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Editor-in-ChiefGreg Wiegand
Executive EditorRick Kughen
Development EditorRick Kughen
Managing EditorSandra Schroeder
Project EditorMandie Frank
Copy EditorSheri Replin
IndexerErika Millen
ProofreaderKathy Ruiz
Technical EditorTodd Meister
Publishing CoordinatorsCindy TeetersRomny French
Book DesignerAnne Jones
CompositorBumpy Design
Wireless Networking Absolute Beginner’s GuideCopyright © 2013 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photo-copying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the pub-lisher. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the prepara-tion of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Nor is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
ISBN-13: 978-0-7897-5078-5ISBN-10: 0-7897-5078-3
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file.
Printed in the United States of America
First Printing: February 2013
TrademarksAll terms mentioned in this book that are known to be trademarks or service marks have been appropriately capitalized. Que Publishing cannot attest to the accuracy of this information. Use of a term in this book should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service mark.
Warning and DisclaimerEvery effort has been made to make this book as complete and as accurate as possible, but no warranty or fitness is implied. The information provided is on an “as is” basis. The author and the publisher shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages aris-ing from the information contained in this book.
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International [email protected]
Contents at a Glance
Introduction ................................................................................................ 1
Part I Getting to Know Wireless Networking
1 How Networks Work .................................................................................. 72 How Wi-Fi Works ......................................................................................293 How Bluetooth Works ..............................................................................454 How Mobile Networks Work ...................................................................55
Part II Setting Up a Wireless Network
5 Planning Your Network and Purchasing Equipment ............................676 Installing a Wireless Router .....................................................................857 Connecting to the Internet ...................................................................1018 Extending Your Network in a Larger Home or Office........................1139 Connecting Devices via Ethernet .........................................................12110 Securing Devices on Your Network .....................................................131
Part III Connecting Devices to Your Network
11 Connecting Home Computers .............................................................14712 Connecting a Home Server ...................................................................16313 Connecting Videogame Devices ..........................................................17314 Connecting Other Entertainment Devices ..........................................18715 Connecting Smartphones and Tablets ................................................199
Part IV Using Your Wireless Network
16 Sharing Printers and Other Devices .....................................................21317 Sharing and Transferring Files ..............................................................22718 Streaming Audio and Video .................................................................24519 Troubleshooting Network Problems ....................................................279
Part V Connecting Wirelessly Outside the Home
20 Connecting to Wi-Fi Hotspots ..............................................................30321 Connecting in Your Car .........................................................................317
Index ........................................................................................................329
iv
Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................1
How This Book Is Organized .................................................................................... 3
Conventions Used in This Book ............................................................................... 4Windows or Mac? ................................................................................................. 4Web Page Addresses ........................................................................................... 4Products and Services .......................................................................................... 4Special Elements .................................................................................................. 4
Let Me Know What You Think ................................................................................. 5
I Getting to Know Wireless Networking
1 How Networks Work ...............................................................................................7
Why You Need a Home Network ............................................................................ 8Sharing the Internet ............................................................................................. 8Streaming Movies and Music .............................................................................. 9Sharing Media .....................................................................................................10Sharing and Backing Up Files ...........................................................................11Sharing Printers and Other Equipment ............................................................13Cutting the Cable ...............................................................................................15Playing Games Online .......................................................................................16
Understanding Network Technology ....................................................................17LANs and WANs .................................................................................................17Connecting Things to Your Network ...............................................................18Connecting Everything Together .....................................................................19Transferring Data over the Network .................................................................20Understanding Network Addresses .................................................................22
Different Ways to Connect .....................................................................................23Connecting via Ethernet ....................................................................................24Connecting via Powerline ..................................................................................24Connecting via Wi-Fi ..........................................................................................25
What Type of Network Is Best for You? ................................................................26
2 How Wi-Fi Works ...................................................................................................29
Understanding Wireless Network Technology .....................................................30Bands on the Radio ............................................................................................30Routing the Signals ............................................................................................32
v
Alphabet Soup: The Different Wi-Fi Standards ...................................................33802.11 (Legacy)...................................................................................................36802.11b ...............................................................................................................36802.11a ................................................................................................................36802.11g ...............................................................................................................36802.11n ................................................................................................................37802.11ac (Gigabit Wi-Fi) ....................................................................................38802.11ad (WiGig) ...............................................................................................39Wide-Area Wi-Fi .................................................................................................39
Which Wi-Fi Is Right for You? ................................................................................40
3 How Bluetooth Works ...........................................................................................45
Understanding Bluetooth Wireless ........................................................................46What Bluetooth Does ........................................................................................46How Bluetooth Does It ......................................................................................47Synchronizing, Automatically ............................................................................47
Bluetooth in Action .................................................................................................48
How Bluetooth Is Used Today ...............................................................................50Computer Equipment ........................................................................................50Cell Phones .........................................................................................................51Automobiles ........................................................................................................52
How Do Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Compare? ..............................................................53
4 How Mobile Networks Work ...............................................................................55
Understanding Cellular Phone Technology ..........................................................56Cells in a Network ..............................................................................................56Carrying a Two-Way Radio ................................................................................57
Pulling Some Gs ......................................................................................................571G ........................................................................................................................572G ........................................................................................................................583G ........................................................................................................................594G ........................................................................................................................59
Sharing a Mobile Data Connection with Your PC ................................................60External Data Modems ......................................................................................61Tethering Your Smartphone ..............................................................................61Powering Your Home Network with Your Cellular Signal ..............................63
Mobile Data Versus Wi-Fi: Choosing One or the Other .....................................64
Mobile Service and Bluetooth: Learning to Co-Exist ..........................................64
vi WIRELESS NETWORKING ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE
II Setting Up a Wireless Network
5 Planning Your Network and Purchasing Equipment .......................................67
Planning Your Network ...........................................................................................68Making a List .......................................................................................................68Mapping the Network ........................................................................................69Adding the Necessary Network Equipment ....................................................70Creating Your Network Equipment List ...........................................................72
Choosing a Wireless Router ...................................................................................72What a Router Does ...........................................................................................72Understanding the Nomenclature—And the Specs .......................................73Examining 802.11n Routers ..............................................................................74Examining 802.11ac Routers .............................................................................75Evaluating Ethernet Performance .....................................................................77Considering Other Features ..............................................................................77
Choosing Wireless Adapters ..................................................................................78USB Adapters ......................................................................................................79Internal Adapters ................................................................................................80
Choosing Network Interface Cards and Ethernet Cables ...................................81
Upgrading Your Current Network .........................................................................81
Where to Buy Networking Equipment ..................................................................82
6 Installing a Wireless Router .................................................................................85
Before You Start ......................................................................................................86
Making the Physical Connections ..........................................................................88
Setting Up and Configuring the Router ................................................................92
Advanced Router Setup ..........................................................................................94Opening the Dashboard ....................................................................................94Navigating the Dashboard ................................................................................95Key Settings ........................................................................................................95
Upgrading from an Existing Router .......................................................................97
7 Connecting to the Internet ............................................................................... 101
Understanding Internet Connections ..................................................................102Broadband DSL ................................................................................................102Broadband Cable .............................................................................................102FiOS Broadband ...............................................................................................103Broadband Satellite..........................................................................................103
Choosing the Right Internet Connection for Your Network .............................104
viiTABLE OF CONTENTS
Connecting the Internet to Your Network ..........................................................104Connecting with a Wireless Router ................................................................104Connecting with a Combination Modem/Router .........................................106
Setting Up a Public Wi-Fi Hotspot ......................................................................107Turning Your Wireless Router into a Wi-Fi Hotspot .....................................107Setting Up a Wi-Fi Hotspot with a Wireless Access Point ...........................108
Security Matters: To Share or Not to Share? .....................................................109
8 Extending Your Network in a Larger Home or Office ................................. 113
Revisiting Transmission Range .............................................................................114
Upgrading to a More Powerful Router................................................................114
Connecting a More Powerful Antenna ................................................................115
Connecting a Wireless Range Extender .............................................................116
Connecting a Second Wireless Router ...............................................................118
9 Connecting Devices via Ethernet ..................................................................... 121
How Ethernet Works .............................................................................................122Speeds Vary ......................................................................................................122Ethernet Routers ...............................................................................................122NIC’s Picks .........................................................................................................124Cable Time ........................................................................................................125
When an Ethernet Connection Makes Sense .....................................................126Speed Matters ..................................................................................................126Reliability Matters .............................................................................................127Security Matters ................................................................................................127There’s No Wireless Option ............................................................................128
Connecting via Ethernet to a Wireless Network ................................................128
10 Securing Devices on Your Network ................................................................ 131
Facing the Potential Dangers of Wireless Networking .....................................132Different Types of Intrusions ...........................................................................132How to Tell If Your Network Has Been Breached ........................................133How to Protect Your PC from Intrusion .........................................................133
Protecting Against Internet Intrusions with a Firewall .......................................134OS-Based Firewalls...........................................................................................135Using Third-Party Firewall Software ...............................................................135Using Router-Based Firewalls ..........................................................................135
Enabling Wireless Security on Your Router ........................................................136Different Types of Wireless Security ..............................................................137Configuring Your Network for Wireless Security ..........................................138
viii WIRELESS NETWORKING ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE
Limiting Access to Your Network ........................................................................138Changing the Router’s SSID ............................................................................138Changing the Password ...................................................................................139Disabling SSID Broadcasting...........................................................................140
Protecting Against Malware .................................................................................140Understanding Viruses and Spyware ..............................................................141Practicing Safe Computing ..............................................................................141Using Anti-Virus Software ................................................................................142Using Anti-Spyware Software ..........................................................................144
III Connecting Devices to Your Network
11 Connecting Home Computers .......................................................................... 147
Connecting Computers to the Network .............................................................148Connecting Windows 8 Computers ...............................................................148Connecting Windows 7 Computers ...............................................................149Connecting Windows Vista Computers .........................................................150Connecting Windows XP Computers .............................................................150Connecting Macs ..............................................................................................151
Dealing with Network Locations, Workgroups, and HomeGroups in Windows .............................................................................................................152
Setting a Network Location .............................................................................152Selecting a Workgroup ....................................................................................153Creating a Windows HomeGroup ..................................................................153
Configuring File and Printer Sharing ...................................................................154Enabling File and Printer Sharing in Windows 8...........................................154Enabling File and Printer Sharing in Windows 7...........................................156Enabling File and Printer Sharing in Windows Vista ....................................156Enabling File and Printer Sharing in Windows XP ........................................156Enabling File and Printer Sharing on a Mac ..................................................157
