Archive for the 'Networks' Category

by Thomas Pretty
In recent years the ethernet cable has become less and less used as people adopt wireless networks in their homes. That said within the commercial sphere the majority of companies still utilise ethernet cable to connect their networks, the reasons behind this are diverse. Hopefully this article will highlight the benefits to the reader.

Ethernet cable and the subsequent networks it creates are used widely. Even though it only really became popular in the last decade or so it has been in existence for over thirty five years. Most experts agree that it was the work of Robert Metcalf and David Bloggs in the early seventies. It was the work of these two gentlemen, working within the Xerox Palo Alto Research Centre that led to the development of ethernet. It was in this centre, in 1972 that Metcalf and Bloggs created a network capable of transmitting three megabits per second.

This system, although developed by Metcalf and Bloggs is believed by some to have been utilised in the Aloha net, a communication network in Hawaii. Ethernet cable carries IP information and unlike cables of the fibre optic variety is capable of layering many different protocols. One of the major benefits of ethernet is the scalability. The cable going to a specific computer can supply it with exactly the bandwidth it needs, allowing for growth in the future.

Ethernet cable is available in a number of different categories; these are usually referred to with numbers, used to describe the various data handling capabilities. The lowest category, referred to as cat 3 is able to carry around 10 Mb of data per second, typically this is the cheapest of the types of ethernet cable available. The next step up is cat 5 and cat 5e ethernet cable. The former can handle around 100Mb whilst the latter is capable of handling up to 1 GB.

At the top end of the spectrum there are cat 6 and 7 cables. These are usually used with a specific purpose in mind rather than for simple network creation. Category 6 cables are regarded to be a more stable carrier of 1GB internet than the cat 5e whilst cat 7, the most expensive variety carries the same amount of data but has extra shielding to protect it from interference. Of all the varieties it is mainly cat 5e that is used in the world of business.

Hopefully this article has highlighted some of the types of ethernet cabling available to consumers and the benefits of using it to create networks. With the right knowledge it is possible to find the perfect equipment to allow for the rapid transmission of digital information.

Technology Thomas Pretty studies how development of the ethernet cable has led to the creation of high speed networks.

Article Source: PLJMagazine.com

by Jason Oh
There has been much debate over the development of the World Wide Web and even more effort put into accurately naming its various developmental stages. As the debate rages on, it leaves many to wonder, what do the terms Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 mean? Which one are we in right now?

In 1999, the term “Web 2.0″ was coined by Darcy DiNucci, a website architect and interface designer. At the time, DiNucci used the term to postulate the future development of the internet, which was just then beginning to gather speed. A future in which DiNucci saw the internet shaking off the confines of the desktop computer, and providing unforeseen access and connectivity via mobile devices through which interaction would be possible.

Following that first use, Web 2.0 came to be further loosely defined as the second generation of services based solely on the Internet, including social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, communication tools like AIM and Skype, and other tools, services and sites that place great importance on online collaboration and the sharing of information amongst their users.

According to these terms, one might say that we are currently experiencing the crescendo of Web 2.0. Social networking capabilities, forums, sites and services have revolutionized both business and collaboration on the internet. Web 2.0 is all about information sharing, voyeurism and user generated content. But, by the very existence of a numerical classification like Web 2.0, a progression toward Web 3.0 is inevitable. Indeed, as early as 2006, experts were already prophesying the demise of Web 2.0 in the face of Web 3.0.

Web 3.0, a phrase that John Markoff from the New York Times coined back in 2006, refers to what will eventually be known as the third generation of services based solely on the Internet, including advanced formats, search natural language and algorithms, even more subtle and effortless strategies for data-mining, machine that are able to learn and adapt, and other tools and services that emphasize an automatic and machine-controlled understanding of information that will be able to provide intuitive experiences that are found to be even more productive for the user.

In the light of these two subjective definitions, it is undeniable that there are distinct differences between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0; both in goal and execution of their defining attributes. As bloggers have been noting for years, Web 3.0 is most definitely different from Web 2.0, although those differences might be too subtle for the rest of us to notice for quite some time.

Jason Oh has an interest in computers and technology. His blog Refurbished Computer Explained provides detailed information on refurbished desktop computers. The website also offers useful tips of what to look for before purchasing refurbished desktop computers.

