The world of computers is fast moving and evolving day by day. Its becoming more of a necessity. People use computers at home and office. Many have 2 or more computers at home. Say a desktop and a laptop for instance. The need to have Internet access on both the computers at the same time for individuals to browse may arise and that’s when it calls for networking. We are going to find out as how home based network can be set up. Wired and wireless( Wi-fi) .
Not many know that we can have a wireless network at home. Exactly the same as what you get with Tata proton USB stick or at Wi-Fi zones. However, that is restricted to one computer at a time. Not so cost effective.’Routers’ are the simple solution to this issue. Types of router: Wired and wireless( ADSL Routers:- Dial up) mostly given by BSNL. Linksys router which support PPPoE:-Dial up, static Ip provided by Sifi, Tata, BSNL modem etc broadband services. When it comes to Routers having unlimited usage plan is always suggested. I personally use a Linksys WRT54G v7 with BSNL modem. These routers can be setup manually at home or request the service provider technician to help you out. I have found Linksys user-friendly from by experience so far.
linksys.com Technical Support help link for India: 1-800-419-5797
Lets take a scenario. You have a desktop computer and a laptop. Internet service provider Sifi broadband or BSNL broadband .
Sifi( ISP):- Gives you a direct Ethernet line.( No modem) They give a static Ip to connect one computer or a Static Ip and a dial up in case of a Limited plan. What you do is set the router to Static IP and connect it to the Sifi line.( Use the log in screen on the computer you wish to connect if you have limited plan. If you are using 2 computers and one is already connected and going online the other wireless laptop connected to the router will automatically go online.) If you have unlimited plan you have no Log in screen. All computers connected to the router go online when turned on.
Setup connection: SIFI line-Router-Desktop computers - Laptops( Wireless)
BSNL( ISP):- In this scenario you are provided with a modem by your ISP making things lot simple. Unlimited usage plan in this case is Ideal for use of wired and wirelss routers.
Setup connection: Modem-Router-desktop computers- Laptops( Wireless)
In this case not much of setting are needed to be done on a Linksys routers. Simply plug in the cables. The router in turn distributes Internet connection to the computers wired and laptops.
Note: You need not have a wired desktop computer to the router. Can also use a wireless laptop configure the router using a cable from the laptop to the router and then use the laptop wireless.
In both scenario you can have a wired desktop and the laptop working online on Internet at the same time or any when needed. You need not keep the main computer on all the time for other computers to work. They all have Individual Internet connection through the router.
File and printer sharing can also be done in both the cases.You need no Interent connection to do so. To share a printer connected to a computer through the router so that other computers can print can be done, provided that computer with the printer is on when you wish to print using other computer through the router . One can have 4 wired computer on a router as it has 4 ports available by default. If not you can add a switch to increase the wired connection ports. Wireless can be added as and when needed.
You can use a Wi-fi compatible cell phone or PDA to go online through the router as well. A security code can be set on Linksys router for wireless connection to maintain privacy.
The download speed from the ISP gets distributed evenly or can be set up for Individual computers from the router settings.
Cost: Basic wireless G router from Linksys cost apx 3000. Wireless range 70 to 80 ft radius.
Tata proton: 3600 one time charge. Monthly rent extra. Can only be used on one computer at a time.
Note: - A desktops can also be set as a wireless computer if you connect a wireless card in it, available in the market. Linksys models: wusb54g, wmp54g etc.
You can increase the wireless range by adding a wireless repeater or a access point in a repeater mode. Range expander: Wre54g( However, reduces the speed by half) 70ft additional range.
Access point: WAP54G( Keeps the speed same) 70 to 100 ft additional range.
Thank you!