Accessing Other Computers on Your Network ..................................................158Accessing Computers from a Windows PC ...................................................159Accessing Computers from a Windows HomeGroup ..................................160Accessing Computers from a Mac .................................................................160
Managing a Windows Network ............................................................................160
12 Connecting a Home Server ............................................................................... 163
What Is a Home Server, and Why Do You Need One? ....................................164
Exploring the Many Uses of a Home Server ......................................................164
Home Server or NAS: What’s in a Name? ..........................................................165
ixTABLE OF CONTENTS
Shopping for a Home Server or NAS ..................................................................166Determining Storage Capacity .......................................................................167Choosing Networking and Backup Functionality .........................................167Selecting an Operating System ......................................................................167Making the Purchase ........................................................................................168
Configuring Your Server .......................................................................................169
Using Your Server for Media Storage .................................................................170
Backing Up to a Home Server .............................................................................170
Connecting to Your Server from the Internet.....................................................171
13 Connecting Videogame Devices ...................................................................... 173
Why Would You Want to Connect a Videogame Device to Your Network? ..................................................................................................174
Wi-Fi Versus Ethernet: What’s Best for Gaming? ..............................................175Connecting via Wi-Fi ........................................................................................176Connecting via Ethernet ..................................................................................176
Connecting an Xbox 360 Console.......................................................................177Is Your Xbox Wireless? ....................................................................................177Connecting via Wi-Fi ........................................................................................178Connecting via Ethernet ..................................................................................178
Connecting a PlayStation 3 Console ...................................................................178Connecting via Wi-Fi ........................................................................................179Connecting via Ethernet ..................................................................................180
Connecting a Nintendo Wii Console ..................................................................180Connecting via Wi-Fi ........................................................................................180Connecting via Ethernet ..................................................................................181
Connecting a Portable Videogame Device ........................................................182
Configuring Your Network for Optimum Gameplay .........................................183Getting Faster Broadband...............................................................................183Upgrading Your Router ....................................................................................184
14 Connecting Other Entertainment Devices ..................................................... 187
The Many Ways to Consume Web-Based Media in Your Living Room ..........188
Connecting an Internet-Capable TV to Your Network ......................................189
Connecting a Blu-ray Player to Your Network ...................................................191
Connecting an Audio/Video Receiver to Your Network ...................................193
Connecting a Network Media Player to Your Network .....................................195
x WIRELESS NETWORKING ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE
Configuring Your Router for Streaming Media ..................................................196Connecting at 5GHz ........................................................................................196Enabling WMM .................................................................................................197Giving Priority to Streaming Media ................................................................197
15 Connecting Smartphones and Tablets ............................................................ 199
Connecting to a Wireless Network ......................................................................200Connecting Your Smartphone ........................................................................200Connecting Your Tablet ..................................................................................202
Using a Guest Network for Visiting Friends .......................................................203
Switching Between Wi-Fi and Cellular Networks ...............................................204Why Wi-Fi Is Better Than Cellular...................................................................204When to Connect via Cellular .........................................................................205How to Switch from Wi-Fi to Cellular .............................................................206
Using Your Smartphone or Tablet to Control Networked Devices .................206
Using Your Smartphone to Control Things When You’re Not Around ...........208
IV Using Your Wireless Network
16 Sharing Printers and Other Devices ................................................................ 213
Connecting a Shared Printer to Your Network ..................................................214
Connecting a Wireless Network Printer ..............................................................215Benefits of a Network Printer ..........................................................................216Setting Up a Network Printer ..........................................................................216
Connecting a Printer via a Print Server ...............................................................217
Installing a Shared Printer on Other PCs ............................................................218
Printing to a Network Printer ...............................................................................218
Using Google Cloud Print ....................................................................................220How Google Cloud Print Works .....................................................................220Cloud Print Utilities ..........................................................................................221Connecting a Cloud Print-Ready Computer .................................................221Connecting an Existing Printer .......................................................................221Sharing a Printer ...............................................................................................223Printing via Google Cloud Print ......................................................................224
Sharing Other Peripherals ....................................................................................225
xiTABLE OF CONTENTS
17 Sharing and Transferring Files .......................................................................... 227
How File Sharing Works ........................................................................................228
Configuring File Sharing in Windows ..................................................................229Enabling Password-Protected Sharing ...........................................................229Sharing the Public Folder ................................................................................230Sharing Other Folders .....................................................................................230Sharing Complete Drives.................................................................................234
Accessing Computers on Your Network .............................................................234Accessing Windows HomeGroup Computers ...............................................234Accessing Other Computers from a Windows PC ........................................235Accessing Other Computers from a Mac ......................................................237
Using a Home Server for File Sharing .................................................................237
Backing Up Your Data Across a Network ...........................................................238
Sharing Files in the Cloud ....................................................................................238What Is Cloud Storage? ...................................................................................238Why Use Cloud Storage? ................................................................................239Popular Cloud-Storage Services .....................................................................240Sharing a File with SkyDrive ............................................................................241
18 Streaming Audio and Video.............................................................................. 245
How Streaming Media Works ..............................................................................246
What’s Good—And What’s Bad—About Streaming Media .............................246What’s Good About Streaming Media ..........................................................247What’s Not So Good About Streaming Media .............................................248
Choosing a Streaming Media Device .................................................................249Streaming Media on an Internet-Capable TV ...............................................249Streaming Media on an Internet-Capable Blu-ray Player ............................250Streaming Media on a Network Media Player ..............................................251Streaming Media on a Personal Computer ...................................................254Streaming Media on a Smartphone or Tablet ..............................................255
Streaming TV Shows and Movies ........................................................................256Hulu and Hulu Plus ...........................................................................................257Netflix ................................................................................................................259Amazon Instant Video ......................................................................................260Blockbuster On Demand .................................................................................261iTunes ................................................................................................................261Vudu ...................................................................................................................262Veoh ...................................................................................................................262Crackle ...............................................................................................................263Vevo ...................................................................................................................263Other Sites ........................................................................................................263
xii WIRELESS NETWORKING ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE
Streaming Music ....................................................................................................265Streaming Music Services ................................................................................265Internet Radio ...................................................................................................268Terrestrial Radio, Online ..................................................................................271Cloud-Based Music Services ...........................................................................272
Streaming Media Across Your Network ..............................................................274DLNA .................................................................................................................275Apple AirPlay ....................................................................................................275
19 Troubleshooting Network Problems ............................................................... 279
Managing Networked Computers (Windows Version) ......................................280Viewing a Larger Network Map ......................................................................281Changing the Type of Network Location ......................................................281Configuring Advanced Sharing Options ........................................................281Viewing and Managing Network Connections .............................................282Changing IP Addresses ...................................................................................284
Managing Networked Computers (Mac Version)...............................................286Configuring Network Preferences ..................................................................286Displaying Network Information .....................................................................287
Speeding Up a Slow Wireless Connection .........................................................288Checking Your Signal Strength .......................................................................288Moving Closer to the Router ..........................................................................289Don’t Hide Your Adapter or Router ...............................................................289Moving Devices That Might Cause Interference ..........................................290Changing the Channel .....................................................................................290Changing the Band ..........................................................................................290Upgrading to a Faster Router .........................................................................290
Troubleshooting Bad Network Connections ......................................................291Letting Your Operating System Fix the Problem ..........................................291Disconnecting the Connection .......................................................................291Rebooting the Adapter—or the Device .........................................................292Rebooting Your Router ....................................................................................292Checking the Device’s IP Settings ..................................................................292Manually Assigning an IP Address .................................................................293Checking the Workgroup Name .....................................................................293
Troubleshooting a Dead Internet Connection ...................................................294Checking the Cables ........................................................................................294Rebooting the Modem ....................................................................................294Checking with Your ISP ....................................................................................295
Speeding Up a Slow Internet Connection ..........................................................295Understanding Connection Speed .................................................................295Understanding Browser Speed .......................................................................296Cleaning Your Cache .......................................................................................296
xiiiTABLE OF CONTENTS
Changing the Size of Your Cache ..................................................................297Managing Your Cookies ..................................................................................297Don’t Display Graphics ....................................................................................298Uninstalling Unnecessary Add-Ons ................................................................298Using an Alternate DNS Service .....................................................................299
V Connecting Wirelessly Outside the Home
20 Connecting to Wi-Fi Hotspots .......................................................................... 303
Where Can You Find a Hotspot? .........................................................................304Wi-Fi Coffeehouses and Restaurants .............................................................304Wi-Fi Hotels ......................................................................................................305Wi-Fi Airports and Transportation Centers ...................................................305Wi-Fi in Public Places .......................................................................................305Wi-Fi Communities ...........................................................................................305
Connecting to a Public Hotspot ..........................................................................306
Logging Onto a Hotspot ......................................................................................307
Manually Connecting to a Hidden Network .......................................................308
Changing the Order of Preferred Networks in Windows ..................................309
Working Securely from a Public Hotspot ............................................................311
Troubleshooting Hotspot Problems ....................................................................312You Can’t Connect to the Hotspot ................................................................312You Get Disconnected from the Hotspot ......................................................312You Connect to the Hotspot But Can’t Access the Internet .......................313You Can’t Connect to Selected Websites .....................................................313You Can’t Send or Receive Email ...................................................................313
21 Connecting in Your Car...................................................................................... 317
Connecting Your Phone to Your Car for Phone Calls .......................................318Using Built-In Bluetooth ...................................................................................318Using Add-On Bluetooth Car Kits ..................................................................320
Connecting Your Phone to Your Car to Play Music ...........................................321Listening with a Built-In System ......................................................................321Listening via an Add-On Bluetooth System ..................................................322
Using Your Smartphone to Access the Internet While Driving ........................323
Using a Wireless Router in Your Car ...................................................................324Installing a Wireless Router .............................................................................324Using a Mobile Hotspot ..................................................................................325
Looking to the Future: The Wireless Car ............................................................326
Index ...................................................................................................................... 329
xiv WIRELESS NETWORKING ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE
About the AuthorMichael Miller is a successful and prolific author with a reputation for practi-cal advice and technical accuracy and an unerring empathy for the needs of his readers.
Mr. Miller has written more than 100 best-selling books over the past two decades. His books for Que include Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Computer Basics, Easy Computer Basics, Windows 7 Your Way, Wireless Networking with Windows Vista, Facebook for Grown-Ups, My Pinterest, and The Ultimate Digital Music Guide. He is known for his casual, easy-to-read writing style and his practi-cal, real-world advice—as well as his ability to explain a wide variety of complex topics to an everyday audience.
You can email Mr. Miller directly at [email protected]. His website is www.molehillgroup.com.
DedicationTo all of my Minnesota family—you’re the only network that matters.
AcknowledgmentsThanks to the usual suspects at Que Publishing, including but not limited to Greg Wiegand, Rick Kughen, Mandie Frank, Sheri Replin, and technical editor Todd Meister. Thanks also to Laura Norman for supplying some Mac-related information and screenshots as necessary.
xvREADER SERVICES
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INTRODUCTION
Most homes today are networked homes. Or they should be.
That’s because we all have a lot of different devices that need to con-
nect to each other and to the Internet. It’s not just desktop and notebook
computers that benefit from being networked; we also have smartphones
(such as the iPhone), tablets (like the iPad), videogame consoles, portable
game players, and even Internet-capable TVs, Blu-ray players, audio/video
receivers, and network media players. That’s a lot of stuff that needs to
connect.
And you need to connect them all in order to do all the things you want to
do in your home. Naturally, you want to connect to the Internet, for web
surfing, email checking, and social networking. But, you may also want to
share files between multiple computers, view your digital photos on your
living room TV, listen to your favorite music, or watch streaming movies
and TV shows over the web. There’s a lot you can do when all your devices
are connected to a home network.