Article Source: PLJMagazine.com

by Mark Dunne
With the increased WiFi technology progresses comes and increased wifi coverage in all the countries of the world. There are so many wireless devices that can be connected with each other that this technology is practically offering us a whole new networking perspective, that includes absolute mobility of connection. You could be practically walking the street holding a small laptop and still get constant internet access, with the help of various hot spots that are aiming to offer total coverage, especially in big metropolis.

But if you want to find for example a bench to sit on in a city park and then turn on your laptop and verify the mail you will first need to know if there are any available wireless networks in the area that allow client access freely. This can be done by finding some coverage areas from home, before leaving or by keeping the laptop or mobile device turned on all the time and scanning. Still, neither of the possibilities sounds promising. This is where the Wifi finders or Wifi detectors come in handy.

The wifi finders are small devices that work independently are their only purpose is to find and identify wireless network in the vicinity. They are used to detect wireless networks from the 802.11 protocols, and the detection is done instantly without needing to turn on the computer or the laptop. These devices usually present some type of light signals made of small led lights, that indicate the signals strength in the area. In open spaces, the wifi finders will detect wireless networks that operate no more than 60 meters away, which is a perfect opportunity of detecting networks you will actually be able to connect to if you turned on the laptop.

Using a wifi finder is as simple as it gets. All you need to do is press a button to activate it, and from here on the devices does its job. In case you are worried about other wireless signals that might be confounded with a wireless networks, know that the detectors do not present a signal when they encounter radio frequencies or frequencies that are used by mobile phone or cordless phones and microwave ovens.

A wifi finder is usually something as small as a lighter, that can be worn as a trendy keychain accessory. Because they need portability and because they work without a computer connection, these devices use batteries to function. For a person that like to spent a lot of time relaxing outside but still remains dependent to a laptop that need internet access for various reasons (work, emails, chat), a small device that can detect wireless networks in the near area is an absolute must have.

Mark Dunne is a writer providing advice on Wireless USB Set if you have time drop by his site for some tips and information.

Article Source: PLJMagazine.com

by Mark Dunne
Because the wireless technology has evolved so fast there are many notions, protocols, definitions and terms that appear each day and most of them have meaning that are not deductive and are not understood correctly by the general public.

Open system is referring to a type of security that is include in wireless routers. It means that the client is identifying himself in the wireless network using his hardware address of the network card. For the infrastructure mode, the access point can have a list of hardware addresses configured, so that he knows what addresses to allow to connect. For the ad-hoc mode any hardware address is accepted in the wireless network.

Shared Key - means that an access point will verify of you know the secret network key when you want to connect to the network. The key has to be made public to all the clients of the access point and to the access point itself.

IEEE 802.1x - This wireless standard has been created for the wired Ethernet networks and them was adapted for utilizing it on wireless network using the extensible autentification protocol and other specific methods of connecting to the network.

Preshared Key - this is a method that is used for small and home networks in the infrastructure mode for encryptions like WPA and WPA2. The keys are configured in the access point and then in each client.

The connection 802.11b is like a half-duplex, because it can only send or receive data at a certain moment in time. This is the reason why the speed of traffic is usually half the connection speed. For a good quality signal and when WEP is not active, the speed is somewhere around 3.5-4.5Mbps and with WEP activated around 2.5-3.5 Mbps. This speed decreases if the signal decreases.

The wireless connection assures networks on limited distances, being influences by interferences with equipments that use the 2.4 GHz frequency (like cordless phones, microwaves). Perturbing the wireless signal will lead to errors, and some packets might need retransmitting, and the transfer speed will decrease.

A new wireless standard that is not accepted yet is called 802.11n, but it still is draft stage. This is a dual band standard and it can use both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, with a speed of maximum 248Mbps. This is the new generation of wireless networks at high speeds that can run on the network applications with a big broadband like video streaming and multimedia games. They also have a bigger range. This standard is based on the technology of MIMO, which means multiple inputs, multiple outputs.

Mark Dunne is a writer providing advice on Wireless USB if you have time drop by his site for some tips and information.

