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

Wireless networking is more expensive and often slower than most wired solutions.  All wireless networks are subject to interference because of walls, large metal objects, water, pipes, etc.  Expect wireless networks to operate at about 1/2 their rated speed under all but ideal environments.  Even with the increased cost and the relatively slow performance, wireless networking offers something wired networks can not - portability.  A laptop on a wireless network is free to roam between the bedroom, kitchen and living room without loosing network connectivity.  This functionality can be expanded to include internet access! 

There are meny wireless network types available, but I would suggest sticking with a standard embraced by multiple vendors.  If you choose a proprietary solution, expanding your network may be impossible if the original vendor has dropped support.

Wireless HomeRF

HomeRF 2.0 runs at 10Mbps and has a range of 150 ft.  HomeRF is popular as a USB device and is therefore very easy to implement. It has not picked up many manufacturers in the industry but is is not a dead standard yet.   

Price for 2 Computers $180

Price for 5 Computers $450

 

802.11b -- 11Mbps and the most popular standard

802.11g -- 22Mbps and talks to 802.11b equipment

802.11a -- 54Mbps and does NOT talk with 802.11b or g

 

802.11b networks have become the standard for wireless home networking.  With it's popularity has come a dramatic price decrease over the last year or so.  802.11b is not without its problems - hard to set up, subject to interference and lack of bullet proof security to name a few but it 'is' the best solution available to us.  Expect real performance of about 5Mbps or 3.5Mbps with encryption enabled.  802.11b is widely embraced by the entire networking industry and will continue being supported for many many years. 

Unlike standard ethernet, wireless ethernet does not need a hub.  Wireless ethernet 'base stations' are sold, but they are not needed for standard peer to peer networking.  If some of your PC's are running Wired Ethernet or HomePNA, a Base Station may be need for wired computrs and wireless computers to communicate with each other.

At one time, some 802.11b products had a hard time talking with each other so a WiFi standard was created.  Now days, you do not have to worry about this:  see the WiFi web site at http://www.wirelessethernet.org  

**Detailed wireless ethernet info here:  **

Price for 2 Desktop PC's $180

Price for 2 Laptops $150

Part 1: Wired Networks

Part 3: Feature Charts

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