sometimes TCPIP causes problems with connections between the
two computers. ✦
If your shutdown for the host computer is really slow, you can speed it up by disabling LM Announce, a networking feature in Windows. To disable this feature, right-click the
Network Neighborhood and choose Properties from the quick menu. In the Configuration tab of the Network dialog box, select File and Printer Sharing in the list of network com-
ponents. Click the Properties button. In the File and Printer Sharing dialog box, select LM Announce in the Property list and select No in the Value list. Click OK twice to close
the dialog boxes.
Figure 8-12: View the computers’ contents in the Network Neighborhood.
Using the Buddy BeTwin to connect two users
You know two users can share Windows computers by taking turns using it. Each user can create his or her own desktop settings, screen savers, application settings, Internet Explorer
and e-mail configurations, and so on by setting either share-level or user-level access control. If you’re not familiar with these controls, see Chapter 10.
Part II ✦ Planning and Setting Up Networking — Hardware and Software
With today’s powerful Pentium computers and Windows multitasking operating systems, one CPU can perform multiple tasks for two users at the same time. The Buddy BeTwin DualPRO
kit works with a Windows computer that has a processor speed of 350 MHz or faster. With the help of the Buddy BeTwin, a kit made by a third-party vendor, you can connect two
users to the same computer at the same time. Both users have simultaneous access to one CPU and all of the files, folders, applications, and peripherals attached to that CPU. Each user,
however, has his or her own mouse, keyboard, and monitor, as shown in Figure 8-13.
Figure 8-13: Connect two users to one computer by using Buddy BeTwin. The Buddy BeTwin isn’t appropriate for networking your small-business office, especially if
the two users will be working on the computer for any amount of time. Sharing one CPU would be frustrating and waste valuable work time. You should invest in a more traditional
method of networking your office computers.
You can run applications concurrently; use the Internet at the same time; send or receive e-mail or browse the Web; and share documents, a printer, a modem, a hard drive, and other
peripherals connected to the computer. The price of the system is 150, excluding the price of another keyboard, mouse, and monitor, which cost around 200 if you don’t already have
an old computer sitting around the house.
For more information about Buddy BeTwin, see the Web site at www.getabuddy.com.
Looking at requirements
You install an internal video card on the PC, and using up to 15 feet of video and USB cabling and a USB hub, you can attach another USB keyboard, monitor, and USB mouse to use the
CPU independently of the other user. The Buddy BeTwin requires the following:
✦ Pentium 233 MHz minimum, but a 600 MHz processor is preferable.
✦ Windows 98 or Me.
✦ 128MB RAM minimum.
✦ Available Industry Standard Architecture ISA slot. ISA is an older, 16-bit bus design;
most newer computers, however, offer one or two ISA slots. You can use an ISA slot to insert a modem, network, or other card to modify your computer.
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Chapter 8 ✦ Using Alternative Cabling Methods
Looking at the Buddy BeTwin
When you purchase the Buddy BeTwin, you must supply an additional monitor, keyboard, and mouse for each computer. The system does not include this hardware.
The system includes the following items: ✦
A video card to plug into your PC ✦
A 15-foot cable for video and USB usage ✦
A USB hub for attaching a second monitor, keyboard, and mouse ✦
Software for use with Windows 98 and Me Windows 95, 2000, and XP are not currently supported
✦ An instruction guide
Looking at the disadvantages
Naturally, a system such as this has its disadvantages. Users, for example, experience a lag time when either user is performing large file transfers, complex calculations, or other
processor-intensive tasks. When the user’s computer is attached to the Buddy BeTwin, starting most applications is
slower, and using applications at the same time slows down performance for both users. Playing video clips or games might be too slow for most users. They do play on the Buddy
BeTwin host, though. Also, sharing other peripherals isn’t as fast on the Buddy BeTwin station as on the first com-
puter. Additionally, the speed of modem communications suffers from sharing the CPU.
Using network cards and crossover cable
A common method of connecting two computers is with a crossover cable. A crossover cable is a special cable in which the cables are “mirrored” between the ends so that you can con-
nect two computers without a hub or switch. Make sure the cable you purchase is labeled as a crossover cable; a simple patch cable will not work.
