64
Networking: A Beginner's Guide
A wireless network potentially exposes you to security risks. People with
wirelenss network cards installed in their notebook computers can cruise
around looking for free connections. More likely is that your neighbors may
be able to "hitch a free ride" on your Internet connection through your home
network if you don't secure it when you install it (this is more common than
you might think).
This area is continuing to evolve very rapidly, and a solution purchased today
may not be compatible with equivalent hardware available in a couple of years.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter, you learned a little about the rapidly changing field of home
networking. In many cases, you can build a home network using inexpensive, off-the-
shelf parts designed for small business networks. The main problem with this approach
is cabling the house, although if all of the computers are in one room, this won't be
too difficult. For more complicated setups, or to have more flexibility, consider using
alternative networking technologies.
NOTE
For more on setting up a home network, see Home Networking Survival Guide by David
Strom (McGraw-Hill/Professional, 2001).
Generally, most people should first investigate using wireless home networking
equipment. This equipment works well in many homes, is inexpensive, and is well
supported for this purpose. In certain cases, it may be appropriate to use standard
wired networking equipment or even phoneline or powerline networking equipment.
As always, assess your needs carefully and make sure that you can exchange or return
any home network equipment if it doesn't work properly in your home.
Summary :
64 Networking: A Beginner's Guide A wireless network potentially exposes you to security risks. In many cases, you can build a home network using inexpensive, off-the- shelf parts designed for small business networks. NOTE For more on setting up a home network, see Home Networking Survival Guide by David Strom (McGraw-Hill/Professional, 2001).
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