I N T H I S C H A P T E R• How This Book Is Organized
• Conventions Used in This Book
• Let Me Know What You Think
2 WIRELESS NETWORKING ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE
Fortunately, almost all of these devices can connect wirelessly. You don’t need to run big, thick, Ethernet cable from one end of your house to the other; just install a wireless router and let all of your devices connect via Wi-Fi. (They all probably have Wi-Fi built in.)
That doesn’t mean that setting up a home network is simple or even necessarily trouble proof. The complexity of today’s home wireless networks can be confus-ing, even to the more technically adept. There are a host of questions that need answered: What kind of router should you buy? How best should you configure your network to optimize playback on all your different devices? How can you get the fastest audio and video streaming while still maintaining a decent connection on your iPhone? Should you store your music and movies on a home server or on a separate PC? Can you get your Windows and Mac computers to talk to each other? And how do you keep your neighbors from tapping into your Internet con-nection and home network?
That’s where this book comes in. Wireless Networking Absolute Beginner’s Guide is an easy-to-use guide for anyone installing or working with a wireless home net-work today. This book details how to plan, purchase, and set up a typical wireless network in your home—and then optimize that network for best performance.
Wireless Networking Absolute Beginner’s Guide goes beyond simple network configuration, however. I’ll show you how to connect all wireless devices to your wireless network—computers, home servers, videogames, tablets, smartphones, widescreen TVs, audio/video receivers, and the like. I’ll also discuss how to get the most from these connected devices, including watching streaming audio and video over your network.
I’ll also cover other types of wireless connections, both inside and outside the home, including Wi-Fi hotspots, Bluetooth in your car, and your mobile-phone carrier’s cellular data service. There’s even advice on how to troubleshoot network problems—because, like it or not, problems do pop up from time to time.
In short, Wireless Networking Absolute Beginner’s Guide should give you every-thing you need to know to guarantee hassle-free wireless connections on all man-ner of devices. Everything today is wireless, and wireless is everything—you might as well get ready for it.
INTRODUCTION 3
How This Book Is OrganizedI’ve organized this book into five main parts, as follows:
• Part I, “Getting to Know Wireless Networking,” shows you how networks (wired and wireless) work, and discusses the three major types of wireless net-works: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile wireless. This is the place to start if you don’t know a thing about wireless networking.
• Part II, “Setting Up a Wireless Network,” is where you start getting your hands dirty. This section describes, in step-by-step detail, how to plan your home network, purchase the right equipment, install and configure a wireless router, connect your network to the Internet, extend your network into larger spaces, and connect selected devices via Ethernet cable. You’ll even learn why and how to employ network security. (Hint: It’s to protect against unwanted intruders.)
• Part III, “Connecting Devices to Your Network,” shows you how to connect all sorts of different devices to your new wireless network. You’ll learn how to connect notebook and desktop computers (both Windows and Mac), home servers, videogame consoles and portable game players, network media play-ers, Internet-capable TVs and Blu-ray players, and even audio/video receivers. You’ll also learn how to connect your favorite handheld devices to your net-work. (We’re talking smartphones and tablets, folks.)
• Part IV, “Using Your Wireless Network,” is all about doing stuff over your network. You’ll learn how to share printers and scanners, share and transfer computer files, watch streaming movies and TV shows, and listen to streaming music. You’ll also learn how to troubleshoot potential network problems—just in case.
• Part V, “Connecting Wirelessly Outside the Home,” is where you learn how to use your wireless devices outside your home or office network. You’ll learn how to connect your computer, smartphone, or tablet to pub-lic Wi-Fi hotspots, and how to access the Internet from your car. Wireless is everywhere!
Taken together, the 21 chapters in this book help you progress from an absolute beginner to experienced wireless networker. Just read what you need and, before long, you’ll be connected wirelessly all over the place!
4 WIRELESS NETWORKING ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE
Conventions Used in This BookI hope that this book is easy enough to figure out on its own, without requiring its own instruction manual. As you read through the pages, however, it helps to know precisely how I’ve presented specific types of information.
Windows or Mac?First, know that this book attempts to be relatively platform agnostic. That is, I cover a lot of different devices on multiple operating systems; it shouldn’t matter whether you’re using a Mac or Windows PC, or even which version of Windows you’re using; there should be ample information between these two covers for whatever device you’re using. (That means there’s also coverage of wireless for smartphones and tablets—so there.)
Web Page AddressesThis book contains a lot of web page addresses, because that’s where you go for additional information. Technically, a web page address is supposed to start with http:// (as in http://www.molehillgroup.com). Because most web browsers auto-matically insert this piece of the address, you don’t have to type it—and I haven’t included it in any of the addresses in this book.
By the way, when it comes to web page addresses, know that they change. So if you enter a specific URL I mention in this book and get a “page not found error,” don’t blame me; it worked when I wrote it! (And that’s why we have the Google; just search for anything you need.)
Products and ServicesI mention a lot of specific products in this book, and products, like web pages, come and go. It’s likely that, by the time you read this book, some of the products I mention may be discontinued or replaced by newer versions. That’s life in the big city, folks. Hopefully, any newer products you find will work even better than the ones I mention in this book.
Special ElementsThis book also includes a few special elements that provide additional information not included in the basic text. These elements are designed to supplement the text to make your learning faster, easier, and more efficient.
INTRODUCTION 5
TIP A tip is a piece of advice—a little trick, actually—that helps you use your wireless network more effectively or maneuver around problems or limitations.
NOTE A note is designed to provide information that is gen-erally useful but not specifically necessary for what you’re doing at the moment. Some are like extended tips—interesting, but not essential.
CAUTION A caution tells you to beware of a potentially dan-gerous operation or situation. In some cases, ignoring a caution could cause you significant problems—so pay attention to them!
Let Me Know What You ThinkI always love to hear from readers. If you want to contact me, feel free to email me at [email protected]. I can’t promise that I’ll answer every message, but I do promise that I’ll read each one!
If you want to learn more about me and any new books I have cooking, check out my Molehill Group website at www.molehillgroup.com. Who knows, you might find some other books there that you would like to read.
4
HOW MOBILE NETWORKS WORKThere’s one last type of wireless network we need to discuss, and it’s one
with which you’re probably intimately and constantly familiar. I’m talk-
ing about the ubiquitous wireless network employed by the humble cell
phone—or, more common today, the high-tech cellular-data network used
by iPhones and other smartphones to connect not only to each other, but
also to the Internet.
How does cellular networking work—and what does it have to do with the
other wireless networking you employ on a daily basis? Good questions,
and two of many that are answered in this chapter.
I N T H I S C H A P T E R• Understanding Cellular Phone Technology
• Pulling Some Gs
• Sharing a Mobile Data Connection with Your PC
• Mobile Data Versus Wi-Fi: Choosing One the Other
• Mobile Service and Bluetooth: Learning to Co-Exist
56 WIRELESS NETWORKING ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE
Understanding Cellular Phone TechnologyCellular phones work much the same way as do the other wireless devices we’ve been discussing. Signals carrying voice, text, and digital data are transmitted via radio waves from one device to another. In the case of cellular networks, the data is transmitted not to a central hub in a small network of devices (as it is with Wi-Fi) or even directly from device to device (as it is with Bluetooth), but through a global network of transmitters and receivers.
Cells in a NetworkWhat’s interesting about mobile phone networks is their cellular design. (Hence the terms “cellular network” and “cellular phone.”) By that, I mean that a mobile phone network is divided into thousands of overlapping geographic areas, or cells. A typical cellular network can be envisioned as a mesh of hexagonal cells, as shown in Figure 4.1, each with its own base station at the center. The cells slightly overlap at the edges to ensure that users always remain within range of a base sta-tion. (You don’t want a dropped call when you’re driving between base stations.)
FIGURE 4.1
Cells in a cellular network.
NOTE The cells in a cellular network vary in size, depending on how many calls are conducted within that geographic area. The smallest cells, which might cover only a few city blocks, are those where there’s the heaviest population density, and thus the largest demand for service. The largest cells are most often in rural areas with a smaller population per square mile.
CHAPTER 4 HOW MOBILE NETWORKS WORK 57
The base station at the center of each group of cells functions as the hub for those cells—not of the entire network, but of that individual piece of the network. RF signals are transmitted by an individual phone and received by the base sta-tion, where they are then re-transmitted from the base station to another mobile phone. Transmitting and receiving are done over two slightly different frequencies.
Base stations are connected to one another via central switching centers which track calls and transfer them from one base station to another as callers move between cells; the handoff is (ideally) seamless and unnoticeable. Each base sta-tion is also connected to the main telephone network, and can thus relay mobile calls to landline phones .
Carrying a Two-Way RadioAll this transmission within a cellular network originates with the handheld cell phone. A mobile phone is actually a two-way radio, containing both a low-power transmitter (to transmit data) and a receiver (to receive data).
When I say low power, I mean low power—really low power. The typical cell phone includes a dual-strength transmitter, capable of transmitting either 0.6-watt or 3-watt signals. In comparison, a larger AM radio station will typically broadcast a 50,000-watt signal; even smaller AM stations broadcast 5,000-watt signals. A cell phone’s 3-watt signal is puny in comparison.
The reason mobile phones can get by with such low-power transmitters is that they’re transmitting within a relatively limited range—within the current network cell. It’s not necessary or desirable for a phone’s signal to extend beyond the cur-rent cell; this way, the same broadcast frequencies can be used by multiple cells without danger of interference .
Pulling Some GsIf you’re a mobile phone user (and you are, of course), then you’ve probably heard talk about something called 3G, and maybe even something called 4G. Each “G” is a generation of technology, which means we’re currently in the middle of the third generation and moving into the fourth. Let me explain.
1GBefore the age of digital mobile networks, all cell phones broadcast analog sig-nals. In the U.S., this meant using the Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) standard, which operated in a range of frequencies between 824MHz and 894MHz, dubbed the 800MHz band.
58 WIRELESS NETWORKING ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE
This type of analog transmission was the first generation of cellular phone tech-nology, or what some refer to as 1G. Because analog phones could transmit only analog voice data, not digital data, they couldn’t be used to access the Internet or transmit text messages. Fortunately, there were more Gs to follow .
2GMoving past the analog age, the cell-phone carriers needed to cram more calls into each frequency they were assigned. The way to do that was to move beyond inefficient analog signals into more efficient digital ones. That is, the original ana-log voice signal is digitized into a series of 0s and 1s; the resulting digital signal is then compressed and transmitted across the assigned frequency band.
NOTE Because of the digitization and compression, a digital system can carry about ten times as many calls as an analog one.
In this second generation of cellular transmission (dubbed 2G, of course), several competing standards came into play, and different cellular carriers adopted differ-ent standards. There are two of these standards used in the United States:
• Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). This standard operates in the same 800MHz band used by the previous analog transmissions and is employed by Sprint and Verizon.
• Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). This standard operates in the 1,900MHz band and is used by AT&T and T-Mobile.
