Home Phoning (ET Got It Backward!) Using your home phone lines to network devices together is (you guessed it) phoneline networking. This is a fairly mature technology having grown up about the same time as the digital subscriber line (DSL) industry, around the mid-1990s. Phoneline networking standards have been developed by an industry group called HomePNA or sometimes just HPNA (Home Phoneline Networking Association; www.homepna.org). You’ll find several types of HPNA available: ߜ HPNA 1.0: The first HPNA standard operates at a slower speed (1.3 Mbps) and is disappearing from the shelves. ߜ HPNA 2.0: Much faster than 1.0, the 2.0 version can reach speeds similar to those of an Ethernet LAN. It’s advertised as 10 Mbps, but the maxi- mum speed is actually 16 Mbps. This version is backward compatible with HPNA 1.0. ߜ HPNA 3.0: A 3.0 version of the standard that will allow much higher speeds is in the works. The goal is to reach speeds of up to 128 Mbps ini- tially, with later versions reaching 240 Mbps — enough speed to carry even high-definition video signals. These were not available as we write but are coming soon, so check stores for which version is available when. Although the newer 2.0 products can talk to older 1.0 ones, having even one HPNA 1.0 device connected to your phone lines slows all the HPNA 2.0 devices down to 1.3 Mbps. Make sure that all of yours are 2.0 if you want that technology. (We hate it when we buy five of something only to go home and find that one of the boxes is an older version — yech!). The new 3.0 version will have improved backward compatibility so that HPNA 3.0 devices (when they show up) won’t be slowed down just because older HPNA endpoints are connected to the phone lines. HomePNA products are available in several different form factors. You will likely encounter them in two major ways: ߜ Built into the AP, router, or other device: These are installed in periph- eral or entertainment devices (such as Internet-enabled stereos) right from the factory. ߜ A standalone adapter: There are HomePNA Ethernet and USB adapters that are external devices that connect to a computer’s Ethernet or USB ports by using a cable. You can also get internal Network Interface Card (NIC) adapters in PC Card and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Card formats for laptop and desktop machines. 58 Part I: Wireless Networking Fundamentals The typical HomePNA interface has a regular RJ-11 phone jack that you plug into your nearest outlet. The HomePNA system operates on different frequen- cies than analog or DSL telephone services, so you can simultaneously use a single phone line for your computer LAN and for all the other things you cur- rently use it for (making phone calls, sending and receiving faxes, or connect- ing to the Internet). To connect your HomePNA endpoints (the computers or audio systems or other devices using HomePNA in your home) back onto your Internet connec- tion, you need to connect the HomePNA network through your router to your Internet connection. The good news here is that HomePNA is built in to many home routers, such as those from NETGEAR ( www.netgear.com), Linksys ( www.linksys.com), and 2Wire (www.2wire.com), so if you think that you might want to use HomePNA, choose your router accordingly. Network Power(line)! Companies have been talking about powerline networking for some time, but only recently have they really gotten it right. In 2002, several networking com- panies (including Siemens/Efficient Networks [ www.speedstream.com], Linksys, NETGEAR, and D-Link [ www.d-link.com]) began releasing high- speed powerline networking products based on a standard known as HomePlug ( www.homeplug.org). The powerline networking concept takes a little getting used to. Most of us are used to plugging an AC adapter or electrical cable into the wall and then another Ethernet cable into some other networking outlet for the power and data connections. With HomePlug, those two cables are reduced to one — the power cable! That electrical cord is your LAN connection, — along with all the rest of the electrical cabling in your house. Cool, huh? To connect to your computer, you run an Ethernet cable from the HomePlug device (router, AP, and so on) to your computer, hub, or switch. Networking on power lines is no easy task. Power lines are noisy, electrically speaking, with surges in voltage level and electrical interferences introduced by all sorts of devices both within and external to the home. The state of the electrical network in a home is constantly changing as well when devices are plugged in and turned on. Because of this, the HomePlug standard adopts a sophisticated and adaptive signal processing algorithm, which is a technique used to convert data into electrical signals on the power wiring. Because