Networking Basics

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Do you know what wireless technology your computer can support?

Networking Basics

Setting up a wireless computer network in your home is becoming the standard today. More and more homes now have multiple computers and users with different needs and schedules. Only having one Internet connection in a home with several computers and no network can be very problematic. A wireless router allows multiple computers to share access without being dependent on one another. This means that if one machine crashes, the others on that network will not lose their Internet connection. The router also allows computers on the same network to interact with each other, sharing anything from personal files to hardware devices like printers.

It is important to make sure that your computer -- desktop or laptop -- has the proper networking card. Wireless routers use a technology called 802.11. This technology also has different configurations with varying data transfer rates. The configuration range is 802.11 a/b/g/n, with 802.11g being the most common and 802.11n boasting the fastest transfer rate. So if you are using a wireless router with 802.11n technology, you must make sure that the networking card in your machine is using that configuration as well. Many laptops will come with an integrated wireless adaptor, but if yours does not you can purchase a wireless PCMCIA or USB adaptor.

For the best products at affordable prices check out TigerDirect.com. You will find everything from switches and routers to networking cards and reviews of all products to help guide your purchase.

   

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