Wi-fi and Homeplug networking

Whilst Wi-fi (wireless networking) is the topic of the moment, it's not always the best solution for small, home and home office networks.  Read on for a brief explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of wireless networking as well as the best alternatives for small networks.

Wi-fi Advantages

Well, it's wireless of course, so you can take your laptop anywhere (within range of your router) and surf the web, read your email and even print to your printer if you need to.
A sunny day? Head out into the garden and work outside!
You don't need to own a laptop to benefit from Wi-fi; special network cards can be fitted to any PC to join you to your wireless network.

Wi-fi Disadvantages

Wi-fi networks can be tricky to set up, and even trickier to secure; you might not want your neighbours using your broadband connection for their web surfing! Wi-fi can be susceptible to radio interference from microwave ovens and even cordless phones; who wants to lose their web connection because the kids are chatting to their friends? Similarly, you can often get interference from neighbouring networks or your signals blocked by thick, well insulated walls.

Wi-fi Alternatives

Many Wi-fi routers and ADSL modems include four or more ethernet ports; if your PCs are located close by, simply connect them to the router via ethernet cables available cheaply from any computer store. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can route these cables throughout the house; any distance up to 100 metres should be fine!

If this seems too much hassle, why not try the Homeplug solution? This uses your existing electrical wiring to transmit your network traffic to anywhere in the house with a wall socket. Special adapter plugs (around £50 per pair) allow you to join the network in almost any room (well, do you need a network socket in the bathroom!?) by simply attaching via ethernet cable to your computer's network socket. Assuming you have a broadband router with at least one network port, it's a fast, reliable, easy and secure way to share your broadband connection:

• fast: speeds from 85Mbps to 200Mbps are now available - quick enough to stream HD video and far faster than any current broadband connection
• reliable: as long as the power's running, so is your network
• easy: plug and go; you'll be up and running in minutes
• secure: without physical access to your network, no-one can eavesdrop or use your broadband. Your electrical consumer unit/meter prevents network signals leaving your property.

For further information and prices, see www.homeplugs.co.uk/; Kenilweb can particularly recommend Devolo's products having used them extensively. For custom installation advice, call Calum on 07973 241413 or contact him through the website here.