Photo courtesy of ClosetMaid®

Does it seem like the same scenario day after day – he needs to use the Internet for homework research, she needs to work on that half-finished report and you desperately have to respond to work e-mails before the office thinks you are permanently out to lunch. Even though you have a second computer in the home office and your laptop is in your bag, only the kitchen computer has access to the Internet and the term paper. The most common argument parents wind up mediating is who will get to use which computer.

Now that the Internet has moved from a popular pastime to a daily necessity, households have more computers and more users which causes additional problems such as not every computer has Internet access and certain files can’t be accessed by other computers. The need to network computers has spread from corporate businesses to our own homes. You can resolve this networking need yourself and it should be taken into consideration when developing contemporary house plans.

Your first step to networking your home computers is to decide the type of network configuration you want. Most businesses use client/server networks. The main computer, or server, controls users, holds files and holds the applications shared by everyone. It requires user authentication and can determine which users can and cannot access. This type of network is unnecessary at home unless parents want to specify a single computer as the home server to dictate what can be accessed on each other network computer.

The common network, especially throughout many current orcontemporary house plans, is peer-to-peer networking. With this network, all the computers can communicate with one another and share documents, files and accessories such as scanners and printers. Preferred parental controls and security measures on peer-to-peer networking are usually sufficient. You can combine client/server and peer-to-peer networking to create a unique network but it’s not really necessary for a standard home’s network.

When you know what kind of network you want, you need to figure out the connection your network will use. Each has advantages and disadvantages depending on how often and the purpose you are using your computer and the Internet for.

Ethernet

Ethernet is used in both businesses and homes and is the standard wiring for networks. It is very reliable with quick connections at an inexpensive fee. It needs a router for networks larger than two computers, CAT-5 cables and each computer will need a network interface card (NIC) to let the computers communicate.

It is moderately difficult to install because the bulky cables have to run from computer to computer in a two computer network or from each computer to a router with networks larger than two. If computers are located in separate rooms, this may mean running cables through walls, ceilings and floors or they can be left out in view – not the solution most homeowners prefer. When pulling cables through walls, electricians are recommended which can increase the cost quite a bit.

Wireless Network

Wireless connection uses radio frequency to communicate along a network. This reliable connection has minimal interference because of cell phone signals and other wireless devices that travel on radio frequency. Because they are easy to install and far less to plug in, wireless networks are most popular. This network requires a router and a wireless enabled NIC for each networked computer.

The mobility of a wireless network surpasses any other network. Signals can reach 100 to 150 feet from the router in almost all directions regardless of ceilings, floors or walls. Computers can be placed in any room without concern where the router is located or where cords can run. You also have free roaming if you are working on mobile devices or laptops. Each manufacturer differs so compare the details.

Smart house technology also incorporates wireless networks. In certain custom designs, computers can communicate with other home appliances via radio frequency, widening the range of the network and its function. Many homes start with wireless networks and hope to combine it with newer advances in technology.

Phone Line Network

Existing wiring is used for phone line networks that work concurrently with regular phone service, neither taking notice of the other or interrupting each other. This networking requires computers be plugged into RJ-11 phone jacks on the same phone line to be networked and no network interface card is required.

Phone line networks are convenient because there is no additional cost on your phone bill and only a cord and a HomePNA card is needed for each computer, which may be bought in a kit. This is an inflexible system because many homes do not have multiple phone jacks already in use and a splitter is required. Since phone lines are often transferring a lot of information, they may have capacity limitation and slow distribution of information.

Powerline Network

Alternating current (AC) is used in powerline networks to transfer information just by plugging into the wall outlet. This is more convenient than phone lines because there may not always be a phone jack near a computer but there are certainly power outlets. Powerline networks necessitate network cables and ports which may all be purchased in a kit. You don’t need network interface cards or extra wiring and the cost is minimal because it does not require extra power consumption.

Photo courtesy of SCHULTE Storage

When you choose the home network in your new luxury home plan or even cottage house plan, your top concern should be security. Both wireless networks and Ethernet are considered to have quality security and many routers have security programs built in. Any wired local network may be provided with security programs called firewalls when you purchase network hardware or they may already be installed on your computer. Each network differs and when you purchase network hardware, you should ask about security.

Once you choose a network and get together the required hardware, the installation is typically DIY with the exception of running Ethernet cords. Many networks are sold in kits with step-by-step guides and tech support telephone numbers. To be sure of simple installation, remember a few tips when buying your network hardware:

•Before you buy the hardware, write down the make of each computer to be networked and the software it runs to guarantee interoperability.
•Check each computer for network interface cards built in and write down the kind they are so you know how many NIC cards to buy and what type. It will help you determine if buying network kits is necessary or if it is cheaper to buy individual hardware.
•Measure the length of the Ethernet cable you need because many kits come with specific lengths that may not be enough depending on how you decide to run your cable.
•Ask about return policies because if you can’t install your network it may be better to return your hardware and seek a professional for the job.

Although it may seem like a huge task to install a home network, knowing what you want and asking questions eliminates the confusion. Deciding on a home network while you are choosing your new home whether luxury, cottage or contemporary will make it simpler from the start. A few connections later and there will be peace throughout your dream home, the homework will get completed and your office will know you are finally back from lunch.