HomePlug uses higher frequency signals, the technology can avoid some of the most common sources of noise on the power line. 59 Chapter 3: Bluetooth, HPNA, and HomePlug The current version of HomePlug can offer up to 14 Mbps networking over the power line — faster than 802.11b or HomePNA but slower than 802.11g or a and the higher-speed, wired Ethernet solutions. Besides the speed, HomePlug offers other benefits: ߜ Ubiquity: Power outlets are all over your house and are more plentiful than phone jacks and Ethernet outlets. With HomePlug, every one of the dozens (or even hundreds) of power outlets in the house becomes a data-networking jack. ߜ Integrated: HomePlug can be built right into many networked appli- ances. The almost legendary Internet refrigerator that we discuss in sev- eral places in this book is a great concept, but even we don’t have a Cat 5e outlet in the dark nook behind our fridges. However, we do have a power outlet, and so do you. ߜ Encrypted: HomePlug has a built-in encryption system. Because power signals can bleed back into the local power network and because you might not want to share your LAN with your neighbors, you can turn on HomePlug’s encryption. In that way, only devices that have your pass- word can be on the network. Like the wireless systems that we describe previously, most HomePlug sys- tems come with encryption turned off by default. We recommend that you get your network up and running first . . . and then turn on encryption after you’ve proven to yourself that your network is working. The most common application for HomePlug is as an Ethernet or a USB bridge. These devices look and act a lot like the external USB Wi-Fi NICs that we discuss earlier. You’ll need two of them: one to connect to an Ethernet port on your router (or any LAN jack in your home) and another to plug into the wall outlet where you need LAN access. The bridge typically has a power cord on one side of the box and an Ethernet or USB connector on the other. Plug the power cord into any wall outlet, plug the Ethernet or USB into the computer or other networked devices, and you have a connection. Pat has been using a NETGEAR Powerline Ethernet bridge like this for a spot in his house that has neither Ethernet nor good wireless coverage, and he loves it. Danny has a Siemens/Efficient Networks SpeedStream router connecting his office (where the cable modem is) to a SpeedStream adapter in the kids’ computing area (where all the screaming is). Figure 3-5 shows a typical use of HomePlug bridges. 60 Part I: Wireless Networking Fundamentals Powerline networking through HomePlug is a great complement to a wireless network, but we probably would never use it to replace our wireless LANs. Use it where you need it. HomePlug is quick, cheap (bridges cost about $80 each, with prices dropping rapidly), and perfect for networking on demand. We hinted at this already, but we’ll just come right out and say it. We think that HomePlug will have a huge effect in the non-computer market — stereos, TVs, gaming machines, Internet fridges, and other pieces of electronic equip- ment that might benefit from an Internet connection. And when HomePlug becomes incorporated into new generations of appliances, you’ll need just a power cord to make it work. PC HomePlug bridge HomePlug bridge Home router Cat 5e Power cable AC electrical outlet Figure 3-5: Plug your computer into the wall — and that’s all. 61 Chapter 3: Bluetooth, HPNA, and HomePlug 62 Part I: Wireless Networking Fundamentals Part II Making Plans In this part . . . This part of the book helps you plan for installing your wireless home network — from deciding what you’ll con- nect to the network, to making buying decisions, to plan- ning the actual installation of wireless networking equipment in your home. Chapter 4 Planning a Wireless Home Network In This Chapter ᮣ Determining what to connect to your network and where to put it ᮣ Putting together a wireless home network budget ᮣ Connecting to the Internet ᮣ Planning for security W e’re sure you’ve heard the sage advice that, “One who does not plan is doomed to failure.” On the other hand, management guru and author Peter Drucker says, “Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work.” Because you’re going to be spending your hard- earned money to buy the equipment necessary for your wireless network, we assume that you want to do a little planning before you actually start building your network. But if you prefer to shoot first and aim later, feel free to skip this chapter and also Chapter 5. In this chapter, we show you how to plan a wireless home network — from selecting a wireless technology to deciding what things to connect and where to connect them to budgeting. You’ll also find out about other issues that you should consider when planning