Home Networking Simplified

by Doherty, Jim; Anderson, Neil

• ISBN13: 9781587201363
• ISBN10: 1587201364
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-05-25
• Publisher: Cisco Press

Summary

An illustrated home networking handbook for the everyday user

 

Building a network doesn't have to be all work and no play—it can actually be fun! Home Networking Simplified is an illustrated home-networking book for everyone from Grandma Mary to your tech-savvy teenage neighbor.

 

Home Networking Simplified gives you the most basic need-to-know info and then teaches you how to get the most out of your home network:

• Learn the basics of home networking, from connecting to the Internet to connecting your computers
• Create a basic home network
• Grow and update your network with confidence
• Secure your home network and protect yourself from hackers and viruses
• Go wireless to put your computers where you want them—not just where cables reach
• Learn about the latest technologies, emerging trends, and coolest toys

Whether you’re a newbie, a geek, or someone in-between, Home Networking Simplified helps you harness the power of home networking.

 

Debugged by The Geek Squad

 

This book is part of the Networking Technology Series from Cisco Press®, the only authorized publisher for Cisco Systems®.

Author Biography

Jim Doherty is currently the director of Strategic Marketing with Symbol Technologies. Prior to joining Symbol, Jim worked at Cisco Systems, where he led marketing campaigns for IP Telephony, and routing and switching. Over the past several years, he has taught professionals in both academic and industry settings on a broad range of topics, including networking, electric circuits, statistics, and wireless communication methods. Jim is the co-author of Cisco Networking Simplified and wrote the Study Notes section of the Cisco CCNA Exam #640-607 Flash Card Practice Kit. Jim holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from N.C. State University and an MBA from Duke University. Jim also served in the United States Marine Corps, where he earned the rank of Sergeant, before leaving to pursue an education.

Neil Anderson is a manager in Enterprise Systems Engineering at Cisco Systems, currently responsible for enterprise branch-office networking and teleworking systems architectures. Neil has 20 years of diverse telecom experience, including public telephone systems, mobile telephone systems, IP networks, wireless networking, and home networks. Neil has held roles in Research & Development, Systems Engineering, and Technical Marketing. At Cisco Systems, Neil has worked with Virtual Private Network (VPN), Voice over IP (VoIP), and wireless LAN (WLAN) technologies, focusing on converged networking solutions for enterprise and small business customers. Neil holds a bachelor's degree in computer science.

