Computers are the basis for both modern technology and modern society. The world of today thrives on information and getting that information from one place to another is crucial to survival. Even in one’s own home, multiple computers must be able to communicate with one another and other devices. This may seem like a daunting task for the inexperienced user who has never setup a computer network before but it is rather simple. This article will explain what a computer network is and what it is capable of, go over the two types of computer networks, and list several routers that can be used for high speed networking.
What is a Computer Network
A computer network is a connection between two or more computers that allows information to be shared between them. Computers in a network can be in the same room, the same office, the same building, or in some other close environment in which signals can be transferred to each computer. Computer networks allow each computer to communicate with each of the other computers in the network and can even be extended to devices such as printers, scanners, cameras, and mobile devices. While the Internet is a type of computer network, it is usually set aside as its own entity as it does not follow the rules of a standard computer network.
LAN/Ethernet Connection
A LAN (Local Area Network) or Ethernet connection is a type of wired connection that allows multiple computers to communicate with each other. A LAN connection uses an Ethernet cable (usually blue) to physically attach the computers to the same modem or router. The modem or router is able to collect information from each computer and forward it to the Internet as if it came directly from the computer. Likewise, the modem or router is able to take information from the Internet and pass it on to the appropriate computer. The computers in the network are even able to communicate with each other without using the Internet at all.
WLAN/Wireless Connection
A WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) is the same thing as a LAN but does not involve the use of cables. Instead, a WLAN is entirely wireless. WLANs use a router to transmit and receive radio signals that are carried to and from the user’s computer. A WLAN can extend far outside of the home and can be used for multiple computers at the same time. The user should keep in mind that desktop computers may need a wireless adapter for each computer that the user wishes to add to the wireless network.
Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router
The Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router is the latest in wireless technology and is built for lightning-fast speeds. Though it has wireless-G, it is also compatible with wireless-B devices so that users do not have to upgrade their current equipment. The device includes a Wireless Access Point, four Ethernet ports, and an automatic wireless encryption software to block intruders. The Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router sells for $59 at Walmart.
Belkin’s N+ Wireless Router
Belkin’s N+ Wireless Router uses some of the most recent router technology to expand the range of any user’s wireless network to cover their house or office, no matter how big it is. Belkin’s N+ also features multiple Ethernet ports for wired connections. The device’s main feature, however, is the USB port that it includes which allows the user to add a USB drive or external hard drive to the network and access it from any of the network’s computers.