Article Source: PLJMagazine.com

by Mark Dunne
Whenever you buy a new wireless router, remember that it is not secured. It comes from the production line with some general configuration settings, and everyone knows them. You have to follow a few steps to increase its security.

To connect to the router you have to access the following address: http://192.168.1.1 or http://192.168.2.1. Here you can carry on with the following methods of increasing security.

First of all change the password for the default Admin user. Initially, many routers have no password for the admin user, or they come with a pre-defined password. This pre-defined password can be found out very easy with a google search, or directly from the website of the producer from the service manual. This password has to be changed as soon as possible, and the password that will replace it must be as complex as possible.

Then, you should activate network encryption. This is initially deactivated on the majority of routers. You will have to choose between WEP, WPA and WPA2. The newest encrypting method named WPA2 should be the one chosen, if it is available on your router. This encryption must be configured both on the router and on the computer.

The next step involves changing the name of the SSID network. This SSID number will initially be the routers model number, and it is again something that can be guessed or found out. Use something random to name the network.

All router models send out signals to allow the PCs from near by that there is a wireless network available. That means anyone nearby will see the wireless network in your home or office. You are not benefiting from this feature because you already know the wireless network is there, since it is yours. If you deactivate this service the router will become invisible and only those that know the SSID will be able to connect.

The routers firmware must be up to date. There are lots of chances after you buy that it has a firmware older than the last available version. It is recommended to download and install the newest version from the manufacturers website. Also, you should constantly upgrade it throughout the use period. Each new version of firmware brings an added security and solves most of the common problems.

Another thing you can do is to activate the MAC control. Each router has this option and each pc has a MAC address, which is the hardware address. After activating this service, only some computers will be able to connect to the network, and each MAC will get added manually only by the admin.

After all the configuring and actualizing that is needed for a good functioning of the network, a backup is recommended. Each router must have an option that can backup settings. There might be situations when you might need to click the reset to factory setting button, and this backup will help you bring the router to the desired state in no time.

Mark Dunne is a writer providing advice on Wireless Camera if you have time drop by his site for some tips and information.

Article Source: PLJMagazine.com

by Mark Dunne
Various methods of measuring based on wireless technologies have been used for a long time in industry, in applications where communication over long distances is a must and where the costs for installing wires is much higher than the one of transmitting data over radio frequencies. Drill stems, gas infrastructures, pumping stations, agriculture projects, these are just a few of the examples where a wireless radio communication is successfully used. The thing that makes this method even more interesting today is the convergence of technologies pf powerful microprocessors with reduced consumption, with the technologies of huge radio devices that also have a reduces power consumption.

Minimizing these types of components makes it possible to build today a wireless network which can work on batteries for years, even if it is not under strict surveillance. The wireless sensor network is a measuring instrument that is virtually manages, which means it is handled with the help of a computer.

ZigBee represents the definition of a technical specification utilized in digital radio protocols of communications, of small power, based of the wireless IEE 802.15.4 standard for personal wireless networks. The ZigBee 1.0 version has been accepted and standardized on the 14th of December 2004.

Operating on the radio frequencies of 868 Mhz in Europe, 915 Mhz in USA and 2.4Ghz in most countries, a ZigBee radio circuit that has been produces in a very small series in the USA used to cost around 1 dollar and the price of a small controller for this network is smaller than 3 dollars. Using a technology that is much simpler and much cheaper than the one in regular wireless networks, with software dimensions that are between 2% and 10% out of the ones used for a typical Bluetooth hotspot, the ZigBee networks are designed for applications with low consumptions of power (changing batteries can be done in some cases once every two years) and that do not need high transfer rates.

A zigbee wireless network can be used in a wide amount of domains, from industrial controls, to networks with integrated sensors, Getting medical data and in anti-fire and anti-theft systems or even in automatic devices that permit the existence of intelligent buildings and homes.

In the end, it is clear that these networks have been around for a while and we are probably making used of the wireless technology in many other ways, more than we dream of. Its not only the mobile phones, laptops and entertainment devices the ones that need wireless to function.

There are so many other more vital thing that are using the wireless technology that we cant even imagine, and the fact that the wireless network used by those devices are even more evolved and a lot more secure than the ones we use in our everyday browsing makes us wonder how come we have never though about their existence.

