EDUCATION

WHAT KIND OF NETWORK IS RIGHT FOR ME?

You should consider a conventional (wired) network if you:

  • Have several computers in one area, and it won't be a problem to run some Category 5 cable between them.
  • Want to have an inexpensive, standardized, and flexible network that will allow you to easily expand in the future.
  • Occasionally want to use a different computer (for instance a laptop from the office) and want to be able to use it on your network without much trouble.

You should consider wireless networking if you:

  • Have computers that are physically far away from one another (on different floors or rooms in your house, for example).
  • Have one or more laptops, and you would like the freedom to use your computer in different area of the house.
  • Are considering moving your computers around and don't want to have to rewire your computers.

You should consider phone line networking if you:

  • Want an inexpensive basic network.
  • Have plenty of phone jacks available.
  • Don't think you will be occasionally adding a different computer.

You should consider power line networking if you:

  • Want an inexpensive basic network (Power line may be less expensive for some types of equipment).
  • Don't have plenty of phone jacks available.
  • Don't think you will be occasionally adding a different computer.