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| Top 10 Things To Know About Networking |
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| Computers | |
| March 1, 2010 • Vol.7 Issue 3 | |
Top 10 Things To Know About Networking Keep It Simple, Safe & Speedy | |
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Setting up a wired or wireless network at home or networking while on the road only requires a few components. At the core of any network is the router, a central hub through which all the connected devices communicate and access Internet service. On a wired network, devices connect via a high-speed cable called Ethernet cable. On a wireless network, computers connect through the Wi-Fi protocol, although Wi-Fi routers often include a few Ethernet ports, as well. Once everything is set up, there are a few additional things you should take into consideration. These 10 tips will help keep your network operations running smoothly. 1. Tell your computer what you want to share. Networking lets you access files and additional resources on other computers connected to the same network. But you can do this only after you’ve enabled File Sharing in your computer’s Control Panel (Windows) or System Preferences (Macs). 2. Consolidate your setup with network-ready peripheral devices. Some printers, scanners, and external hard drives let you connect them to a network router. This way, a single device is available to all network users instead of needing one at each computer. 3. For optimal performance, set your Wi-Fi router to 802.11n. Wi-Fi, whose technical label is 802.11, uses four possible standards: a, b, g, and n. The latest standard is 802.11n, which provides the best combination of transmission speed, range, security, and flexibility. 4. If your Wi-Fi router supports it, use the 5GHz frequency. Most wireless networks use the 2.4GHz frequency, which numerous other gadgets (cordless phones, game controllers, Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens, and more), also use. Too many competing devices can cause signal interference in the form of slowdowns and dropouts. However, many routers now offer a 5GHz option, which is much less crowded. 5. Keep your Wi-Fi network private by activating your router’s password-protected encryption. This will prevent strangers from using your Internet service by wirelessly connecting to your network. Such uninvited guests will, at the very least, leech part of your bandwidth but may also have more nefarious schemes in mind—for example, exploring files on your hard drive or using your service for illegal activity. 6. For protection from outside attacks, use your router firewall instead of your computer firewall. A home computer only needs one firewall to protect it from external threats. Generally, router firewalls are more powerful than their software counterparts and won’t impede traffic within your network. 7. If you are worried about internal threats, you will need a software firewall. Router firewalls only monitor inbound communication. If you’re apprehensive about spyware or other malware sending out information about you, a software firewall will monitor outgoing traffic and alert you to unexpected communication. 8. Network connections might stop working every once in a while. Network connections will inexplicably fail sometimes but can usually be restored simply by turning off your router for a few moments and then turning it back on. If Internet access is affected (and it isn’t your service provider’s fault), turn off your modem, too; after its connection is re-established, turn your router back on. 9. For networking while traveling, be prepared by bringing the proper hardware. A notebook computer with built-in Wi-Fi will let you join wireless networks (also known as hotspots) just about anywhere. But bring along a short Ethernet cable, too, in case unforeseen circumstances require you to make a wired connection. 10. When networking in public, disable File and Printer Sharing. Chances are you don’t need these in, say, a coffeehouse. So turn them off. On a public network, hackers could use these open settings to exploit your computer. by Brian Hodge |
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