Table of Contents

Foreword	xvi
Introduction	xvii
Part I Networking Basics
What's a Network?	1	(6)
PC Hardware and Network Interface Cards	1	(1)
Installing Devices in Computers	2	(3)
Configuring New Devices in Microsoft Windows	5	(2)
Networking Fundamentals	7	(8)
Bits and Bytes	7	(1)
Network Media Types	8	(7)
Twisted-Pair Cable	8	(1)
Coaxial Cable	9	(2)
Wireless Networks	11	(1)
Comparing Media Types	11	(1)
What Is an IP Address?	12	(1)
Dynamically Allocated IP Addresses	13	(1)
Domain Name Server (DNS)	13	(2)
Connecting to the Internet	15	(22)
The Internet	15	(3)
TCP/IP	15	(1)
A Network of Networks	16	(1)
What Are HTTP and HTML and What Do They Do?	16	(2)
Internet Access Options	18	(1)
Modems	19	(2)
The Internet and Its Applications	21	(1)
E-Mail	21	(4)
E-Mail Tools	21	(1)
What Is Up with the @ Sign?	22	(1)
Sending E-Mails	23	(1)
Receiving E-Mails	23	(2)
How to Build It: Connecting to the Internet	25	(1)
Decide on the Type of Modem	25	(1)
Physically Install the Modem	26	(1)
Internal Modem in a Desktop Computer	26	(1)
Internal Modem in a Laptop Computer	26	(1)
External Modem	27	(1)
Configure Windows to ``Talk To'' the Modem	27	(2)
Set Up a Dialup Connection to the Internet	29	(4)
Set Up Access to E-Mail	33	(4)
From the Geek Squad Files	37	(2)
Part II Simple Home Networks
Creating a Basic Home Network	39	(20)
Planning a Network	39	(4)
Designing Your Network	39	(2)
Building Your Network	41	(2)
How to Build It: Connecting Two Computers	43	(1)
Decide on the Type of NICs	43	(3)
Physically Install the NIC	44	(1)
Internal NIC in a Desktop Computer	44	(1)
Internal PCMCIA NIC in a Laptop Computer	45	(1)
External NIC for a Desktop or Laptop Computer	45	(1)
Configure Windows to ``Talk To'' the NIC	46	(1)
Build a Network Between the Two Computers	47	(3)
Back-to-Back	48	(1)
Using a Hub, Switch, or Router	48	(2)
Set Up the Network in Windows	50	(8)
Troubleshooting Tips: Building a Network	58	(1)
Sharing Network Resources	59	(26)
File Sharing	59	(2)
Printer Sharing	61	(4)
Practicing Safe Share	63	(1)
Sharing Guidelines	64	(1)
Network Design Guidelines	65	(1)
How to Build It: File and Printer Sharing	65	(1)
Enable File and Printer Sharing	66	(2)
Share a File Over the Network	68	(3)
Map a Shared File Folder as a Disk Drive	71	(3)
Share a Printer Over the Network	74	(3)
Map a Shared Printer	77	(3)
Add Security Precautions to File and Printer Sharing	80	(5)
High-Speed Internet Access	85	(36)
Broadband Revolution	85	(8)
Different Types of Broadband	86	(1)
DSL	87	(2)
Cable	89	(2)
Satellite	91	(2)
Wireless (Cellular)	93	(1)
Accelerated Dialup	93	(2)
Providers	95	(1)
Need for Speed	95	(2)
Selecting a Broadband Service	97	(4)
Online Resources to Help You Choose a Broadband Provider	97	(3)
Keep This Important Information	100	(1)
How to Build It: Broadband Internet Access	101	(1)
Decide on a Home Network Design	101	(3)
One-Computer Network	102	(1)
Two-Computer Network	102	(1)
Multiple-Computer Network	102	(2)
Wireless Network	104	(3)
Router Comparison	104	(1)
Set Up the Broadband Equipment	105	(1)
Broadband Cable Connection	106	(1)
Broadband DSL Connection	106	(1)
Configure the Router for Broadband Service	107	(8)
Configure the Router for the Home Network	115	(4)
Check the Access to the Internet	119	(2)
From the Geek Squad Files	121	(2)
Part III Look Ma, No Wires
ABGs of Wireless	123	(10)
Wireless LANs	124	(1)
Standards Soup	125	(2)
802.11b	125	(1)
802.11a	125	(1)
802.11g	126	(1)
Comparing the IEEE WLAN Standards	126	(1)
Selecting the Right Wireless Standard for Your Network	127	(4)
Compatibility	128	(2)
Speed	130	(1)
Cost	130	(1)
Additional Considerations	131	(1)
Recommendations	131	(2)
Going Wireless at Home	133	(22)
Planning Your Wireless Network	133	(5)
Wireless Network Topologies	133	(2)
Sketching a Network Layout	135	(1)
Making a Shopping List	136	(2)
Turning Up the Network	138	(2)
Select an SSID	138	(1)
Select a Wireless Channel	139	(1)
How to Build It: Going Wireless	140	(1)
Install and Set Up a Wireless Router	141	(2)
Install and Set Up Wireless NICs	143	(3)
Configuring an Existing Built-In Wireless NIC	146	(3)
Check Wireless Network Operation	149	(6)
Securing Your Wireless Network	155	(24)
Why Should I Worry About Wireless Network Security?	155	(1)
What Do I Do About It?	156	(2)
Don't Advertise Your Wireless Network	158	(1)
Scramble Your Signal	158	(3)
How to Build It: Securing Your Wireless Network	161	(1)
Stop Advertising Your Wireless Network	161	(1)
Enable Wireless Encryption	162	(14)
Enabling WEP Encryption on the Wireless Router	163	(2)
Enabling WEP Encryption Using the NIC's Utility	165	(4)
Enabling WEP Encryption Under Windows XP	169	(3)
WPA Encryption Example	172	(4)
Disable Ad-Hoc Networking	176	(1)
Wireless Security Checklist	177	(1)
Final Thoughts on Wireless Security	178	(1)
Wireless Away from Home	179	(16)
What Is a Hotspot?	179	(1)
How to Find a Hotspot	180	(1)
Hotspot Options and Costs	181	(1)
How to Build It: Using Wireless Hotspots	182	(1)
Discover and Connect to a Hotspot	182	(7)
Pass the Hotspot Membership Test	189	(4)
