| To Wire or Not to Wire | | | | wireless networks, a car parked outside with a |
| Wireless networks are en vogue, but your | | | | laptop could easily connect to your network if you |
| installation won't be successful unless you chose | | | | don't have proper security in place. To prevent |
| the right type of network and set it up properly. | | | | this from happening, encrypt your wireless |
| Wired networks require that each computer be | | | | network connections, or set a password to |
| connected via a wire to a central location, called a | | | | access the network, or do both. |
| switch or hub. This often involves installing cables | | | | Do It Yourself or Call a Professional? |
| through walls and ceilings and can present a | | | | If you decide to use a wired network, consider |
| challenge for anyone. | | | | whether you will install it yourself or hire a |
| If the computers in your home or office are all | | | | professional. If you have a small number of |
| within 500 feet of each other, a wireless network | | | | computers that are all situated very close to one |
| might be for you. A wireless network has no | | | | another, you may be able to buy pre-assembled |
| cables. It can connect computers on different | | | | network cables and connect them yourself. If you |
| floors of a building or even across the street. | | | | need to wire multiple floors and lay wire through |
| Aside from the obvious benefit of not having | | | | ceilings and walls, you need a professional |
| wires, wireless networks are more convenient | | | | installation. If you go this route, it is best to begin |
| since the setup, configuration, and reconfiguration | | | | with a floor plan of your office or home, |
| can often be done within minutes, without | | | | determine what your current needs are, and |
| extensive planning. | | | | consider how the network design can be adapted |
| Wireless networks, however, are not as fast as | | | | to future needs. A professional installer should be |
| wired networks. If you play computer games or | | | | familiar with EIA/TIA standards, local wiring and |
| want to view streaming video or other high-speed | | | | electrical codes, and making custom cables. |
| multimedia, a wireless network might not have | | | | Network cabling professionals are often judged by |
| enough capacity. But, if you just want to check | | | | the neatness of their work, because sloppy |
| e-mail and view web pages, a wireless network is | | | | cabling is more apt to deteriorate over time, |
| a good choice. To install a wireless network, you | | | | harder to manage, and poses more of a fire risk. |
| need a Wireless Access Point and a wireless | | | | Having a wireless network or a wired network is |
| network card for each computer. You will need to | | | | not mutually exclusive. Many small offices have a |
| buy a wireless network card for each desktop | | | | wired network in addition to one or more wireless |
| computer, although most newer laptops come | | | | networks, depending on their needs. Wireless |
| equipped with one. | | | | networks are continuing to get faster, more |
| Security is not a large concern in a wired | | | | secure, and less expensive. Wired networks will |
| network, since someone would have to physically | | | | continue to coexist with wireless networks, often |
| connect to a wired network to break in. In | | | | in the same homes and offices. |