choose a home network topology:
Ethernet, HomePNA, HomeRF or 802.11b, Wireless

Popular Network Types

Ethernet: 10/100Mbps

Home PNA 2.0 (Phone Line): 10Mbps

Wireless 802.11b: 11 Mbps

Wireless HomeRF 2.0: 10Mbps

When choosing a network type (topology) for your home four things should be considered.  Cost, Expandability, Location of Your PC's and speed.  This article does not explain every networking type available, but each of the following network types offer a solution that is suitable for the home, has wide industry support and offers a good value for the money.

 The most popular network type for both home and business is Ethernet.  Ethernet is fastest of the network types and can be the least expensive.  Ethernet networks are very stable and your network speed will never fluctuate or be prone to interference like other network types are.  Ethernet requires special cables running from each computer.  These cables are plugged into a central 'ethernet hub' or 'switch'.  If your computers are far apart, running cable in an existing home may be difficult.  Pre-made ethernet cables come in sizes ranging from 3 feet to 50 feet.  Ethernet adapters come in many shapes and sizes, but PCI Ethernet cards are both the fastest and least expensive.

Ethernet can operate at 10Mbps or 100Mbps.  When shopping for ethernet equipment, be sure to look for 100Mbps or 10/100Mbps equipment.  10Mbps equipment is older and slower than the 10/100Mbps equipment and the price difference has become nigligible.  Note, older 10Mbps equipment will work just fine on 10/100Mbps networks.

If only two computers are being connected, a single CROSSOVER cable can be used instead of the standard cables + switch method. 

Price for 2 computers at 100Mbps:  $70

Price for 3 computers at 100Mbps:  $85

Price for 4 computers at 100Mbps:  $100

or

Crossover cable - $10

Phone line networks offer a balance between speed, price, and  ease of installation.  Phone Line Networks, known as HomePNA networks, utilize your existing phone line wiring in your home.  HomePNA networks do NOT interfere with the normal operation of phone lines for voice, fax or modem use.  HomePNA networks allow the same phone line wires in your home to operate your network AND your modem or voice call at the same time.

HomePNA is available in two standards 1.0 and the new 2.0.  They operate at 1Mbps and 10Mbps respectively.  Since the price difference between 1Mbps HomePNA and 10Mbps HomePNA has become negligible, I would suggest 10Mps, Home PNA 2.0.  HomePNA speeds are subject to the quality of the phone lines in your home and certian kinds of interference.  It is not uncommon for speeds of only 5Mbps to be reachable in many homes.

Price for 2 computers at 10Mbps $100

Price for 3 computers at 10Mbps $150

Price for 4 computers at 10Mbps $200

-->Part 2: Wireless Networks

choose a home network topology:
Ethernet, HomePNA, HomeRF or 802.11b, Wireless