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Network Topology Guide
Learn more about each
network type (topology)
Below is a list of popular home networking
types. Clicking on a type of network will bring you to a
description of that network type and links to resources relating to
that topology on HomeNetHelp and abroad. If you need help,
please use the Network
Topology Forum here at HomeNetHelp.
Popular Networks:
The most popular network method because of the
low price of the network cards, reliability and speed; but it can be
a pain to run the wires through your home.
802.11b is now the standard for wireless
networking in both the home and business. It has become
inexpensive, has good speed but may not is not apporporiate for
secure communications.
A new standard for wireless ethernet, 802.11a
is incompatible with 802.11b and g. It does however offer
amazing speeds for a wireless network.
HPNA, PhoneLine or HomePNA networking works
over the existing copper telephone wires in your home without
interfering with voice or DSL communications. HomePNA 3.0 will
push the speed up to 100Mbps when it comes out!
Alternative Technologies
Alternative networking technologies are often
used to supplement a primary network. The can be 'bridged' to
other networks to creats a seamless infrastructure.
The fastest network technology available to
the home or small business, gigabit ethernet comes built in to most
Mac systems now. As the name suggests,
gigabit ethernet runs at 1000Mbps
An uprgade to 802.11b, the 802.11g standard
doubles the speed of 802.11b while retaining compatibility.
Modern operating systems now support
networking over firewire cables. Most appropriate for short
distances, firewire is FAST and inexpensive to install. Great
for transferring huge video files between computers! 800Mbps
firewire is on it's way too!
A new wireless networking technology, bluetooth
has recently made an appearance. It is easy to implement and
will be VERY inexpensive soon. Because of its low speed
(1.5Mbps) it is not appropriate as a replacement for other
networks but IS valuable (as apple will soon
prove).
Developed to compete with 802.11b, HomeRF made
a brief appearance and died off. Siemens and Proxim were the
main supporters.
Powerline networking has also recently made an
appearance, but is very expensive - about $125+ per computer.
The Chart
| Technology |
Speed |
Wireless |
Range |
Support |
Cost |
| Ethernet 10/100 |
100Mbs |
N |
A |
A |
A |
| 802.11b |
11Mbps |
Y |
B |
A |
B |
| 802.11a |
52/72 Mbps |
Y |
C |
B |
C |
| PhoneLine 2.0 |
10Mbps |
N |
A |
B |
B |
| Gigabit Ethernet |
1000Mbps |
N |
A |
D |
D |
| 802.11g |
22/54Mbps |
Y |
C |
NA |
NA |
| Firewire |
400Mbps |
N |
D |
C |
A |
| Bluetooth |
1.5Mbps |
Y |
D |
C |
C |
| HomeRF 2.0 |
10Mbps |
Y |
B |
C |
C |
| PowerLine |
14Mbps |
N |
A |
C |
C |
Chart Explanation
- D is poor or inappropriate, A is best
Range: In terms of a
home network, will it cover the whole house? A D means short
distances, an A means almost any home would be covered without
additional equipment.
Support: In terms of
industry support for home networking ranging from drivers for
different OS's, the availability of bridges and routers, and the
support the industry has for using this technology as a home network
solution.
Cost: An A is the
least expensive. This is the relative cost not just for the
network adapters, but the relative cost of hubs, access points,
repeaters, or other things needed for a complete home networking
solution.
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