Mark Dunne is a writer providing advice on Xbox 360 Wireless Reciver if you have time drop by his site for some tips and information.

Article Source: PLJMagazine.com

by Mark Dunne
Ever since they appeared, the wireless router enjoyed a big success. Offering the users prices that are comparable to those of broadband routers, the wireless market has risen considerably over the last few years, since it is practically the preferred solution of most Pc users.

What can a wireless network and a wireless router offer? The answer can be reduced to a single word: mobility. Offering the user with the possibility of giving up all worried that included things like the length of the cable, the timeframe it took to install a classic router as well as the reduces costs of finishing the network connection, the wireless routers are a real trend these days.

Because such a router allows an increased mobility for a notebook user, and because the notebook sales have also exploded over the last couple of years, the market for wireless devices is flourishing right now. Great wireless producers like D-Link, Linksys or 3COM have enrolled in a race to enhance and perfect the wireless fidelity standard.

When the Wifi standard was launched along with wireless routers, the maximum transfer speed reached about 1-2 mb/s, and now we can enjoy devices that reach 1024 mb.

Next to the classic laptops and desktops, more and more producers have implemented wifi modules in game consoles like Sony PSP. PS 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wiii, mobile phones like Nokia, LG, Motorola and many more, smartphones, digital photo frames, printers and so on. All these new devices make a wireless router some kind of wireless heaven of accessibility for the user, regardless if he wants to use a notebook or a desktop, or a game console, printer or phone. Users that do not have a wireless router and are connected to a broadband router can use an access point or a hot spot to gain themselves wireless signal.

This device can easily replace a router in cases in which it will be used for areas that do not go over 100 meters.

With all the advantages that the wireless routers are offering to users, they did not reach perfection yet, and their main problem remains security. Even if there are various types of efforts conducted to improve their security, even the safest networks are still far more unsecured than broadband networks. Broadband routers also have greater traffic speeds than the wireless ones, and the prices are a bit lower.

But since they do not offer the needed mobility, people dont care that much about they aspect, when they know they want to take the laptop along in bed with them and watch a late night internet movie or chat with distant friends or even finish up the last minute adjustments to tomorrows presentation project.

Mark Dunne is a writer providing advice on Apple iPhone if you have time drop by his site for some tips and information.

Article Source: PLJMagazine.com

by Mark Dunne
Windows Vista wireless networks do pose a few types of problems when it comes to adding new computers to the wireless network. They will ask for a network security password even for networks or computers where the password has not been set, they will sometimes refuse to see a network or refuse to connect to a network, especially when the other computers on that network are not running windows vista.

If you want to add a laptop that is running Vista on a wireless network that already has 2 computers running Windows XP, and there is no way the laptop wants to connect wirelessly to either of the computers, you can add the laptop manually. In order to do this, keep in mind that the laptop has to see the network. Usually, the router connection is possible and the vista laptop does connect to the internet using this connection, but it can not see other computers belonging to that network and at the same time it can not be seen by them.

Before you start anything, make sure there is a network password for the Vista laptop and also share a few folders to the network, so that you will be able to verify a lot easier if the network connection between devices is in fact available or not.

Here are the basic steps of adding a wireless computer that is using windows Vista to a network.

1. Log on to the computer.

2. Click on the Start button and the Click Connect To.

3. Here you will have to choose the wireless network from the list that appears and then, click to connect.

4. You will be prompted for the security password of the network, and you have to enter it, and then click Ok.

5. You will get a confirmation once you are connected to the network.

To make sure everything is ok and files can be shared and seen between computers, open the Network by clicking Start and then Network. Here you should see the computer that youve just added as an icon and next to it all the icons of other computers and devices that are already part of the network. Access the new added computer.

The folder should open and you should be able to see the shared files. If an error returns and still the Vista computer is connected to the network, try and see if file sharing is enabled on it. In some cases people forget to enable this is vista and this is the main reason why computers can not see each other on wireless networks in which some run windows vista.

Mark Dunne is a writer providing advice on Pansonic HDC-TM10 if you have time drop by his site for some tips and information.