your home network, including connecting to the Internet; sharing printers, other peripherals, and fun, non-computer devices; and security. When you’re ready to begin buying the wireless home networking parts (if you haven’t done so already), head to Chapter 5 where we give some detailed advice about buying exactly the equipment that you need. In Part III, we show you how to set up and install your wireless home network. Deciding What Is Connected to the Network Believe it or not, some techno-geeks have a computer in every room of their house. We have some close friends that fit into that category. You probably don’t own as many computers as we do, but you might own more than one, and we’re guessing that you have at least one printer and probably other peripherals as well. You’re wirelessly networking your home for a reason, no matter whether it’s to share that cool, new color ink jet printer (or scanner or digital video recorder), or to play your computer-based MP3s on your new wide-screen TV, or to give every computer in the house always-on access to the Internet. Whatever the reason, the first thing that you must do when plan- ning a wireless home network is to determine what you want connected to the network. Counting network devices When deciding how many computers or other network-aware devices that you want to connect to your network, you can easily get your answer by counting all the computers and networkable devices that you own — if you have the dough to buy the necessary parts, that is. Fortunately, the prices for wireless networking equipment have dropped enough that cost probably won’t deter you. If someone in your house regularly uses a particular computer to access the Internet and/or to print information, that computer should probably be connected to your network. Bottom line: You’ll almost certainly connect to your network each of your computers that you use regularly. Don’t forget about your personal digital assistant (PDA), if you’re lucky enough to own one of those little gems. Wireless adapters are available that fit into the Compact Flash slot in a typical PDA that enable you to connect your palm-sized computer to your home network. (Hop to Chapter 3 for the lowdown on different types of wireless connectivity.) And if you’re an audiophile or just like to have fun, you should consider adding your home digital entertainment system to your network so that you can share MP3 files, play video games, and watch DVDs from anywhere in your house, wirelessly! (These cool gadgets are covered in Chapters 11 through 13.) 66 Part II: Making Plans Choosing wired or wireless You must decide whether you will connect each computer and network- aware device wirelessly to the network or perhaps connect one or more by a wired connection. At first glance, this decision might seem obvious. You’d expect us to always recommend using wireless because this is a book about wireless networks; however, using both a wired and a wireless connection can sometimes make the most sense. Wireless network devices and wired network devices can be used on the same network. Both talk to the network and to each other using a protocol known as Ethernet. (You should be getting used to that term by now if you’ve been reading from the start of the book. If not, read through Chapters 1 and 2 for more about networking technology.) The obvious and primary benefit of connecting to a network wirelessly is that you eliminate wires running all over the place. But if two devices are sitting on the same desk or table — or are within a few feet of each other — connect- ing them wirelessly might be pointless. You can get Ethernet cables for $5 or less; an equivalent wireless capability for two devices might top $100 when everything is said and done. Keep in mind, however, that your computer must have a wired network adapter installed to be able to make a wired con- nection to the network. Fortunately, wired network adapters are dirt cheap these days. Many new computers come with one installed as a standard fea- ture (at no additional charge). Figure 4-1 shows a simple drawing of a network that connects a wireless PC to a wired PC through two network devices: an access point (AP) and a hub or switch. (Recall that your AP connects wireless devices to the rest of the wired network. A network hub or switch is often used to connect PCs to the network by a wired connection. In Chapter 1, we describe the purpose of and differences between APs and hubs and switches.) If you think that it seems absurd to need two network devices to connect two computers, you’re not alone. Hardware manufacturers have addressed this issue by creating APs that have a built-in switch. See the “Choosing an access point” section later in this chapter for more about these multi-function APs. HubAP Wireless PC PC Wire Figure 4-1: A network can use both wireless and wired connections. 