In addition, you need a network interface card NIC installed to each computer. If the NICs are 10 Mbps, then that’s the speed of the network; however, if both NICs are 100 Mbps, the
network speed between the two is also 100 Mbps. You can use a crossover cable and NICs between two PCs, Macs, andor Linux computers.
You must use special software to enable two different operating systems to communicate. See Chapter 10 for more information.
Using Phone Lines for Your Network
Using your phone lines to network your computers is a technology you might want to explore. You can use the telephone cabling already in place in your home without rewiring or
installing traditional Ethernet cabling. You also can use the RJ-11 modular phone jacks that are already in place in your home as a port for a computer.
A phone line network enables you to share all resources on the network, including files, print- ers, applications, games, modems and cableDSL modems, CD-ROM drives, and other periph-
erals. Most home phone line networks run at 1 Mbps, which is fast enough for general
Part II ✦ Planning and Setting Up Networking — Hardware and Software
networking. Some phone line network products claim up to 10 Mbps speeds, but it is highly doubtful you’ll get that speed with phone line technology. If you want to work with multi-
media, large graphic files, or complex calculations over the network, then you should con- sider a faster network technology.
You can use phone line networking with PCs, Macs, andor Linux distributions; however, you must install the appropriate software for the computer and operating system you’re using.
For example, software that works for a Mac and PC might not work for Linux; software that works for a PC and Linux might not work for a Mac.
Using your phone lines for networking provides scalability — as you acquire new computers or add new users, you can add to your network without making existing devices obsolete.
Using the phone lines is also secure for your network. Neighbors or others outside the home cannot access your network or computers over the network.
Don’t plan on using a phone line network in your small business if you work on the network for several hours or more each day. The 1 Mbps speeds are too slow for you to complete
your work efficiently and effectively.
Understanding phone line networks
Phone line networks enable you to share files, printers, and other peripherals, including modems and CD-ROM drives. Figure 8-14 shows one home phone line networking solution.
You can attach multiple PCs and peripherals to the network for sharing resources. Attach each peripheral to the computer by using traditional parallel or serial cables. Attach comput-
ers to the network by using telephone wires and jacks.
Small Business
Tip Note
Standards for Phone Line Networking
The Home Phoneline Networking Alliance HomePNA is an incorporated, nonprofit association of industry-leading companies working together to ensure the adoption of a single, unified
phone line networking industry standard for vendors and manufacturers. The HomePNA tests and reports on various networking products that use phone lines. In its testing and results on the
topic, the HomePNA has set forth guidelines to guarantee home owners a successful phone line network. Following are some of the guidelines:
✦ The network must share the phone line with other devices and services so that the tech-
nology is immune to interference on the phone line. The phones, answering machines, fax machines, and other devices must not cause any electronic interference on the
network.
✦ Networking across phone lines must not interrupt existing phone services.
✦ A networked phone line system must be able to allow for various wiring topologies,
because the telephone wiring within each home is different and may change. A phone line network is sometimes called the random tree topology.
✦ The phone line network must be able to stand high levels of signal noise from
appliances, heaters, and other devices in the home.
Chapter 8 ✦ Using Alternative Cabling Methods
Figure 8-14: A home phone line network enables you to share files and other resources. A phone line network uses standard telephone wire to connect your computers. The ends of
the phone wire use RJ-11 jacks, just like the lines to your telephones do. All you have to do is plug the RJ-11 jacks into an extra phone jack in the wall.
The special network adapter card different from an Ethernet card you insert into your com- puter essentially divides the data traveling over the lines into separate frequencies — one for
voice, one for network data, and, if applicable, one for wide-bandwidth Internet access such as Digital Subscriber Line. DSL is a technology that transmits data in both directions simulta-
neously over copper lines.
In addition to setting up a phone line network, you might want to use the phone line net- work to complement any other networking media in your home, such as Ethernet CAT 5,
wireless, or power line networks. Telephone lines are copper lines; most phone lines are now CAT 3. The phone line networking
frequencies can coexist on the same telephone line without impacting the phone service. Data transfers for phone line networks run at speeds up to 1 Mbps.
Tip
