Wireless routers technically allow dozens of computers to connect over Wi-Fi links. Nearly any residential wireless router can support the number of wireless devices found in most homes. Many (but not all) wireless network routers also allow up to four wired devices to be connected using an Ethernet cable. When installing this kind of home network, one computer should be cabled to the wireless router temporarily to allow for the initial configuration of the wireless features. Employing Ethernet connections after that is optional. Using permanent Ethernet connections makes sense when the computer, printer, or other device lacks Wi-Fi capability or cannot receive an adequate wireless radio signal from the router.
Optional Components
Networking the router for internet access, printers, game consoles, and other entertainment devices is not required for the rest of the home network to function.
Limitations
The Wi-Fi portion of the network functions only to the limit of the wireless router’s range. The range of Wi-Fi equipment varies depending on many factors, including the architecture of the home and potential sources of radio interference. If all Wi-Fi devices attempt to use the network at the same time, expect slowdowns in performance. If the wireless router does not support enough Ethernet connections for your needs, add a secondary device such as a network switch to expand the wired portion of the layout. Many (but not all) wired network routers allow up to four devices to be connected using Ethernet cables. All devices connecting to an Ethernet router must possess a working Ethernet network adapter.
Optional Components
Networking the router for internet access, printers, game consoles, and other entertainment devices is not required for the rest of the home network to function.
Limitations
If the Ethernet router does not support enough Ethernet connections, add a secondary device like a network switch to expand the layout. Most (but not all) wired network routers allow up to four devices to connect with an Ethernet cable. A wireless access point consumes one of these available ports, but it then enables many (dozens of) Wi-Fi devices to join the network. Nearly any home network wireless access point can support the number of wireless devices there. All devices connecting to an Ethernet router must possess a working Ethernet network adapter. All devices connecting a wireless access point must possess a working Wi-Fi network adapter.
Optional Components
Networking of internet access, printers, game consoles, and other entertainment devices is not required for either the router or access point to function. You can choose which devices to connect to the router and which to the wireless access point. Additional network adapters may be needed to convert some Ethernet devices, particularly printers and game consoles, to work wirelessly.
Limitations
The Wi-Fi portion of the network functions only to the limit of the wireless access point’s range. The range of Wi-Fi equipment varies depending on many factors, including the layout of the home and any radio interference that may be present. If all Wi-Fi devices attempt to use the network at the same time, performance slowdowns can result. If the wireless router does not support enough Ethernet connections, add a secondary device like a network switch to expand the wired portion of the layout. A direct connection can be achieved with several types of cabling. Ethernet cabling is the most common, but even simpler (slower) alternatives, including RS-232 serial cable and parallel cables, will work. A direct connection is common for game consoles to support two-player network gaming (for example, Xbox System Link).
Optional Components
Connecting to the internet requires that one computer possess two network adapters—one to support the internet connection and one to support the second computer. Additionally, internet connection sharing software must be installed to allow the second computer internet access. If internet connectivity is not necessary, these things can be omitted from this layout.
Limitations
Direct connection works only for a single pair of computers or devices. Additional devices cannot join such a network, although other pairs can be connected separately. Using ad-hoc Wi-Fi mode eliminates the need for a network router or access point in a wireless home network. With ad-hoc wireless, you can network computers as needed without remaining within reach of one central location. Most people use ad-hoc Wi-Fi only in temporary situations to avoid potential security problems.
Optional Components
Networking an ad-hoc layout for internet access, printers, game consoles, and other entertainment devices is not required for the rest of the home network to function.
Limitations
All devices connecting through ad-hoc wireless must possess a working Wi-Fi network adapter. These adapters must be configured for ad-hoc mode instead of the more typical infrastructure mode. Because of this flexible design, ad-hoc Wi-Fi networks are more challenging to keep secure than those using central wireless routers and access points. Ad-hoc Wi-Fi networks support a maximum of 11 Mbps bandwidth, while other Wi-Fi networks may support 54 Mbps or higher. Ethernet hubs and switches allow several wired computers to network with each other. Most (but not all) Ethernet hubs and switches support four or more connections.
Optional Components
Networking of internet access, printers, game consoles, and other entertainment devices is not required for the rest of this home network layout to function. Additional hubs and switches can be incorporated into this basic layout. Connecting hubs and switches to each other expands the total number of computers the network can support, up to several dozen.
Limitations
All computers connecting to a hub or switch must possess a working Ethernet network adapter. Unlike a network router, Ethernet hubs and switches cannot interface directly to an internet connection. Instead, one computer must be designated as controlling the internet connection, and all other computers access the internet through it. Internet connection sharing software can be installed on each computer for this purpose. Residences have historically used three kinds of home wiring—phone lines (HomePNA devices), power lines, and coaxial cabling (for televisions and TV set-top boxes). The ability to plug devices together across these cable types and create a whole-house wired home network was developed by a group called the HomeGrid Forum. HomePNA phoneline networks use the telephone wiring of a residence to carry home network communications. As with Ethernet or Wi-Fi networks, phoneline networks require each device to have a compatible phone line network adapter installed. These adapters are connected by phone wires, CAT3 (or sometimes CAT5 Ethernet cable), to telephone wall outlets. Other technology sponsored by the HomeGrid Forum falls under a standard named G.hn (for Gigabit home networking). G.hn products include powerline adapters that plug into wall outlets and possess an Ethernet port for interfacing the line to a wired home network and similar adapters that interface IPTV set-top boxes using coax to an existing broadband home network. These technologies can be useful when connecting wired devices between rooms or when a home and TV set-top box are located far apart from each other, and one or both of the devices does not support Wi-Fi.
Optional Components
When available, devices can use standard Ethernet or Wi-Fi connections instead of G.hn adapters.
Limitations
HomePNA phoneline networks are rarely used nowadays, and this equipment is difficult to find, primarily due to the popularity of Wi-Fi devices. G.hn technology is also relatively new, and certified products have traditionally been difficult to find. Powerline networks use the electrical circuitry of a residence to carry home network communications. Available powerline equipment includes network routers, network bridges, and other adapters. To connect to a powerline network, one end of the adapter plugs into a standard electric wall outlet, and the other connects to a device’s network port (usually Ethernet or USB). All connected devices share the same communication circuit. The HomePlug Powerline Alliance develops technology standards supported by compatible powerline equipment.
Optional Components
Not all devices on the home network must be connected to a powerline router. Hybrid networks with Ethernet or Wi-Fi devices can be joined with the powerline network. For example, a Wi-Fi powerline bridge can be plugged into a wall outlet, enabling wireless devices to connect to it and, in turn, to the rest of the powerline network.
Limitations
HomePlug phoneline networking remains less popular than Wi-Fi or Ethernet alternatives. Powerline networking products are generally more difficult to find with fewer choices of models. Powerline networks generally do not work as reliably if devices plug into power strips or extension cords. Connect directly to the wall outlets for the best results. In homes with several circuits, all devices must connect to the same circuit to communicate. The maximum bandwidth of a HomePlug (version 1.0) powerline network is 14 Mbps, while the newer HomePlug AV standard supports more than 100 Mbps. Poor quality electrical wiring, as found in older homes, can degrade the performance of a powerline network. Basic home networks typically work with only one broadband router, but adding a second router provides more options for expanding and managing the network. Two router networks provide useful new capabilities in several situations:
Extending a wired network based on one Ethernet router to include Wi-Fi capability through a wireless second router.Building a subnetwork within the overall home network to limit the internet access of certain devices or isolate network traffic.Having a working backup unit available in case one router fails to function.