That’s just in the United States, of course. Other standards and frequency bands are used in other countries.
NOTE CDMA and GSM are mutually exclusive technologies. A CDMA phone will not work on a GSM network, and vice versa.
2G networks and phones could also be used to transmit non-voice data. This ush-ered in the era of text messaging, in the form of Short Message Service (SMS) and, later, Multimedia Message Service (MMS). It also enabled access to the Internet, for email, web browsing, and the like .
NOTE SMS transmits text-only messages. MMS transmits text messages with multimedia attachments (photo, video, and so on).
CHAPTER 4 HOW MOBILE NETWORKS WORK 59
3GThe next generation of cellular transmission was developed with the smartphone in mind. So-called 3G networks feature increased bandwidth and transfer rates that better accommodate the transfer of digital data necessary for Internet access and the use of web-based applications.
How much faster is 3G? A lot. Today’s 3G networks boast transfer speeds up to 2Mbps; in contrast, 2G phones can only transfer data at around 144Kbps. That’s a 13-fold increase in speed, more or less, if you’re doing the math.
Just as with 2G digital networks, there are several different 3G standards in use in the U.S. (and a few more in use overseas):
• CDMA2000 is an evolution of the previous CDMA standard. It’s used by Sprint and Verizon.
• Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is an evolution of the GSM standard used by AT&T and T-Mobile.
If you use your smartphone for anything other than voice calls and text messages, you need to be on a 3G network. In those areas where you’re forced to use a 2G connection, accessing the Internet is painfully slow. In this respect, 3G is the de-facto minimum requirement for using a smartphone today .
4GNow, we get to the fourth generation of cellular networking. Carriers are just start-ing to roll out 4G networks, and suppliers are just starting to produce 4G smart-phones. 4G promises data transmission rates in excess of 1Gbps, which is more than 30 times the rate of 3G networks. (That should make it a lot easier to watch streaming video on your iPhone!)
Naturally, competing 4G standards are in play. Look for the following protocols used by U.S. carriers:
• Long Term Evolution (LTE). This standard promises data download rates to mobile users up to 300Mbps. It’s used by AT&T and Verizon.
• Evolved High Speed Packet Access (HSPA+) . This standard promises data download rates up to 168Mbps, although current rates top out at 42Mbps. It’s used by T-Mobile.
• Worldwide Operability for Microwave Access (WiMax). This standard prom-ises data download rates of 128Mbps. It’s used by Sprint.
60 WIRELESS NETWORKING ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE
To put all these Gs into perspective, see Figure 4.2. This chart compares the data-transmission (download) rates of 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. (Remember, 1G was analog, not digital, and thus couldn’t transmit non-voice data.) There’s been a lot of improvement over the years !
FIGURE 4.2
Comparing 2G, 3G, and 4G data download speeds.
Sharing a Mobile Data Connection with Your PCWith the advent of 3G cellular technology, it suddenly became feasible to use your cell phone to access the Internet. Before 3G, rates were just too slow; load-ing a simple web page could take minutes, not seconds.
3G’s maximum 2Mbps data download speed is close to that offered by many home Internet service providers (ISPs); DSL, for example, typically delivers speeds in the same 2Mbps range. Naturally, when we’re talking 4G networks with speeds approaching 300Mbps, cellular Internet is suddenly faster than what you get at home—or sitting in your local Wi-Fi hotspot.
With that in mind, why not use your smartphone to provide Internet access for your computer? Well, you can—and there are two different ways to do it .
CHAPTER 4 HOW MOBILE NETWORKS WORK 61
External Data ModemsMost cellular providers offer external data modems that provide access to their 3G or 4G cellular-data network. These modems are small and portable and connect to your computer via USB; they let you access the cellular network with your PC, just as you do with your phone.
What this means is that you can now connect to the Internet anywhere you can receive a cellular connection. This lets you surf the web in places where you can’t get Wi-Fi, such as when you’re driving your car.
Figure 4.3 shows a typical USB modem from AT&T. You’ll want to purchase the right modem for the connection you want; most carriers offer separate 3G and 4G modems. Expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $300, depending on the unit, the carrier, and which service plan you subscribe to. Oh, and you’ll have to pay for a data service plan; the more data you use, the more you’ll pay each month .
FIGURE 4.3
AT&T’s USBConnect Force 4G USB modem.
Tethering Your SmartphoneSome carriers let you connect your computer to their data networks without pur-chasing a separate modem for your PC. Instead, you connect a cable between your computer and your smartphone; you connect to the data network with your smartphone and then share the Internet connection with your PC.
62 WIRELESS NETWORKING ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE
This process is called tethering, and it’s a great way to share a connection and an existing data service plan. Not all carriers support this type of tethering, however, and those that do may charge extra for it—in addition to the normal data usage plan. For example, T-Mobile has a $15/month tethering charge, Verizon charges $20/month, and Sprint charges $30/month, all in addition to your normal data plan; AT&T includes tethering in its $45/month 4GB data plan.
NOTE Check with your cellular carrier to see what’s available and what you have to do to use it.
Tethering can be done both physically or via Wi-Fi. We’ll look at both methods.
A physical tether requires the use of a USB cable or special data connection kit. Essentially, you connect one end of the cable to your smartphone and the other to your PC, as shown in Figure 4.4. Once everything’s connected, you run a special tethering app to pipe the Internet signal from your phone to your computer .
FIGURE 4.4
Sharing a cellular data signal via physical tether.
A Wi-Fi tether turns your smartphone into a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. You establish an ad-hoc Wi-Fi network with your phone as the router, and then connect your computer to that network to share the phone’s Internet connection. It’s easier than it sounds, especially when facilitated by using the appropriate tethering app on your phone .
CHAPTER 4 HOW MOBILE NETWORKS WORK 63
CAUTION Some technically adept users try to get around carriers’ tethering charges by jailbreaking their phones and using third-party tethering apps. This is breaking the rules, however, as most carriers like to charge you extra for the privilege of tethering—not that there are any technical reasons to do so. If your carrier detects the tethering, you’ll get charged for that usage—or, perhaps, kicked off the service entirely.
Powering Your Home Network with Your Cellular SignalHere’s something else you may not have considered. Some manufacturers make what they call mobile broadband routers that receive a 3G (or, in some instances, 4G) mobile signal and then convert it into Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi signal is then broad-cast throughout your home, same as with a wireless router, and all of your Wi-Fi-enabled devices can connect to it to access the Internet.
Figure 4.5 shows one such device from NETGEAR. The little receiver on the right is what picks up your cellular signal; it’s connected to the big unit on the left, which is essentially a wireless router. The router provides the Wi-Fi signal for your network of devices .
FIGURE 4.5
NETGEAR’s MBRN3000 Mobile Broadband Router. (Photo courtesy of NETGEAR.)
CAUTION The big problem with using a mobile broadband modem in your home is that, unless you have an unlimited data plan from your cellular provider, you’re going to pay through the nose for all the data downloaded by all the devices on your network.
64 WIRELESS NETWORKING ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE
Mobile Data Versus Wi-Fi: Choosing One or the Other
You’ve just seen one way that cellular networking and Wi-Fi networking can work together—by tethering your smartphone and computer together, via Wi-Fi, to share the cellular data signal. In most other aspects, these two wireless technolo-gies work side-by-side, offering similar Internet-based functionality, but in different ways.
Here’s the deal. Your smartphone can connect to the Internet either via Wi-Fi or via your cellular service’s network. Most phones are configured to use the near-est Wi-Fi signal by default, as Wi-Fi is both faster than 3G data connections and doesn’t rack up charges against your phone’s data plan. So, if you’re near a Wi-Fi network, your phone tries to connect to that network; if there’s not Wi-Fi nearby, then your phone switches to the standard cellular data network.
This default-to-Wi-Fi behavior makes a lot of sense, especially if you consume a lot of media online. Checking your email won’t necessarily eat up your available data plan, but viewing a lot of photos on web pages or consuming streaming music or video will. If you use your phone to watch a lot of streaming movies or TV shows, chances are you’ll blow through your data plan much sooner than you’d like, and be liable for costly overage charges.
Naturally, you can, at any time, switch off your phone’s Wi-Fi, which then forces your phone to connect to the cellular network to access the Internet. In most instances, however, you probably want to use Wi-Fi when it’s available and fall back on your 3G network only when you have to .
NOTE Some smartphones won’t let you perform certain func-tions, such as updating your existing iPhone apps, over cellular. To access these functions, your phone needs to be connected to a Wi-Fi network.
Mobile Service and Bluetooth: Learning to Co-Exist
Then, there’s the issue of Bluetooth wireless, which is also built into most smart-phones. Bluetooth is typically used to connect your phone to cordless headsets and your car’s built-in phone/audio system. In this respect, Bluetooth and cellular wireless co-exist quite nicely; in fact, you can easily flow one wireless connection through the other.
CHAPTER 4 HOW MOBILE NETWORKS WORK 65
You can see this co-existence in action when you connect to your phone’s data network while your phone is connected to another Bluetooth-enabled device. The Bluetooth connection then carries your cellular voice call to your headset or car system, in a nice little flow that looks something like the one in Figure 4.6. One wireless stream flows into the other .
POWER EJECT
MODE MODE
Smartphone
BluetoothConnection
Car System
CellularConnection
CellTower
FIGURE 4.6
Flowing a cellular connection through a Bluetooth connection.
66 WIRELESS NETWORKING ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE
THE ABSOLUTE MINIMUMHere are the key points to remember from this chapter:
• Cellular telephone networks are so-named because they’re built from a series of adjoining cells; as a phone travels from one point to another, its signal is handed off from cell to cell.
• There have been four generations of cell phone technology: 1G (analog), 2G (original digital), 3G (faster digital), and 4G (even faster digital, designed spe-cifically for smartphone and streaming video use).
• Using a smartphone to access the Internet is painful on older 2G networks, acceptable on 3G networks, and downright enjoyable on the latest 4G networks.
• Most smartphones can connect to the Internet via either Wi-Fi or cellular data networks; Wi-Fi is faster than 3G cellular (but not as fast as 4G) and doesn’t use up your monthly data plan.
• Smartphones can connect to cellular and Bluetooth networks simultaneously, in order to beam cellular voice calls to a Bluetooth-enabled device.
