Home Networks-The Wave of the Future Group Thunder Cats Dr. Lipton IST April 2003

Reasons To Have A Home Network Multiply computers can share one peripheral device. Ex. Printers and scanners Multiply users at multiply computers can access the Internet at the same time, using only one Internet access point Data can be stored on a single server computer and then accessed from any computer in the home

History Of Home Networks Computer networks were invented by Xerox in 1970’s Early computer networks were mainly used by businesses because they were very expensive By the 90’s more and more household had multiple computers People who owned multiple computers began to install networks to better manage their computers

Types Of Home Networks Ethernet HomePNA Wireless

Ethernet Most common type of home network today Invented in 1973 by Xerox Uses wires to connect the computer network together Each computer needs either an internal PCI or ISA card or an external USB device Uses hubs or switches

Advantages Cheaper then most home networks Widely used, so many products are available Fast Reliable

Disadvantages New wires must be installed in the home Actual set-up is more difficult then some other home networks Wires must be hidden or can be an unwanted eyesore

HomePNA HomePNA or Home Phoneline Network Alliance is a computer network that uses a home’s existing telephone lines and jacks to connect computers and devices. Invented in 1998 by several major companies including : 3Com, AMD, AT&T Wireless Services, Compaq, Conexant, Epigram, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Lucent Technologies, Rockwell Semiconductor Systems, and Tut Systems Uses Ethernet protocol

Advantages No new wires needs to be installed Prices for devices are similar to those of other networks No hubs or switches needed, just special NIC cards for each computer Allows the computer network to be used at the same time as the phone line's voice line

Disadvantages Slower speeds then other networks All devices need to be HomePNA certified Network suffers from different types of line noise. Ex. cross-talk, attenuation, and impulse noise Many homes lacked convenient placed phone jacks. No phone jacks-no network Newer version have been slow to come out

Wireless Two main types: Ethernet a and Ethernet b Uses radio waves instead of wires to connect the network Operates in the 2.4GMHz range

Advantages No wires Allows mobility

Disadvantages Has limited range Cordless phone can interfere with the network Less secure then other computer networks

A Look To The Future New and better technologies come out all the time As more households become multi- computer, home networks will become more popular