Click OK to return to the AddRemove Programs Properties dialog box. Click OK again

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 Part II ✦ Planning and Setting Up Networking — Hardware and Software With a phone line network, you don’t need a hub or other networking hardware; however, you do need the following: ✦ A home phone line network adapter certified by HomePNA with the necessary soft- ware drivers ✦ A standard telephone wire long enough to reach from the computer to the nearest phone jack Many of the phone line networks support Ethernet networks, so you can combine two net- working technologies to build the network that’s right for you. Alternatively, you might want to use a phone line network with wireless or power line network technology. Looking at home phone line network kits and products Kits make it easy and quick to install a home phone line network. Everything you need for networking two computers is included in most kits. All you need to do to expand the network is add a network adapter and the telephone wire to the new computer. Linksys HomeLink Phoneline PCI Network in a Box The Linksys HomeLink Phoneline PCI Network in a Box kit uses no switches, hubs, or other special hardware; all you need are the adapter cards, software drivers, and telephone wires to connect from 2 to 30 computers together in a network with speeds up to 1 Mbps. The operat- ing systems HomeLink works with include Windows 95, 98, NT, and 2000. Using the HomeLink kit, you can share files, printers, modems, and more without tying up the telephones in the house. Also, HomeLink includes software for sharing an Internet account over the network. Included with HomeLink is the Sygate Technologies Sygate Home Network Gateway software, which enables you to connect to the Internet with your home phone line network. For more information about the Internet, see Chapter 16. HomeLink includes a CD-ROM containing software that automatically sets up the network so that all available resources can be shared. You do have control over the shares, however, and you can isolate devices that you don’t want to share. Installation and setup couldn’t be easier. The HomeLink Network in a Box two-pack includes the following items, for around 75 per kit: ✦ Two phone line network adapter cards ✦ Two 15-foot phone line cables ✦ One installation CD-ROM ✦ A user guide ✦ Sygate Home Network Gateway software Additional HomeLink Phoneline Network cards cost around 40 each. The HomeLink Network in a Box uses 802.3 standards 10Base-T and meets the HomePNA specifications. Also, the phone line network cards contain RJ-11 and RJ-45 ports, so you can connect the card to either a phone line network or a traditional Ethernet network. D-Link Internal Phone Line Adapter Card D-Link makes phone line network adapter cards you can use to share files, printers, and Internet access through the existing telephone wiring. The adapter fits into your PCI slot. You need to install a driver, supplied by D-Link, and then you can connect that computer to a standard phone jack in your home. Chapter 8 ✦ Using Alternative Cabling Methods Repeat the process to connect two computers over the phone lines. This card works with Windows 98, NT, 2000, and XP. One card costs around 25; remember, you have to have two cards. You also need to purchase extra phone line wire. 2Wire PC Port The 2Wire PC Port is a high-speed USB-to-HomePNA adapter you can use to share an Internet connection cable, DSL, or dial-up with multiple computers, after you set up your phone line network. You plug the PC Port into your computer’s USB port and a phone jack. You must run the installation CD that comes with the PC Port, and then you’re ready to share the Internet connection. Costing around 45, the PC Port is compatible with Windows 98, 98SE, Me, NT 4, 2000, XP, and Mac OS 8.6 through 9.x. The following are included with the PC Port: ✦ Twenty-inch standard USB cable ✦ Six-foot standard telephone cable ✦ Y-adapter to provide an extra phone jack for a telephone ✦ Installation CD Linksys HomeLink Phoneline Bridge The Linksys HomeLink Phoneline 10M Ethernet Bridge provides a bridge between the Internet andor your Ethernet network and your phone line network. The bridge contains a 10Base-T 100Base-TX RJ-45 Ethernet port, an Uplink port, and a HomeLink RJ-11 port. You can plug Installing a Phone Line Network Just to give you an idea of how simple it is to use a phone line network, here are the steps to installing the Linksys HomeLink Phoneline Network. First, you must choose a server or host com- puter; this computer should be the one with the modem and Internet connection, if you plan to use the modem-sharing software. Follow these steps:

1. Turn off and unplug the PC, remove the cover, and locate an open PCI expansion slot. For

more information about installing network cards, see Chapter 9.

2. Remove the strip that covers the bay, and slide the HomeLink card into the slot. To make

sure that the card is properly seated, firmly snap it into the slot. Secure the card, carefully, with the screw. 3. Replace the cover on the computer, and plug the computer into the power outlet. 4. Plug one end of the telephone cable provided into the HomeLink card’s telephone port, and plug the other end of the telephone cable into a wall phone jack. 5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for any additional PCs you want to connect to the network. 6. Turn on the server PC. Windows will recognize the HomeLink card. Insert the HomeLink CD-ROM and follow the directions on screen to complete setup. Repeat with the other PCs on the network. HomeLink includes complete written instructions for installing the HomeLink software and for configuring the PCs on the network.