Index
from Windows PCs, 159, 235-236
AccuRadio, 269
adapters, rebooting, 292
Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+, 144
add-on Bluetooth car kits, 320-321
add-ons (browser), 298-299
addressesIP addresses, changing,
284-285network addresses, 22-23
advanced router setup, 94-96navigating dashboard, 95opening dashboard, 94settings, 95-96
Agnitum Outpost Pro Firewall, 135
AirPlay, 275
airports, Wi-Fi hotspots in, 305
Alarm.com, 208
ALFA NetworkAPA05 booster antenna,
115website, 116
Amazon Cloud Player, 273
Amazon Instant Video, 260
antennas, upgrading, 115-116
anti-spyware software, 144
Symbols
1G networks, 57-58
2G networks, 58
2.4GHz band, 31
3G networks, 59
4G networks, 59-60
5GHz band, 32, 196
10Base-T Ethernet, 24, 122
802.11 protocols, 33802.11, 36802.11a, 36802.11ac, 38-39, 75-76802.11ad, 39802.11b, 36802.11b+, 36802.11g, 36802.11n, 37-38, 74-75table of, 34-35
A
ABC News website, 265
Abyss Web Server, 171
accessing network computers, 234
from HomeGroup, 160, 234-235
from Mac, 160, 237
anti-virus software, 142-143
AOL Radio, 269
APA05 booster antenna (ALFA Network), 115
Apache, 171
Apple AirPlay, 275
Apple computersaccessing network
computers from, 160accessing other computers
from, 237connecting to network, 151file and printer sharing,
enabling, 157-158managing
network information, 287network preferences,
286-287
Apple iCloud, 240
Apple TV, 253
Apple website, 82
appliances, interference from, 31-32
appsAlarm.com, 208Cloud Printer for the Mac,
221Cloud Print for Windows,
221DIRECTV, 208Intelliremote, 206
330 apps
IP addresses, 293IP settings, 292rebooting, 292workgroup names, 293-294
bands2.4GHz band, 315GHz band, 32changing, 290
bandwidth, 35
BDP-S390 Blu-ray player (Sony), 192
beamforming, 38, 78
BelkinN300 USB Wireless N
Adapter, 79website, 82
benefits of home networksfile sharing and backups,
11-12Internet sharing, 8media sharing, 10media streaming, 9-10mobility, 15online gaming, 16printer sharing, 13-15
Blockbuster On Demand, 261
Bluetooth, 46automatic synchronization,
47-48in automobiles, 52in cell phones, 51combining with cellular
connections, 64-65compared to W-Fi, 53in computer equipment,
50-51connecting phone to car via
for Internet access, 323for phone calls, 318-321to play music, 321-323
example, 48-50how it works, 47
Blu-ray players, 19connecting to network,
191-192streaming media on, 250
network media players, 251-253
smartphones and tablets, 255
streaming music services, 265-268
traditional AM/FM radio, 271
Audiogalaxy, 171
Audi Online Services, 326-327
audio/video (A/V) receivers, 19, 193-194
automatic QoS (quality of service), 77
automobilesBluetooth in, 52connecting phone to
for Internet access, 323for phone calls, 318-321to play music, 321-323
future wireless technology, 326-327
installing wireless routers in, 324-325
mobile hotspots in, 325-326
Autonet Mobile CarFi Router, 324
A/V (audio/video) receivers, 19, 193-194
AVG AntiVirus, 143
AVG AntiVirus Free, 143
AVR2112CI audio/video receiver (Denon), 194
B
backups, 11-12across network, 238to home servers, 170
bad network connections, troubleshooting, 291-294
diagnostics tools, 291disconnecting/
reconnecting, 291
iRule, 206LiftMaster Home Control,
209Nest Mobile, 209Paperless Printer for
Windows, 221Pentair ScreenLogic Mobile,
210Reef Tank Pro, 210Remote, 206Roku, 207Sonos Controller, 207TiVo, 207X10 Commander, 210
Arsenal in-dash audio system (JVC), 323
assigning IP addresses, 293
ASUS website, 82
attacksdetecting, 133protecting against, 133-134
access limitations, 138-140
firewalls, 134-136wireless security,
136-138types of, 132-133
AT&T Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G, 326
Audi A7, 326
audioaudio/video (A/V) receivers,
19, 193-194streaming
across network, 274-275advantages, 247Blu-ray players, 250cloud-based music
services, 272-273computers, 254how it works, 246Internet-capable TVs,
249Internet radio, 268-270limitations, 248-249
331choosing
changingbands, 290broadcast channels, 290IP addresses, 284-285order of preferred networks,
309-310passwords, 96, 139-140SSIDs (Service Set
Identifiers), 138type of network locations,
281
channels, changing, 290
checkingcables, 294IP settings, 292workgroup names, 293-294
choosingEthernet cables, 81home servers, 166
networking and backup functionality, 167
operating systems, 167-168
storage capacity, 167where to buy, 168
Internet connection type, 104
NAS (network attached storage), 166
networking and backup functionality, 167
operating systems, 167-168
storage capacity, 167where to buy, 168
network location, 152-153network type, 26-27NICs (network interface
cards), 81routers, 72
802.11ac routers, 75-76802.11n routers, 74-75Ethernet performance,
77features to consider,
77-78
for phone calls, 318-321to play music, 321-323
future wireless technology, 326-327
installing wireless routers in, 324-325
mobile hotspots in, 325-326
Cat-5, 81, 126
Cat-6, 81, 126
CBS News website, 264
CBS website, 265
CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), 58-59
CDMA2000, 59
cell phones. See also cellular networks
Bluetooth, 51connecting to cars
for Internet access, 323for phone calls, 318-321to play music, 321-323
tethering, 61-62transmitters, 57
cells in cellular networks, 56
cellular networks1G, 57-582G, 583G, 594G, 59-60base stations, 56-57cells, 56combining with Bluetooth,
64-65compared to Wi-Fi, 204-205connecting computers to,
60external data modems,
61mobile broadband
routers, 63tethering, 61-62
mobile data versus Wi-Fi, 64
transmission, 57
Box, 240
Boxee Box (D-Link), 253
broadband Internet access, 102
broadband cable, 102-103broadband DSL, 102broadband routers, 122broadband satellite, 103FIOS (Fiber Optic Service)
broadband, 103gaming needs, 183
broadcast channels, changing, 290
browsersadd-ons, 298-299cache
cleaning, 296-297increasing size of, 297
cookies, managing, 297-298graphics display options,
298speed of, 296
Buffalo website, 82
buying equipment. See purchasing equipment
C
cablesbroadband cable, 102-103checking, 294Ethernet cables, 20, 24, 81,
125-126
cachecleaning, 296-297increasing size of, 297
CarFi Router (Autonet Mobile), 324
carsBluetooth in, 52connecting phone to
for Internet access, 323
332 choosing
home servers, 169network location, 152-153networks for gameplay
broadband speed, 183routers, 184
public Wi-Fi hotspotswith wireless access
point, 108-109with wireless router,
107-108routers, 92-94, 196-197wireless network printers,
216-217wireless range extenders
(repeaters), 116wireless security, 138workgroups, 153
connecting to networks. See network connections
Connect to a Network dialog box, 150
cookies, 297-298
crackers, 132
Crackle, 263
D
dashboards, router dashboardnavigating, 95opening, 94
data destruction, 132
data streams, 35
data theft, 132
data transfer over network, 20-22rates of Wi-Fi protocols, 35
dead Internet connections, troubleshooting, 294-295
Dekoh Desktop, 171
denial of service (DoS), 132
computer virusesanti-virus software, 142-143avoiding, 141-142explained, 141
computersaccessing other network
computers fromMacs, 160Windows HomeGroup,
160Windows PCs, 159
connecting to cellular networks, 60
external data modems, 61
mobile broadband routers, 63
tethering, 61-62connecting to network,
147-148Macs, 151Windows 7 computers,
149Windows 8 computers,
148-149Windows Vista
computers, 150Windows XP computers,
150-151streaming media on, 254
configuring. See also network connections
antennas, 115-116file sharing on Macs,
157-158file sharing in Windows, 229
drives, 234other folders, 230-233password protection,
229-230Public folder, 230Windows 7, 156Windows 8, 154-155Windows Vista, 156Windows XP, 156-157
HomeGroups, 153-154
nomenclature and specs, 73
what they do, 72Wi-Fi standards, 40-42wireless adapters, 78
internal adapters, 80USB adapters, 79
workgroup, 153
Cisco LinksysEA4500 dual-band 802.11n
wireless router, 74RE1000 802.11n wireless
range extender, 117website, 82
cleaning cache, 296-297
clearing cache, 296-297
cloud-based music services, 272-273
Cloud Printer for the Mac, 221
Cloud Print for Windows, 221
cloud storageApple iCloud, 240benefits of, 239Box, 240cloud services, 240-242Dropbox, 240explained, 238-239Google Drive, 240Microsoft Skydrive, 241-242
Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), 58
coffeehouses, Wi-Fi hotspots in, 304
combination modem/routers, 73, 106
combiningBluetooth with cellular
connections, 64-65wired and wireless
technologies, 27
Comedy Central website, 265
Comodo Firewall, 135
333file sharing
PlayStation 3 consoles, 180
Xbox 360 consoles, 178how it works, 122-126NICs (network interface
cards), 124reliability, 127routers, 77, 122-123security, 127speeds, 122-127when to use, 126-128
Evolved High Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), 59
extending networks, 113-114antennas, 115-116factors affecting
transmission range, 114wired routers, 114-115wireless range extenders
(repeaters), 116wireless routers, 118-119
external data modems, 61
Extreme G, 36
F
Fast Ethernet, 24, 122
Fiber Optic Service (FIOS) broadband, 103
file sharing, 11-12accessing network
computersfrom Mac, 237from Windows PCs,
235-236Windows HomeGroup
computers, 234-235backups, 238cloud storage
Apple iCloud, 240benefits of, 239Box, 240cloud services, 240-242Dropbox, 240
dropped hotspot connections, troubleshooting, 312-313
DSL, 102
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), 23
E
EA4500 dual-band 802.11n wireless router (Cisco Linksys), 74
ebook readers, 18
EBR-2310 Ethernet Broadband Router (D-Link), 123
email, accessing over Wi-Fi hotspots, 313-314
enablingfile and printer sharing
Macs, 157-158Windows 7, 156Windows 8, 154-155Windows Vista, 156Windows XP, 156-157
Wireless Multimedia (WMM), 197
entertainment devices, connecting, 187-189
A/V (audio/video) receivers, 193-194
Blu-ray players, 191-192Internet-capable TVs, 189-
191network media players,
195-196
ESPN website, 265
Ethernet, 24, 121cables, 20, 81, 125-126connecting devices with,
128connecting videogame
consoles via, 176Nintendo Wii consoles,
181
Denon AVR2112CI audio/video receiver, 194
Deskjet D3050A wireless inkjet printer (HP), 215
detecting intrusions, 133
device drivers, installing, 218
devices, connecting to network, 18-20
DGL-4500 Xtreme N Gaming Router (D-Link), 184
DGN1000 ADSL2+ Modem Router (NETGEAR), 106
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), 23
dial-up connections, 102
Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), 275
DIRECTV, 103, 208
disabling SSID broadcasting, 140
