Wireless Home Networking - Index of

Chapter 4: Planning a Wireless Home Network
� Connect to the Internet: With a cable/digital subscriber line (DSL) router
between a broadband modem and your home network, all computers
on the network can access the Internet directly. An AP combined with a
DHCP and a cable or DSL router is sometimes called a wireless Internet
gateway. (See the “Connecting to the Internet” section, later in this chapter,
for more about the Network Address Translation feature that makes
Internet sharing possible and for more on Internet connectivity.)
� Add a print server: A print server enables you to connect a printer
directly to the network rather than connect it to one of the computers
on the network. See the “Adding printers” section, later in this chapter.
� Connect in many ways: The most common method of connecting an AP
to your computer or to the wired portion of your network is through an
Ethernet port, but other options may be much easier to install if your
house isn’t wired with Ethernet cable. If you have set up a HomePlug
wired network using the powerlines in your home, shop for an AP with
HomePlug connectivity. (For more on HomePlug, see Chapter 3.)
You need to have two HomePlug devices, one in — or near — your main
AP or router and one in the location you want to extend the network to.
� Provide firewall security: A firewall is a device that basically keeps the
bad guys off your network and out of your computers. We talk much more
about firewalls in Chapters 9 and 10, but basically, a firewall is typically
included in your access point to provide network security.
� Be combined with a modem: If you’re a cable Internet or DSL subscriber,
you may be able to use your own modem rather than lease one from your
Internet service provider (ISP). In that case, consider purchasing a modem
that’s also a wireless AP. A cable or DSL modem combined with a wireless
Internet gateway is the ultimate solution in terms of installation convenience
and equipment cost savings.
You typically can’t buy a modem/AP/router combination off the shelf (or at
most Internet retailers) like you can buy a nonmodem AP/router. You get
these all-in-one devices directly from your broadband service provider in
almost all cases.
Deciding where to install the access point
If you have ever experienced that dreaded dead zone while talking on a cellular
phone, you know how frustrating poor wireless coverage can be. To avoid
this situation within your wireless home network, you should strive to install
your wireless network equipment in a way that eliminates dead wireless network
zones in your house. Ideally, you determine the best placement of your
AP so that no spot in your house is left uncovered. If that isn’t possible, you
should at least find any dead zones in your house to optimize your signal
coverage.
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