Tech Guide: Small-business networking

Brian Nadel, Special to ZDNet

28 May 2004 11:41 AM

Tags: network, guide, small, setup, ethernet, powerline, business, wireless

One of the easiest ways to connect machines is with a power-line network. Power-line gear transforms any AC outlet into a networking port and can deliver data at about the same speed as 802.11b equipment.

Power-line tips:

1. Power line is a good choice for technophobes. You literally just plug in the network adapter, and you're online. Most power-line adapters come in Ethernet or USB flavors, making them easy to connect to just about any computer.
   
   
2. Plug the power-line bridge directly into an outlet; a surge suppressor can rob bandwidth or make for unreliable connections.
   
   
3. While most devices have a range of more than 300 feet, sometimes adjacent outlets won't connect because there are actually hundreds of feet of wire between them. If you can't connect, try a different outlet.
   
   
4. Most power-line gear is based on the HomePlug standard, which provides adequate 56-bit DES encryption and excellent compatibility, but be sure to change your power-line network's name and password from the default settings.

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