What Not to Do When Using a Hotspot	193	(2)
From the Geek Squad Files	195	(2)
Part IV Security of Home Networks
Protecting Your Network from Intruders	197	(18)
Introduction to Security Software	200	(2)
Lines of Defense	200	(1)
Security Software ``Bundles''	201	(1)
Firewalls	202	(3)
How Firewalls Work	202	(1)
What Firewalls Protect You From	203	(2)
Hiding Your Network Addresses	205	(1)
How to Build It: Protecting Your Network from Intruders	206	(1)
Turning on a Firewall in the Router	206	(1)
Installing a Personal Firewall on Each Computer	207	(1)
Installing a Professional Personal Firewall Program	208	(1)
Installing a Free Personal Firewall Program	209	(1)
Enabling the Windows Firewall	210	(2)
Keeping Windows Security Up to Date	212	(2)
Where to Go for More Info	214	(1)
Viruses and Other Malicious Software	215	(18)
What Is a Virus?	215	(1)
Where Viruses Live	216	(2)
Other Nasty Stuff	218	(2)
Worms	218	(1)
Trojan Horses	218	(2)
Protecting Yourself Against Malicious Code	220	(4)
Common Sense	220	(1)
Antivirus Programs	220	(1)
How Do Antivirus Programs Work?	221	(1)
What Happens with New Viruses?	222	(2)
How to Build It: Preventing Viruses and Other Malicious Software from Infecting Your Network	224	(1)
Turn on Antivirus Protection at Your Service Provider	225	(1)
Set up Antivirus Protection on Your Home Computers	226	(2)
Make Sure Automatic Updating Is Working	228	(2)
Perform an Initial Virus Scan	230	(1)
Where to Go for More Info	231	(2)
Other Vulnerabilities (Spam, Cookies, Pop-Ups, Spyware, and Scams)	233	(16)
Spam	233	(2)
How Spam Works	233	(2)
How to Block Spam	235	(1)
Cookies	235	(2)
How Cookies Work	235	(2)
Bad Cookies	237	(1)
Pop-Ups	237	(1)
How Pop-Ups Work	238	(1)
How to Get Rid of Pop-Ups	238	(1)
Spyware/Adware	238	(1)
How Spyware or Adware Works	238	(1)
How to Get Rid of Spyware and Adware	239	(1)
Additional Scams	239	(3)
Phishing	239	(3)
Urban Legends	242	(1)
How to Build It: Preventing Network Vulnerabilities	242	(1)
Turn on Spam Blocking at Your Service Provider	242	(1)
Set Up Spam Blocking on Your Home Computers	243	(2)
Avoid Phishing Scams	245	(1)
Set Up Spyware and Adware Blocking on Your Home Computers	246	(1)
Set Up Pop-Up Blocking on Home Computers	247	(1)
Where to Go for More Info	248	(1)
Keeping Your Family Safe on the Internet	249	(16)
What Are the Online Dangers?	249	(2)
Pornography	250	(1)
Predators	250	(1)
Gambling	250	(1)
Hacking	250	(1)
Illegal Peer-to-Peer Sharing	251	(1)
Protecting Your Family from Online Dangers	251	(1)
How to Build It: Making the Internet Safe	252	(1)
Decide Which Parental Controls Are Right for You	252	(2)
Enable Parental Controls at Your ISP	254	(1)
Enable Parental Controls Using Your Home Router	255	(4)
Enable Parental Controls on Home Computers	259	(5)
Security Bundle Parental Control Option	259	(2)
NetNanny Option	261	(1)
How to Track Internet Activity	262	(2)
Where to Go for More Info	264	(1)
From the Geek Squad Files	265	(6)
Security Checklist	267	(4)
Part V Advanced Home Networks
Wireless Print Servers: The Cure for Joy	271	(16)
How to Build It: Wireless Print Server	273	(1)
Set Up the Wireless Print Server for Your Wireless Network	273	(7)
Connect Printers to the Wireless Printer Server	280	(1)
Install the Wireless Print Server Driver on Each Computer	281	(5)
Print a Test Page	286	(1)
Video Surveillance	287	(30)
How to Build It: Wireless Internet Video Cameras	287	(2)
Set Up the Wireless Internet Video Camera for Your Wireless Network	289	(9)
Configure the Video Camera Security	298	(5)
Viewing Video from Within Your House	303	(6)
Viewing Images with an Internet Browser	303	(3)
Installing and Viewing Images with the Viewer Client	306	(3)
Viewing Video over the Internet	309	(4)
Problems with Viewing Video over the Internet	313	(1)
Use the Video Camera as a Motion Detector	313	(4)
Internet Phone Service	317	(18)
How IP Telephony Works	318	(2)
Broadband Phone Services	320	(2)
Broadband Phone Providers	320	(1)
Virtual Phone Numbers	321	(1)
Voice-Chat Services	322	(2)
How to Build It: Internet Phone Service	324	(1)
Setting Up a Broadband Phone Service	324	(4)
Choosing an Internet Phone Adapter	324	(1)
Setting Up the Internet Phone Adapter	325	(3)
Setting Up a Voice-Chat Service (Using Skype)	328	(7)
Networked Entertainment Systems	335	(16)
How to Build It: Networked Entertainment Systems	335	(1)
Set Up the Wireless Media Adapter	336	(5)
Connect the Home Entertainment Center to the Wireless Media Adapter	341	(1)
Install the Adapter Utility Client on Your Home Computer	342	(3)
Playing Music	345	(3)
Viewing Photos	348	(3)
Online Gaming	351	(18)
Gaming Servers	351	(2)
Options for Online Gaming	353	(1)
How to Build It: Online Video Gaming	354	(1)
Set Up the Wireless Game Adapter	354	(6)
Connect a Video Game Console to the Wireless Game Adapter	360	(1)
Connect to an Online Game Provider	360	(3)
Setting Up an Online Game Account	363	(4)
Detailed Troubleshooting Steps for Online Gaming	367	(2)
From the Geek Squad Files	369	(2)
Glossary	371	(10)
Index	381