Introduction To Wireless Home Networking
What is Home Networking?
Who is it suitable for?
Does Optus Customer Care support home networks?
Networking Types: Wireless Vs Wired
Wireless Networks. What Do I Need?
Wireless Standards
What devices can I connect to a Wireless Network?
What are the Wireless Network limitations
Shopping for Wireless Devices
What is Home Networking?
Home Networking simply means having a collection of two or more computers and associated devices linked together via communication equipment in a home environment.Home Networking enables sharing of connected resources like broadband Internet connections, printers and other hardware peripherals and files and data stored on shared hard disk drives.
The below image displays an example of a Home Network.
Who is it suitable for?
The benefit of Home Networking is reaped by individuals who wish to connect two or more computers to a single broadband connection. Solutions for Home Networking are available for people of any technical skill level. It’s simply a matter of selecting the right solution for you.
Does Optus Customer Care support Home Networks?
At this point in time, no. Optus Customer Care does not support home networks. As stated in the Optus Terms of Use - Optus will provide Customer Support for the connection to the Optus Cable or DSL Network to a single computer that meets the current Supported System Requirements. Optus will not provide Customer Support for the configuring of additional computers, networking devices or Local Area Networks for connection to the Optus Cable or DSL Network.
The use of a Local Area Network (LAN) for private use is permitted, however the set-up and configuration of a LAN connected to the Modem is not supported by customer service.
Networking Types: Wireless Vs Wired
When choosing a solution for a Home Network there are wired and wireless options.
Wired options are lower cost, have fast speed and can achieve wider coverage then wireless. However, the obvious limitation of a wired network is the actual “wire” or cabling. Wired networks are best planned when building a new home, renovating or when adding home extension. In an existing home the installation can be difficult, cables have to be run to each device and expanding the number of network devices to different rooms may require a networking professional.
Wireless Networks on the other hand are quick and easy to install, require no home cabling, expending the network is easy and the user has the freedom to move their computer anywhere in the home or even on the patio/veranda.
Wireless Networks. What Do I Need?
1. To add a basic wireless network to your existing broadband connection you will need the following. Broadband Access Point.
A Broadband Access Point is simply your Broadband Internet Connection.
2. Wireless Router.
The Wireless Router is the interconnect point between two networks. The first network being the Internet and the second being the number of computers in your home wirelessly connected to the Wireless Router. The Wireless Router allows the messages to flow between these two networks.
3. Wireless Bridge.
The Wireless Bridge is the device that connects the computer to the Wireless Router. Wireless Bridges also known as Wireless Adaptors are either PCMCIA, PCI or USB type adaptors, the type of computer you have and its configuration determines what Wireless Adaptor is best suited for you.
Please note: Mixing wireless network products from various vendors may present compatibility issues with your network. Therefore, it is recommended that you choose from the selection of devices offered by a single vendor.
Wireless Standards
Standards are set rules that are used to ensure consistency. Wireless Network standards are agreed upon technological rules used by device manufacturers to help ensure compatibility between devices that follow the set standards. An example of a different technological standard would be HyperText Markup Language (HTML), version 4.0 is the standard publishing language used by web sites on the World Wide Web.
The most popular wireless standards are Wi-Fi 802.11b or “B” and Wi-Fi 802.11g or “G”. The “G” technology is new technology and rapid growth is expected. It is relatively inexpensive and is compatible with the existing “B” networkdevices. The main differentiator between “B” and “G” technology is network speed, “G” technology is up to 5 times faster then “B”.
What devices can I connect to a Wireless Network?
• Desktop Computer
• Notebook
• Playstation 2 or an Xbox Gaming Consoles
• Palm Pilots
• Printers
What are the Wireless Network limitations
There are a number of factors that could limit the service quality of a wireless network.
• As the wireless network connects a number of devices to one Internet access point, the more devices accessing the Internet simultaneously the more available bandwidth could be affect.
• Distance between access point to the computer/device may impact signal strength.
• Obstructions such as thick walls, large metal objects, and bodies of water such as fish tanks and above ground swimming pools may impact signal strength.
• Devices using the same 2.4GHz frequency such as cordless telephone and some microwave ovens may interfere with wireless network access and performance.
Please note: The above points simply outline a few issues to be aware of when planning your wireless network.
Wireless Network Security Options
When installing a wireless network it is important to ensure that the proper security precautions are taken. For information on Wireless Network Security options please visit the Wireless Network Security page.
Shopping for Wireless Devices
Optus has a number of Wireless Network devices in our Members Offers Channel. Please visit the Member Offer Channel for details.