D-LinkBoxee Box, 253DGL-4500 Xtreme N
Gaming Router, 184DP-301U print server, 217EBR-2310 Ethernet
Broadband Router, 123MovieNite Plus media
player, 196, 253
DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), 275
DLNA-compatible receivers, 194
DNS (Domain Name System) services, 299-300
DoS (denial of service), 132
Download.com, 142
DP-301U print server (D-Link), 217
Dropbox, 240
334 file sharing
Gbps (gigabit per second), 24
Gigabit Ethernet, 24, 122
gigabit per second (Gbps), 24
Gigabit Wi-Fi, 38-39
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), 58
“good neighbor” policy, 38
Google accounts, creating, 222
Google Chrome, 222
Google Cloud Printconnecting printers,
221-222how it works, 220printing via, 224sharing printers, 223virtual printer utilities, 221
Google Drive, 240
Google Play Music, 273
Goom Radio, 269
GPass, 311
GPS navigation devices, 320
Grooveshark, 266
GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), 58
guest networks, 203-204
H
hackers, 132
handheld devices. See smartphones; tablets
hard drivesnetwork hard drives, 167sharing, 234
Hawking Technology, 116
HD (high-definition) video, 38
headsets (Bluetooth), 51
hidden networks, connecting to, 308
public places, 305Wi-Fi communities, 305
FIOS (Fiber Optic Service) broadband, 103
firewalls, 96, 134OS-based firewalls, 135router-based firewalls,
135-136third-party firewall software,
135
FM range, 31
foldersPublic, 230sharing, 230-233
Fox on Demand website, 265
frequencies (RF), 30-32
frequency ranges of Wi-Fi standards, 34
G
game consoles, connecting to network, 16-18
gaming, 16configuring networks for,
183broadband speed, 183routers, 184
portable videogames, 18videogame consoles,
connecting, 18, 173benefits of, 174-175via Ethernet, 176Nintendo Wii consoles,
180-181PlayStation 3 consoles,
178-180portable videogame
consoles, 182via Wi-Fi, 176Xbox 360 consoles,
177-178
explained, 238-239Google Drive, 240Microsoft Skydrive,
241-242configuring
drives, 234other folders, 230-233password protection,
229-230Public folder, 230
with home server, 237how it works, 228Macs, 157-158Windows 7, 156Windows 8, 154-155Windows Vista, 156Windows XP, 156-157
filesbacking up, 11-12, 238file sharing, 11-12
accessing network computers, 234-237
Apple iCloud, 240backups, 238Box, 240cloud services, 240-242cloud storage, 238-239configuring, 229-234Dropbox, 240Google Drive, 240how it works, 228Macs, 157-158Microsoft Skydrive,
241-242with home server, 237Windows 7, 156Windows 8, 154-155Windows Vista, 156Windows XP, 156-157
filters, 96
finding Wi-Fi hotspotsairports and transportation
centers, 305coffeehouses and
restaurants, 304hotels, 305
335Internet connections
Intelliremote, 206
interference, troubleshooting, 290
internal adapters, 80
Internet appliances, 19
Internet-capable TVsconnecting to network,
189-191streaming media on, 249
Internet connections, 101-102broadband Internet access
broadband cable, 102-103
broadband DSL, 102broadband routers, 122broadband satellite, 103FIOS (Fiber Optic
Service) broadband, 103
gaming needs, 183in car, 323choosing, 104dead connections,
troubleshooting, 294-295dial-up connections, 102FIOS (Fiber Optic Service)
broadband, 103home servers, connecting
to, 171sharing
combination modem/router, 106
home networks, 8public Wi-Fi hotspot,
107-109security issues, 109-110wireless router, 104-105
slow network connections, speeding up, 295-300
add-ons, 298-299browser speed, 296cache management,
296-297cookie management,
297-298
preferred networks, changing order of, 309-310
security, 311troubleshooting, 312-314
dropped connections, 312-313
inability to access email, 313-314
inability to access Internet, 313
inability to access selected websites, 313
inability to connect, 312
HP Deskjet D3050A wireless inkjet printer, 215
HSPA+ (Evolved High Speed Packet Access), 59
HughesNet, 103
Hulu, 257-259
Hulu Plus, 257-259
I
iCloud, 240
identity theft, 132
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), 33
iHeartRadio, 269-271
installingprinter device drivers, 218routers
advanced setup, 94-96in cars, 324-325preparation, 86-88setup and configuration,
92-94step-by-step instructions,
88-92
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), 33
high-definition (HD) video, 38
hijacking, 132
home computers. See computers
home control apps, 208-210
home servers, 18, 163. See also NAS (network attached storage)
backing up to, 170benefits of, 164-165choosing, 166
networking and backup functionality, 167
operating systems, 167-168
storage capacity, 167where to buy, 168
configuring, 169connecting over Internet,
171explained, 164file sharing, 237media storage, 170
HomeGroupsaccessing HomeGroup
computers, 234-235accessing network
computers from, 160creating, 153-154
hotels, Wi-Fi hotspots in, 305
hotspots (Wi-Fi), 303connecting to, 306finding, 304
airports and transportation centers
coffeehouses and restaurants, 304
hotels, 305public places, 305Wi-Fi communities, 305
hidden networks, connecting to, 308
in cars, 325-326logging onto, 307-308
336 Internet connections
avoiding, 141-142explained, 141
managingnetwork connections, 282-
284networked computers, 280
Macs, 286-287Windows computers,
280-285Windows networks, 160-161
manufacturers of networking equipment, 82
mapping network, 69-72
maximum bandwidth, 35
Mbps (megabit per second), 24
MBRN3000 Mobile Broadband Router (NETGEAR), 63
McAfee AntiVirus Plus, 143
media sharing, 10
media streaming, 9-10. See also entertainment devices, connecting
advantages, 247Blu-ray players, 250cloud-based music services,
272-273computers, 254how it works, 246Internet-capable TVs, 249Internet radio, 268-270limitations, 248-249across network, 274
Apple AirPlay, 275Digital Living Network
Alliance (DLNA), 275network media players,
251-253router configuration,
196-197smartphones and tablets,
255streaming music services,
265-268
L
LANs (local area networks), 17-18
large homes, extending network for. See extending networks
Last.fm, 266
LiftMaster Home Control, 209
limiting network accesspasswords, 139-140SSID broadcasting,
disabling, 140SSIDs (Service Set
Identifiers), 138
Linksys. See Cisco Linksys
Live365, 269
Live Radio on the Internet, 271
local area networks (LANs), 17-18
logging on to Wi-Fi hotspots, 307-308
Logitech V470 Cordless Laser Mouse, 50
LTE (Long Term Evolution), 59
M
Macsaccessing other computers
from, 160, 237connecting to network, 151file and printer sharing,
enabling, 157-158managing
network information, 287network preferences,
286-287
malwareanti-spyware software, 144anti-virus software, 142-143
DNS services, 299-300graphics display options,
298
Internet radio, 268-270
intrusionsdetecting, 133protecting against, 133-134
access limitations, 138-140
firewalls, 134-136wireless security, 136-
138types of, 132-133
IP addresses, 22-23assigning, 293changing, 284-285
iPads. See tablets
iPhones. See smartphones
IP settings, checking, 292
iRule, 206
ISM band, 31
iTunesiTunes Match, 273streaming video from, 261
J
Jabra DRIVE, 320
Jango, 269
JVC Arsenal in-dash audio system, 323
K
Kaspersky Anti-Virus, 143
Kbps (kilobit per second), 24
keyboards, Bluetooth-enabled, 50-51
kilobit per second (Kbps), 24
Kindle Fire. See tablets
337NETGEAR
Internet radio, 268-270streaming music services,
265-268traditional AM/FM radio,
271streaming from phone
to car stereo system, 321-323
MyMusicCloud, 273
N
N300 USB Wireless N Adapter (Belkin), 79
NAS (network attached storage)
backing up to, 170choosing, 166
networking and backup functionality, 167
operating systems, 167-168
storage capacity, 167where to buy, 168
configuring, 169connecting over Internet,
171explained, 165-166media storage, 170
navigating router dashboard, 95
NBC News website, 264
Nest Mobile, 209
Netflix, 259-260
NETGEARDGN1000 ADSL2+ Modem
Router, 106MBRN3000 Mobile
Broadband Router, 63R6300 802.11ac wireless
router, 76ReadyNAS, 166, 169website, 82
mobile networks, 551G, 57-582G, 583G, 594G, 59-60base stations, 56-57cells, 56combining with Bluetooth,
64-65connecting computers
to, 60external data modems,
61mobile broadband
routers, 63tethering, 61-62
mobile data versus Wi-Fi, 64
transmission, 57
mobile phones. See cell phones
modems, 18, 102combination modem/
routers, 73, 106external data modems, 61rebooting, 294
MOG, 266
MovieNite Plus (D-Link), 196, 253
movies. See video
MP3tunes, 273
MTV website, 265
Multimedia Message Service (MMS), 58
multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) technology, 37
multiple routers, connecting, 118-119
musicsharing, 10streaming, 9-10
across network, 274-275cloud-based music
services, 272-273
streaming video servicesAmazon Instant Video,
260Blockbuster On Demand,
261Crackle, 263Hulu and Hulu Plus,
257-259iTunes, 261Netflix, 259-260network TV websites,
263-265table of, 256-257Veoh, 262Vevo, 263video-sharing sites, 265Vudu, 262
traditional AM/FM radio, 271
megabit per second (Mbps), 24
mesh networks, 39
mice, Bluetooth-enabled, 50-51
Microsoft Security Essentials, 143
Microsoft Skydrive, 241-242
Microsoft Surface. See tablets
microwave ovens, interference from, 31-32
MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) tech-nology, 37
MKi9000 Bluetooth car kit (Parrot), 322
MKi9100 Bluetooth car kit (Parrot), 52
MMS (Multimedia Message Service), 58
mobile broadband routers, 63
mobile devices. See smartphones; tablets
Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G (AT&T), 326
338 Netgear NTV550
guest networks, 203-204hidden networks, 308home servers, 171Internet connections,
101-102broadband cable,
102-103broadband DSL, 102broadband satellite, 103choosing, 104dead connections,
294-295dial-up connections, 102FIOS (Fiber Optic
Service) broadband, 103
security issues, 109-110sharing with combination
modem/router, 106sharing with public Wi-Fi
hotspot, 107-109sharing with wireless
router, 104-105slow network
connections, 295-300managing, 282-284mobile networks, 55
1G, 57-582G, 583G, 594G, 59-60base stations, 56-57cells, 56compared to Wi-Fi,
204-205connecting computers
to, 60-63mobile data versus
Wi-Fi, 64transmission, 57
phones in carsfor Internet access, 323for phone calls, 318-321to play music, 321-323
powerline networks (PLNs), 24-25
in cell phones, 51combining with cellular
connections, 64-65compared to W-Fi, 53in computer equipment,
50-51example, 48-50how it works, 47what it does, 46
computers, 60, 147-148external data modems,
61Macs, 151mobile broadband
routers, 63tethering, 61-62Windows 7 computers,
149Windows 8 computers,
148-149Windows Vista
computers, 150Windows XP computers,
