Lesson 6- Modem, Ethernet and Wireless network card components
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Overview
In lesson 6 we'll cover both Modem, Ethernet and wireless network cards, their advantages and disadvantages, what features and specs to look for when shopping, and how much you can expect to pay
A telephone connection to the Internet is known as a Dial Up connection. This is the cheapest way to connect, but is also the slowest.
For a telephone line modem look for the V.92 spec, which will make sure you get the fastest connection available.
An Ethernet adapter in your computer allows you to connect to a high speed cable or DSL modem using an Ethernet cable. Most motherboards include an Ethernet port built in
A wireless adapter connects without the need for cables.
DSL and Cable Modems
The services cost from 15 to 45 dollars a month depending on the download speeds. Download speeds range from 150Kbps at the low end, to 10Mbps and more at the high end.
Internet and File Sharing
This is done by connecting the computers together through a device called a router. Connecting computers together with a router also lets you share files and printers between your computers.
Features and Specifications
The Ethernet adapter should support at least 100 mega bits per second. Newer adapters and motherboards can support 1000Mbps ethernet, also know as Gigabit ethernet. If you want to share devices on a ethernet network, at Gigabit speeds, you'll need to buy a Gigabit router.
Wireless adapters come in either 802.11 G or N specifications. The G spec runs at speeds of around 50 Mbps. The N spec runs at up to 300 Mbps. Both G and N adapters cost between $20 for a basic adapter that connects through a USB port or up to $100 for a pci card adapter.
You are mostly paying for signal reception. The better the reception, the further away the computer can be from the wireless switch. Keep in mind than even in a large house, a decent $20 to $30 wireless adapter will have no problem staying connected to the switch.
Home Network Builder - Build a secure wireless home network
In the installation lessons we’ll go over how to install a telephone modem, an Ethernet adapter and a wireless adapter into your computer.
Modem and Network cards are generally very reliable and will last for many years. Warranty periods range from 90 days to 3 years.
Generally, the more you pay for a Modem, Ethernet or Wireless Network card the longer the warranty will be, though it's very rare for a Modem or Network card to go bad.
| Manufacturer Links | |
| Modem | Ethernet |
| 3Net | Intel |
| Best Data | D-Link |
| Creative Labs | Linksys |
| Encore | Netgear |
| Zoom | Rosewill |
Modem and Ethernet card Reviews
To find more reviews do a search in your favorite search engine (Google, Yahoo) for the model number of the Modem or Network card you're interested in.
Whether you buy a Modem, Ethernet or Wireless network card there is no shortage of choices. Below are several sites that will help you find the lowest price from a reputable merchant.
Buy Home PC Builder 2010, for as low as $19.95
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