| A home network is a residential local area | | | | power supply is highly recommended. |
| network connecting multiple devices within the | | | | All of these hardware devices are software |
| home. The simplest home networks connect two | | | | driven. In principle they can be managed by |
| or more microcomputers that share files, a | | | | unsophisticated home users, however, this |
| printer, and a single Internet connection. | | | | promise is not always kept. One possibility to |
| Connecting a server adds functionality. | | | | consider (we have not used this product) is |
| Some companies such as AT&T offer their | | | | Microsoft's Windows Home Server. This operating |
| version of home networking to furnish data, | | | | system requires that you connect the server to |
| video, and voice services to residential customers. | | | | the router via an Ethernet Card and Ethernet |
| These services usually operate over the existing | | | | cabling. Since a server usually runs 24/7 it's a |
| home wiring. The companies install and manage | | | | good place to handle recording TV and radio |
| the network, all at a price. | | | | shows. |
| While this article presents some of the software | | | | Now that we have introduced the hardware, let's |
| found in home networks we also consider the | | | | take a closer look at some software that may |
| hardware components. Essential home networking | | | | run in your home network. Because of computer |
| components include a high-speed modem for | | | | and networking problems you may consider |
| connection to the Internet. Connection choices | | | | remote desktop software and other remote |
| include a DSL modem for telephone subscribers | | | | administration software. These products enable |
| and a cable modem for cable subscribers. If you | | | | the family networking expert to analyze and |
| choose an old-fashioned traditional modem, the | | | | solve the problem on Daddy's computer as if she |
| service could be excruciatingly slow. If you want | | | | were sitting in front of it. |
| to connect several computers to the Internet | | | | Web serving software lets you set up a |
| simultaneously you'll need a router, which may be | | | | family-version of the Internet. Apache, the most |
| wireless. Other components include a wide variety | | | | widely used web server program, is available for |
| of toys such as digital audio players, games | | | | free. Warning: It's not so easy to learn and please |
| machines, and TiVo. You may also consider a print | | | | don't make any mistakes that would block your |
| server and for large networks, a network | | | | access to the Internet. |
| attached storage (NAS) device. | | | | Home automation promises to grow over the |
| When your home network gets complicated you | | | | years. This requires a 24/7 computer, additional |
| may consider designating one computer as a | | | | hardware, and specialized software. But it |
| home server that handles account authentication, | | | | provides more sophisticated lighting control than |
| backup, file, printer, and program serving, media | | | | does a simple timer from the local hardware |
| center serving, web serving, and more. | | | | store. Other home networking applications include |
| Interestingly enough the server need not be the | | | | a family calendar, message board, and to-do lists. |
| most powerful computer in your network. It | | | | Ask the kids how to do messaging. You may |
| should have a fast hard drive. An uninterruptible | | | | want to play games on the computers. |