150-151entertainment devices,
18-20, 187-189A/V (audio/video)
receivers, 193-194Blu-ray players, 191-192Internet-capable TVs,
189-191network media players,
195-196Ethernet, 24, 121
cables, 125-126connecting devices with,
128connecting videogame
consoles via, 176-181how it works, 122-126NICs (network interface
cards), 124reliability, 127routers, 122-123security, 127speeds, 122, 126-127when to use, 126-128
Netgear NTV550, 253
network access, limitingpasswords, 139-140SSID broadcasting,
disabling, 140SSIDs (Service Set
Identifiers), 138
network addresses, 22-23
Network and Sharing Center, 160-161
network attached storage. See NAS (network attached storage)
network computer management
accessing computers, 234from Mac, 237from Windows PCs,
235-236Windows HomeGroup
computers, 234-235Macs, 286-287Windows computers, 280
advanced sharing options, 281-282
IP addresses, 284-285network connections,
282-284network locations, 281network maps, 281
network connectionsbad network connections,
troubleshooting, 291-294diagnostics tools, 291disconnecting/
reconnecting, 291IP addresses, 293IP settings, 292rebooting, 292workgroup names,
293-294Bluetooth, 46
automatic synchronization, 47-48
in automobiles, 52
339peripherals, sharing
NICs (network interface cards), 24, 81, 124
Nintendo Wii consoles, connecting to network
via Ethernet, 181via Wi-Fi, 180-181
Norton AntiVirus, 143
Norton Internet Security, 135
O
ONT (optical network terminal), 103
opening router dashboard, 94
operating systems, choosing, 167-168
optical network terminal (ONT), 103
OS-based firewalls, 135
P
Pandora Radio, 266
PANs (personal area networks), 47
Paperless Printer for Windows, 221
ParrotMKi9000 Bluetooth car kit,
322MKi9100 Bluetooth car kit,
52
passwordschanging, 96, 139-140configuring for file sharing,
229-230
peer-to-peer networking, 46
Pentair ScreenLogic Mobile, 210
peripherals, sharing, 225
hidden networks, connecting to, 308
hotspots, 303-308, 325-326
interference, troubleshooting, 290
mobile data versus Wi-Fi, 64
preferred networks, changing order of, 309-310
radio frequency (RF) frequencies, 30
RF frequencies, 30-32security, 311signal routing, 32-33standards, 33-39troubleshooting, 312-
314
network device checklist, 68-69
network equipment list, 72
network hard drives, 167
network hubs, 122
network interface cards (NICs), 24, 81, 124
network keys, 136
network locationschanging type of, 281setting, 152-153
network maps, 69-72, 281
network media players, 19connecting to network,
195-196streaming media on,
251-253
network planning, 67-68network device checklist,
68-69network equipment list, 72network maps, 69-72
network printers, 15
network switches, 122
network TV websites, 263-265
printers, 214-215print servers, 217wireless network printers,
215-217routers
advanced setup, 94-96preparation, 86-88setup and configuration,
92-94step-by-step instructions,
88-92slow network connections,
troubleshooting, 288bands, 290broadcast channels, 290interference, 290router location, 289router upgrades,
290-291signal strength, 288
smartphones, 199-206tablets, 199-203videogame consoles, 173
benefits of, 174-175Nintendo Wii consoles,
180-181PlayStation 3 consoles,
178-180portable videogame
consoles, 182via Ethernet, 176via Wi-Fi, 176Xbox 360 consoles,
177-178viewing, 282-284Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity),
25-262.4GHz band, 315GHz band, 32bands, 290choosing, 40-42compared to Bluetooth,
53compared to cellular
networks, 204-205connecting videogame
consoles via, 176-181
340 personal area networks (PANs)
PS3 (PlayStation 3) consoles, connecting to network, 178
via Ethernet, 180via Wi-Fi, 179-180
Public folder, 230
public Wi-Fi hotspotsfinding, 305setting up, 107
with wireless access point, 108-109
with wireless router, 107-108
purchasing equipmentEthernet cables, 81home servers, 166
networking and backup functionality, 167
operating systems, 167-168
storage capacity, 167where to buy, 168
NAS (network attached storage), 166
networking and backup functionality, 167
operating systems, 167-168
storage capacity, 167where to buy, 168
NICs (network interface cards), 81
routers802.11ac routers, 75-76802.11n routers, 74-75Ethernet performance,
77features to consider,
77-78nomenclature and specs,
73what they do, 72
where to buy, 82-83wireless adapters, 78
internal adapters, 80USB adapters, 79
printer sharing, enablingin Windows 7, 156in Windows 8, 154-155in Windows Vista, 156in Windows XP, 156-157on Macs, 157-158
printing to, 218sharing, 13-15, 213
connecting printers to network, 214-215
Macs, 157-158via print servers, 217printing to network
printers, 218wireless network printers,
215-217with Google Cloud Print,
220-224Windows 7, 156Windows 8, 154-155Windows Vista, 156Windows XP, 156-157
protection. See security
protocolsCDMA2000, 59CDMA (Code Division
Multiple Access), 58DHCP (Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol), 23
Ethernet, 24GSM (Global System for
Mobile Communications), 58
HSPA+ (Evolved High Speed Packet Access), 59
LTE (Long Term Evolution), 59
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), 21-22
UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), 59
WiMax (Worldwide Operability for Microwave Access), 59
personal area networks (PANs), 47
piconet, 47
planning networks, 67-68. See also purchasing equipment
network device checklist, 68-69
network equipment list, 72network maps, 69-72
Plantronics Voyager Pro HD Bluetooth wireless headset, 51
PlayStation 3 consoles, connecting to network, 178
via Ethernet, 180via Wi-Fi, 179-180
PLNs (powerline networks), 24-25
portable videogame consoles, 18, 182
port forwarding, 96
powerline networks (PLNs), 24-25
preferred networks, changing order of, 309-310
print servers, 217
printers, 18Bluetooth-enabled printers,
51connecting to network,
214-215via print servers, 217wireless network printers,
215-217device drivers, installing,
218Google Cloud Print
connecting printers, 221-222
how it works, 220printing via, 224sharing printers, 223virtual printer utilities,
221
341security
router-based firewalls, 135-136
settings, 95-96sharing Internet connection
with, 104-105upgrading, 97-98, 114-115,
290-291what they do, 72Wi-Fi hotspots, setting up,
107-108
routing radio frequency (RF) signals, 32-33
S
satellite, broadband, 103
scanners, 18
Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex TV HD, 253
security, 131-132access limitations
passwords, 139-140SSID broadcasting,
disabling, 140SSIDs (Service Set
Identifiers), 138Ethernet, 127firewalls, 96, 134
OS-based firewalls, 135router-based firewalls,
135-136third-party firewall
software, 135intrusions
detecting, 133protecting against,
133-134types of, 132-133
malwareanti-spyware software,
144anti-virus software,
142-143avoiding, 141-142explained, 141
Remote app, 206
remote-control apps, 206-207
repeaters, 116
restaurants, Wi-Fi hotspots in, 304
retailers of networking equipment, 83
RF (radio frequency) signalsfrequencies, 30how they work, 30-32routing, 32-33
Roku, 207Roku HD, 253Roku 2 HD, 253
router-based firewalls, 135-136
routers, 8, 19, 72802.11ac routers, 75-76802.11n routers, 74-75broadband routers, 122combination modem/
routers, 73, 106configuring for streaming
media, 196-197connecting multiple routers,
118-119dashboard
navigating, 95opening, 94
Ethernet performance, 77Ethernet routers, 122-123features to consider, 77-78gaming needs, 184installing
advanced setup, 94-96preparation, 86-88setup and configuration,
92-94step-by-step instructions,
88-92installing in cars, 324-325location of, 289mobile broadband routers,
63nomenclature and specs, 73rebooting, 292
Q-R
QoS (quality of service), 197
R6300 802.11ac wireless router (NETGEAR), 76
radioInternet radio, 268-270radio frequency (RF) signals
frequencies, 30how they work, 30-32routing, 32-33
traditional AM/FM radio, 271
Radio.com, 269
radio frequency (RF) signalsfrequencies, 30how they work, 30-32routing, 32-33
Radioio, 269
radio-locator, 271
RadioMOI, 269
Raditaz, 266
RAID (redundant array of independent disks), 167
Rara.com, 266
Radio, 266
RE1000 802.11n wireless range extender (Linksys), 117
ReadyNAS (NETGEAR), 166-169
rebootingadapters, 292modem, 294routers, 292
redundant array of independent disks (RAID), 167
Reef Tank Pro, 210
release dates of Wi-Fi standards, 34
reliability of Ethernet, 127
342 security
DNS services, 299-300graphics display options,
298
slow network connections, troubleshooting, 288
bands, 290broadcast channels, 290interference, 290router location, 289router upgrades, 290-291signal strength, 288
smartphones, 18. See also cellular networks
Bluetooth, 51connecting to cars
for Internet access, 323for phone calls, 318-321to play music, 321-323
connecting to wireless networks, 199-206
controlling networked devices with, 206-210
remote-control apps, 206-207
streaming media on, 255tethering, 61-62transmitters, 57
smart TVs, connecting to network, 189-191
SMP-N200 (Sony), 253
SMS (Short Message Service), 58
Sonic 4G Mobile Hotspot (T-Mobile), 325
Sonos Controller, 207
SonyBDP-S390 Blu-ray player,
192SMP-N200, 253
spatial multiplexing, 35
speakerphones, 320
speedbrowser speed, 296Ethernet speeds, 122,
126-127
Windows 8, 154-155Windows Vista, 156Windows XP, 156-157
Internet connectionhome networks, 8security issues, 109-110combination modem/
router, 106public Wi-Fi hotspot,
107-109wireless router, 104-105
media, 10peripherals, 225printers, 13-15, 213
connecting printers to network, 214-215
device drivers, installing, 218
Google Cloud Print, 220-224
print servers, 217printing to network
printers, 218wireless network printers,
215-217
shopping for equipment. See purchasing equipment
Short Message Service (SMS), 58
SHOUTcast, 269
signal leeching, 133
signal strength, checking, 288
Sirius/XM Radio, 271
size of cache, 297
Skydrive, 241-242
Slacker Radio, 266-268
slow Internet connections, speeding up, 295-300
add-ons, 298-299browser speed, 296cache management,
296-297cookie management,
297-298
password-protected file sharing, 229-230
shared Internet connections, 109-110
Wi-Fi hotspots, 311wireless security, 136-137
configuring, 138types of, 137-138
selecting. See choosing
servershome servers, 18, 163
backing up to, 170benefits of, 164-165choosing, 166-168configuring, 169connecting over Internet,
171explained, 164file sharing, 237media storage, 170
print servers, 217
Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs), 33
changing, 138SSID broadcasting,
disabling, 140
sharingadvanced sharing options,
