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## Networking

"Networking" a computer means connecting it to another computer, either in your own home or office, or to the Internet. There are two ways of networking, and it is possible to have a mix of both, so you could enjoy the benefits of both.

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|  | **A wireless (or wifi) network** is the more versatile way of connecting computers in the office or home, particularly if you have a laptop and move from room to room with it.<br>Your laptop (and some desktops and printers) will have an in-built wireless aerial. To prevent other people accessing your computer and Internet connection, your wireless system will have a secret security key.<br>To connect to another computer or to the Internet, you will require a wireless router, which is the transmitter.<br>The router is normally provided by your Internet Service Provider and is located near to the main telephone socket.<br>(If you have cable TV, your TV box will also be your router and wireless transmitter.)<br>**Wireless Speeds** 
- they are called **a**, **b**, **g** and **n**. The frequency of most wireless devices is 2.4GHz, but there is a new, faster wireless network on a 5GHz frequency.<br>**N** offers speeds up to 300Mbps; **G** up to 54Mbps; **B** up to 11Mbps; **A** is no longer used.<br>**Main advantage of wireless: portable**<br>Main disadvantage of wireless: connection gets slower, the further you are from the transmitter. Walls and electrical interference also reduce the speed of your connection. |
|  | **A wired network** is a fixed cable method of connecting computers in your office or home, and is better if you have a desktop computer.<br>The speeds offered by a wired solution are far higher than with wireless and they are not subject to interference.<br>**Wired Speeds** 
- they are **10**, **100** (Fast Ethernet) and **1000** (Gigabit Ethernet)<br>**Main advantage of wired: faster, stable speeds**<br>Main disadvantage of wired: installing cables neatly in the office or home can be more costly and messy. |
|  | **Ethernet over Power** 
- this is a system which uses the electrical wiring in your home or office to carry network signals<br>These plug-in units can provide either a wired or wireless network signal, depending on the make/model.<br>They can offer data speeds up to 500Mbps, but this depends on the distance between the units and other factors (see below).<br>**These units work best when both ends are connected to the same electrical ring-main circuit.**<br>They should be plugged directly into the wall socket, and not into a trailing extension socket.<br>They will not work if they are plugged into electrical ring mains which go back to different fuse-boxes (consumer units). |