Article Source: PLJMagazine.com

by Mark Dunne
Its a good idea to buy a wireless router, especially if you have a laptop. It will give you the opportunity of connecting to the internet without using cables and it will allow you to get an increased wireless security. Further on you can read some advices which you can take when you are buying a new router for your laptop, if you a beginner in computing and networking.

You need three basic things: a laptop, an internet access and basic knowledge of your operating system.

1. Before you buy a wireless router, you must know what operating system is running on your laptop. You should also verify if the laptop has a wireless card, but this is often the case, unless you have a very old laptop model.

2. Browse an online store or take a trip to the local computer store and look at the variety of available routers. The newest routers will offer you a better transfer rate and coverage area. For best performances, look for a wireless N router, but if you want something cheaper you can also get a wireless G router with a speed booster function.

3. Find the N or G router that suits your budget and look at the box. If you are using windows Vista, know that there still are routers that are not compatible with Vista. This thing might still be valid if you use Linux or Mac. Dont forget to check the compatibly before you check any other router functions. You should also ask the workers in the store if they know any problems that router has with various operating systems.

4. Once youve decided the router is compatible with your laptop, look at the specifications. For example, N routers are good if you use to play online or watch movies from the internet. They can also offer a better coverage than the older wireless router versions.

5. Even if most routers have in their box a Cat5 cable which you will use to set up the router at home, check the box first. If the cable isnt there, but one from the same store, they should have those for sell there as well.

6. Choose according to price, needs and compatibility. Buy the router, bring it home and install it according to the instructions on the box. If you can not set up the wireless network alone, ask a friend to help or search the internet for some wireless specialized guides. But if the router is compatible with your laptop, you should encounter no problems at this point. Remember to plug into the router the internet cable, so that you can have wireless internet, because this is why youve bought it in the first place.

Mark Dunne is a writer providing advice on Sanyo 802.11n enabled Projector if you have time drop by his site for some tips and information.

Article Source: PLJMagazine.com

by Mark Dunne
Many people use someone elses wireless network to connect to the internet, without paying for it or even asking for permission. In most countries, entering a private network is not legal if this network is not open. The truth is that most wireless networks have at least one security method enabled, so anyone who chooses to bust this security and bypass it is actually breaking the law. As far as it legally goes, accessing and using the resources of a system or network that does not belong to you and without the permission of the owner is forbidden and you can be prosecuted for this.

The meaning of this law is questionable is some cases. People think that open networks are opened for everyones use. I can not tell is this is ethical or not, but I can ask you this: If a neighboring accidentally waters part of your garden, without wanting it and knowing it, will you not be benefiting from his resources? Of course you will, because your flowers will get watered as well. If the range of its watering machine is too big that it reaches your location, you do not have to pay for his mistake. Some people find the similarities in this comparison and they say that it is ethical to access and open network, because it is the fault of the owner for letting it open. In less words, you owe nothing to those leaving the networks open if you access them and use their internet connection.

But if you choose to enter those networks and then destroy their information on the computer or copy confidential files, that is a different matter. If someone loses the wallet with the identity card in it, it doesnt mean you can take that ID and then use it as your own. The same goes for computer files. If they are not yours, it doesnt matter how easy they were to access, they still remain not yours and you should not access or use them unless the owner allows you to.

Now, everyone mustve used a wifi networks without an invitation. First of all, there are plenty of free hotspots that allow people to connect freely to those networks. And in other cases, there are situations in which you have no other alternative of connection to the internet and you happen to find a free open wireless connection in the area. If, on the other hand you are entering wireless networks that are encrypted or secured with passwords, things are very different. Even if it seems easy to crack them or if you can find free tools on the internet that can help you enter those password protected networks without permission, this doesnt mean it is legal to do so.

My opinion on this is clear: if I leave my wireless open, I have no problems if someone else is using the internet connection. If it is encrypted even a little bit, then that person accessing my wireless is doing something illegal, because he is cracking a password to gain access. It is as simple as that. For those people that are accessing other open wireless networks, you should limit the connection to browsing and mail, and not use up all the broadband of those people because in the end the law is not clear on this and it all comes down to common sense.

Mark Dunne is a writer providing advice on How Do I Get A Wireless Router To Work On My Laptop if you have time drop by his site for some tips and information.

Article Source: PLJMagazine.com