67 Chapter 4: Planning a Wireless Home Network [...]... isn’t wired with Ethernet cable If you’ve created a HomePNA wired network by using the phone lines in your home, look for an AP that has a HomePNA port Similarly, if you have set up a HomePlug wired network using the power lines in your home, shop for an AP with HomePlug connectivity (For more on HomePNA and HomePlug, skip to Chapter 3. ) Access points with HomePlug built into them are very handy when you... Chapter 10) to preserve the integrity of your wireless home network Chapter 5 Choosing Wireless Home Networking Equipment In This Chapter ᮣ Understanding the buying criteria for your wireless equipment ᮣ Selecting access points ᮣ Selecting a wireless networking adapter ᮣ Understanding gateways and routers W hen you’re building something — in this case, a wireless home network — the time comes when you have... designed for outdoor — not indoor — use If you’re thinking about installing this outside, look for devices hardened for environmental extremes Bundled Functionality: Servers, Gateways, Routers, and Switches Wireless APs are readily available that perform only the AP function; but for home use, APs that bundle additional features are much more popular for good reason In most cases, you should shop for an... the computers in your house Several even include optional wireless networking connectivity Connecting the sound and video from your PC to your home theater is even possible — really Imagine surfing the Internet on a wide-screen TV! Jump to Chapter 13 for the details about connecting your A/V gear to your wireless home network Some of the coolest home electronic technology in recent years enables you to... 4-4: Go for a wireless gateway that combines AP, DHCP, NAT, a print server, and switched hub functions into one unit Wireless Internet gateway & print server Internet Wired PC Wireless PCs Cable/DSL modem Printer Printer Wired network Wireless PCs Figure 4-5: A wired home network with an AP and wireless stations added Wired PC Wired PC Wired PC AP Internet Cable/DSL modem Cable/DSL router Printer 83 84... use the following guidelines when budgeting for an AP and wireless network adapters Keep in mind, however, that the prices for this equipment will certainly change over time, perhaps rapidly Don’t use this information as a substitute for due diligence and market research on your part Pricing access points At the time of this writing, wireless access points for home use range in price from about $75 (street... as a home server for your DVDs, then you’ll want the higher bandwidth Chapter 4: Planning a Wireless Home Network If you want to hedge your bets, look for an AP that can handle both IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11b/g technology standards Linksys, NETGEAR, D-Link, and several other leading manufacturers of wireless home networking equipment already offer a/b/g dual-mode, tri-standard wireless devices... set up a wireless home network, you need an access point (AP) and a wireless networking adapter for each computer or other network-enabled device that you want to have on the network This chapter helps you evaluate and choose among the growing number of APs and wireless networking adapters on the market The advice in this chapter applies equally to PCs and Macs You can use any access point for a Mac... Figure 4 -3 depicts a home network with one printer connected to one of the PCs on the network and another printer connected to a wireless Internet gateway, which is a device that bundles a wireless AP and a cable/DSL router into a single unit In this case, the wireless Internet gateway also has a connection for a printer and acts as a print server Read through Chapters 1 and 5 for more information... want to do it, a wireless network can support you A wireless home network (or any home network, for that matter) provides one key element It uses a NAT router (we describe this later in this section) to provide Internet access to multiple devices over a single Internet connection coming into the home With a NAT router (which will typically be built into your access point or in a separate home network router), . screaming is). Figure 3- 5 shows a typical use of HomePlug bridges. 60 Part I: Wireless Networking Fundamentals Powerline networking through HomePlug is a great complement to a wireless network,. using the power lines in your home, shop for an AP with HomePlug connectivity. (For more on HomePNA and HomePlug, skip to Chapter 3. ) Access points with HomePlug built into them are very handy. a HomePNA wired network by using the phone lines in your home, look for an AP that has a HomePNA port. Similarly, if you have set up a HomePlug wired network using the power lines in your home,