Networking: A Beginner’s Guide Fifth Edition- P17:I have run into many people over the years who have gained good even impressive working knowledge of PCs, operating systems, applications, and common problems and solutions. Many of these people are wizards with desktop computers. | 62 Networking A Beginner s Guide All of these components are available separately just as you would purchase them for a business. You can also purchase home networking kits which include all of the components that you need along with instructions for setting up the home network. TIP Look for recent reviews of products for home networking and use those reviews to help you decide which product meets your needs. Many computer magazines have up-to-date product reviews including reviews of home-oriented products. Check your local library or the magazine rack at your local bookstore. Phoneline and Powerline Networking Options A point made in the preceding section bears repeating The hardest part of installing a home network is the wiring. Most people aren t qualified to install network cabling nor do they want to start making holes in their walls and trying to figure out how to route cabling through their house or under their house . Many companies have come out with alternative network options that eliminate the need for installing network cabling including phoneline and powerline networks. Phoneline Networks It s possible to use a home s existing telephone wiring to provide a network connection between computers in a home. This option becomes attractive if there are telephone connections near each computer. Intel 3Com D-Link and other companies offer phoneline network kits for the home. A resource available on the Internet for phoneline networking is http www .. Powerline Networks Some companies offer hardware that lets you network computers through a home s existing power wiring. The network equipment transmits its information through the power wiring and all that s needed is to plug a special adapter into an available outlet near each computer. Be aware that powerline networks are subject to electrical noise from various types of equipment in the home. One reviewer in fact had his powerline network crash every time his refrigerator s compressor came on. .