281-282file sharing, 11-12
accessing network computers, 234-237
Apple iCloud, 240backups, 238Box, 240cloud services, 240-242cloud storage, 238-239configuring, 229-234Dropbox, 240Google Drive, 240home server, 237how it works, 228Macs, 157-158Microsoft Skydrive,
241-242Windows 7, 156
343tablets
Netflix, 259-260network TV websites,
263-265table of, 256-257Veoh, 262Vevo, 263video-sharing sites, 265Vudu, 262
traditional AM/FM radio, 271
streaming music services, 265-268
streaming video services, 256Amazon Instant Video, 260Blockbuster On Demand,
261Crackle, 263Hulu and Hulu Plus,
257-259iTunes, 261Netflix, 259-260network TV websites,
263-265table of, 256-257Veoh, 262Vevo, 263video-sharing sites, 265Vudu, 262
subnet masks, 22
Subsonic, 171
Symantex, 135
syncing with Bluetooth, 47-48
T
tablets, 18connecting to wireless
networks, 199-203controlling networked
devices with, 206-210remote-control apps,
206-207streaming media on, 255
802.11ad, 39802.11b, 36802.11b+, 36802.11g, 36802.11n, 37-38table of, 34-35wide-area Wi-Fi, 39WiMAX, 39
storage capacity of home servers, 167
storage. See home servers; NAS (network attached storage)
streaming media, 9-10. See also entertainment devices, connecting
advantages, 247Blu-ray players, 250cloud-based music services,
272-273computers, 254how it works, 246Internet-capable TVs, 249Internet radio, 268-270limitations, 248-249across network, 274
Apple AirPlay, 275Digital Living Network
Alliance (DLNA), 275network media players,
251-253router configuration,
196-197smartphones and tablets,
255streaming music services,
265-268streaming video services
Amazon Instant Video, 260
Blockbuster On Demand, 261
Crackle, 263Hulu and Hulu Plus,
257-259iTunes, 261
Internet connection speed, increasing, 295-300
add-ons, 298-299browser speed, 296cache management,
296-297cookie management,
297-298DNS services, 299-300graphics display options,
298
Spotify, 266
Spybot Search & Destroy, 144
spywareanti-spyware software, 144avoiding, 141-142explained, 141
SSIDs (Service Set Identifiers), 33
changing, 138SSID broadcasting,
disabling, 140
standardscellular
CDMA2000, 59CDMA (Code Division
Multiple Access), 58GSM (Global
System for Mobile Communications), 58
HSPA+ (Evolved High Speed Packet Access), 59
LTE (Long Term Evolution), 59
UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), 59
WiMax (Worldwide Operability for Microwave Access), 59
Wi-Fi, 33802.11, 36802.11a, 36802.11ac, 38-39
344 TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
TV shows. See video
TVsconnecting to network,
189-191streaming media on, 249
twisted-pair cables, 125
U
UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), 59
uniform resource locators (URLs), 22
uninstalling browser add-ons, 298-299
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), 59
upgradingantennas, 115-116networks, 81, 82routers, 97-98, 114-115,
290-291
URLs (uniform resource locators), 22
USB adapters, 79
V
V470 Cordless Laser Mouse (Logitech), 50
Veoh, 262
Vevo, 263
videoHD (high-definition)
video, 38sharing, 10streaming, 9-10
across network, 274-275
troubleshooting, 279bad connections, 292-294bad network connections
diagnostics tools, 291disconnecting/
reconnecting, 291IP addresses, 293IP settings, 292rebooting, 292workgroup names,
293-294dead Internet connections,
294-295slow Internet connections,
295-300add-ons, 298-299browser speed, 296cache management,
296-297cookie management,
297-298DNS services, 299-300graphics display options,
298slow network connections,
288bands, 290broadcast channels, 290interference, 290router location, 289router upgrades,
290-291signal strength, 288
Wi-Fi hotspots, 312-314dropped connections,
312-313inability to access email,
313-314inability to access
Internet, 313inability to access
selected websites, 313inability to connect, 312
Tucows, 142
TuneIn Radio, 271
Turntable.fm, 266
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), 21-22
tethering, 61-62
TEW-637AP wireless access point (TRENDnet), 108
third-party firewall software, 135
TiVo, 207
T-Mobile Sonic 4G Mobile Hotspot, 325
TP-LINKwebsite, 82wireless adapter cards, 80
traditional AM/FM radio, playing online, 271
transfer rates of Wi-Fi protocols, 35
transferring data over network, 20-22
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), 21-22
transmission rangeextending
antennas, 115-116router, 114-115wireless routers, 118-119wireless range extenders
(repeaters), 116factors affecting
transmission range, 114of Wi-Fi protocols, 35
transportation centers, Wi-Fi hotspots in, 305
Trend Micro Titanium AntiVirus+, 143
TRENDnetTEW-637AP wireless access
point, 108website, 82
345websites
Blockbuster, 261Box, 240Buffalo, 82CBS, 265CBS News, 264Cisco Linksys, 82Cloud Printer for the Mac,
221Cloud Print for Windows,
221Comedy Central, 265Comodo Firewall, 135Crackle, 263Dekoh Desktop, 171DIRECTV, 208D-Link, 253Download.com, 142ESPN, 265Fox on Demand, 265Google Chrome, 222Google Drive, 240Google Play Music, 273Goom Radio, 269GPass, 311Grooveshark, 266Hawking Technology, 116HughesNet, 103Hulu, 257iHeartRadio, 269, 271Intelliremote, 206iRule, 206iTunes Match, 273Jango, 269Kaspersky, 143Last.fm, 266lavasoftusa, 144LiftMaster Home Control,
209Live Radio on the Internet,
271McAfee, 143MOG, 266MP3tunes, 273MTV, 265MyMusicCloud, 273NBC News, 264Nest, 209
virusesanti-virus software, 142-143avoiding, 141-142explained, 141
Voyager Pro HD Bluetooth wireless headset (Plantronics), 51
VPNs (virtual private networks), 311
Vudu, 262
W
WANs (wide area networks), 17-18
web browsersadd-ons, 298-299cache
cleaning, 296-297increasing size of, 297
cookies, 297-298graphics display options,
298speed of, 296
Webroot SecureAnywhere, 144
websitesABC News, 265Abyss Web Server, 171AccuRadio, 269Agnitum, 135Alarm.com, 208ALFA Network, 116Amazon, 260Amazon Cloud Player, 273AOL Radio, 269Apache, 171Apple, 82Apple iCloud, 240Apple TV, 253ASUS, 82Audiogalaxy, 171AVG, 143Belkin, 82
advantages, 247Blu-ray players, 250computers, 254how it works, 246Internet-capable TVs,
249limitations, 248-249network media players,
251-253smartphones and tablets,
255streaming video services,
256-265video-sharing sites, 265
videogame consoles, connecting, 18, 173
benefits of, 174-175via Ethernet, 176Nintendo Wii consoles
Ethernet connections, 181
Wi-Fi connections, 180-181
PlayStation 3 consoles, 178Ethernet connections,
180Wi-Fi connections,
179-180portable videogame
consoles, 182via Wi-Fi, 176Xbox 360 consoles, 177
Ethernet connections, 178
Wi-Fi connections, 178
viewingnetwork connections,
282-284network maps, 281
Vimeo, 265
VirtualDJ Radio, 269
virtual printer utilities, 221
virtual private networks (VPNs), 311
virtual servers, 96
346 websites
mobile data versus Wi-Fi, 64
radio frequency (RF) frequencies, 30
RF frequencies, 30-32signal routing, 32-33standards, 33
802.11, 36802.11a, 36802.11ac, 38-39802.11ad, 39802.11b, 36802.11b+, 36802.11g, 36802.11n, 37-38table of, 34-35wide-area Wi-Fi, 39WiMAX, 39
Wi-Fi Alliance, 33
Wi-Fi Directory, 306
Wi-Fi FreeSpot Directory, 306
WiGig, 39
Wii consoles, connecting to network
via Ethernet, 181via Wi-Fi, 180-181
WiMax (Worldwide Operability for Microwave Access), 39, 59
Windows 7 computersaccessing network
computers from, 159, 235-236
connecting to network, 149file sharing, configuring,
156, 229drives, 234other folders, 230-233password protection,
229-230Public folder, 230
Network and Sharing Center, 160-161
Windows 8 computersaccessing network
computers from, 159, 235-236
X10 Commander, 210Xbox Music Pass, 266YouTube, 265Zonelabs, 135, 143ZyXEL, 82
WEP 64-bit, 137
WEP 128-bit, 137
Western DigitalWD TV Live, 253website, 82
wide area networks (WANs), 17-18
wide-area Wi-Fi, 39
widescreen TVs, 19
Wi-Fi2.4GHz band, 315GHz band, 32bands, 290choosing, 40-42compared to Bluetooth, 53compared to cellular
networks, 204-205connecting videogame
consoles via, 176Nintendo Wii consoles,
180-181PlayStation 3 consoles,
179-180Xbox 360 consoles, 178
explained, 25-26hotspots, 303
in cars, 325-326connecting to, 306finding, 304-305hidden networks,
connecting to, 308logging onto, 307-308preferred networks,
changing order of, 309-310
security, 311troubleshooting,
312-314interference,
troubleshooting, 290
Netflix, 259Netgear, 253NETGEAR, 82Norton, 143Pandora Radio, 266Paperless Printer for
Windows, 221Pentair ScreenLogic Mobile,
210Radio.com, 269Radioio, 269radio-locator, 271RadioMOI, 269Raditaz, 266Rara.com, 266Rdio, 266Reef Tank Pro, 210Remote app, 206Roku, 207, 253safer-networking.org, 144Seagate, 253SHOUTcast, 269Sirius/XM Radio, 271Skydrive, 241-242Slacker Radio, 266-268Sonos Controller, 207Sony, 253Spotify, 266Subsonic, 171Symantec, 135TiVo, 207TP-LINK, 82Trend Micro, 143TRENDnet, 82Tucows, 142TuneIn Radio, 271Turntable.fm, 266Veoh, 262Vevo, 263Vimeo, 265VirtualDJ Radio, 269Vudu, 262Webroot, 144Western Digital, 82Wi-Fi Alliance, 33Wi-Fi Directory, 306Wi-Fi FreeSpot Directory,
306
347ZyXEL website
Y-Z
YouTube, 265
ZoneAlarmFree Antivirus+Firewall, 143Free Firewall, 135PRO Antivirus+Firewall, 143Pro Firewall, 135
ZyXEL website, 82
Network and Sharing Center, 160-161
wired networks, 27
wireless access points, 108-109
wireless adapters, 78internal adapters, 80USB adapters, 79
wireless fidelity. See Wi-Fi
Wireless Multimedia (WMM), 197
wireless network printers, 215benefits of, 216configuring, 216-217
wireless range extenders (repeaters), 116
wireless routers. See routers
wireless security, 136-137configuring, 138types of, 137-138
WMM (Wireless Multimedia), 197
workgroupschoosing, 153names, 293-294
Worldwide Operability for Microwave Access (WiMax), 39, 59
WPA, 137
WPA2, 137
X
X10 Commander, 210
Xbox 360 consoles, connecting to network, 177-178
Xbox Music Pass, 266
XFINITY, 183
connecting to network, 148-149
file sharing, configuring, 154-155, 229
drives, 234other folders, 230-233password protection,
229-230Public folder, 230
Network and Sharing Center, 160-161
Windows computer management
advanced sharing options, 281-282
IP addresses, 284-285network connections,
282-284network locations, 281network maps, 281
Windows Vista computersaccessing network
computers from, 159, 235-236
connecting to network, 150file sharing, configuring,
156, 229drives, 234other folders, 230-233password protection,
229-230Public folder, 230
Network and Sharing Center, 160-161
Windows XP computersaccessing network
computers from, 159, 235-236
connecting to network, 150-151
file sharing, configuring, 156-157, 229
drives, 234other folders, 230-233password protection,
229-230Public folder, 230