Wireless / Networking: Most Popular Articles
The IP address 192.168.1.1 is normally used by Linksys broadband routers although other brands of routers and some other types of devices can also use it. Via 192.168.1.1 you can set up a new router or troubleshoot possible problems with an existing one.
The IP address 192.168.0.1 is the default for some home broadband routers and other types of network equipment. 192.168.0.1 can also be used as an address for a different device on your home network.
Routers use different IP addresses depending on the brand and how you set them up, Use these methods to find out what IP addresses your routers have.
This guide explains the setup of a router for home computer networks. Network routers are designed to be installed quickly, but several problems can occur if router configuration is not done correctly.
The IP address 192.168.2.1 is the default for various models of home broadband routers including SMC and Belkin models. 192.168.2.1 is a private IP address not designed for use on the Internet.
Linksys home network routers ship with a default administrator password and user name / IDs set at the factory. This page lists the default passwords and user names for Linksys routers.
The IP address 192.168.1.254 is the default for a few brands of home broadband routers and broadband modems. 192.168.1.254 is a private IP address not reachable on the Internet.
Which of the popular wireless home networking standards - 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g or 802.11n - is right for you? This article explains the pros and cons of each of these wireless standards.
An IP address is the logical network address of a network adapter. An IP address is written in a notation called dotted-decimal.
The Cisco VPN client provides the user interface for working with Cisco virtual private networks. Cisco Systems supplies free VPN client downloads to install for use with their server software
The signal range of a Wi-Fi wireless network can be boosted in several different ways. This page explains various methods for extending the range of a Wi-Fi network.
This index describes each of the free top P2P file sharing programs. Free peer-to-peer P2P file sharing programs allow easy swapping of music, video and other files over the Internet with simple software.
Step-by-step instructions to quickly release and/or renew Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Windows NT computers.
The simplest kind of home network contains exactly two computers. You can use this kind of network to share files, a printer or another peripheral device, and even an Internet connection. Two computers can be networked together for file sharing in several different ways.
A network router contains a default administrator password set by the manufacturer. Manufacturers generally use the same default password for all of their equipment, therefore it should be changed immediately for network security reasons. Follow these instructions to change the default password on network routers.
Several types of VPN software including clients, servers and utilities are readily available for download on the Internet. Use these free VPN software applications to set up more secure wireless / computer networks.
LAN and WAN are two common network domains, but many other types of area networks exist. Learn more about computer network types here.
Step-by-step instructions to quickly find the Internet Protocol (IP) and Media Access Control (MAC) addresses of Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Windows NT computers
It is possible to connect two routers on the same home network. This can be useful when building a hybrid wired and wireless network or generally expanding the scale of an existing home network.
You may sometimes need to connect to a wireless router on a home or other local Wi-Fi network to update its configuration. Accessing a wireless router's configuration screens requires you to know the router's IP address. You should also be aware of a few common wireless router connection problems and how to solve them.
When setting up and maintaining Wi-Fi home networks, consider these tips for maximizing the security of the computers and data on these networks.
Temporary Internet Files is a caching feature of Microsoft Internet Explorer. Caching is a common feature of Web browsers that helps improve performance of the browser by reducing network traffic and the amount of bandwidth consumed. Internet Explorer allows users to view and change their Temporary Internet Files configuration in various ways.
Common network topologies include the bus topology, star, and ring. Learn more about these and other topologies in computer network design.
Consumer wireless routers vary in the Wi-Fi range they support. Routers with stronger Wi-Fi signals allow devices to connect at higher speeds from a greater distance and stay connected more reliably. Which wireless router then, has the best Wi-Fi range?
A router is a more sophisticated network device than either a switch or hub. Routers offer features like firewall support and DHCP server capability that hubs and switches do not. Some routers also contain built-in switches.
Wireless access points and routers allow administrators to control a Wi-Fi network by logging into to the device with a username and password. To improve the security of a Wi-Fi network, change the administrative password regularly.
A LAN (local area network) supplies networking capability to a group of computers in close proximity to each other such as in an office building, a school, or a home. LANs are useful for sharing resources like files, printers, games or other applications.
At first glance, all wireless routers might appear very much alike. Use this checklist to help decide which model of wireless router is a good one for you.
When attempting to set up or make network connections on a Windows computer, you may encounter a Limited Or No Connectivity error message. This error can result from several different technical glitches or configuration problems. Follow these steps to resolve Limited Or No Connectivity errors in Windows.
An SSID is the public name of a wireless network. All of the wireless devices on a WLAN must employ the same SSID in order to communicate with each other. SSID stands for Service Set Identifier.
What is a router? In computer networking, routers join two networks together at a given protocol layer. A wired or wireless router is typically a small piece of computer hardware.
This page lists the default IP addresses for Linksys routers. Home network routers are set up to use a default IP address when first powered on. This allows you to access the administrative functions for router setup.
Sometimes you may want to connect a computer to TV monitors for displaying digital pictures and video on the television. Several different methods exist to connect a computer to a TV as described here.
Xbox game consoles can be connected wirelessly to a Wi-Fi network router. Follow these instructions to set up the Xbox for wireless home networking.
A wireless network may contain several different types of equipment. A wireless range extender allows WiFi signals to be spread over larger distances, overcoming obstructions and improving signal strength for clients.
Mapping a network drive in Windows XP can be accomplished in several different ways. This page explains the process to map a shared network drive or folder using Windows Explorer.
A WEP key is a security code used on some Wi-Fi wireless networks. WEP keys allow a group of devices on a local network to exchange encoded messages with each other. A WEP key is a sequence of digits and sometimes letters.
The number 192.168.1.100 is the start of the dynamic IP address range on Linksys based home computer networks. 192.168.1.100 is a private (non-routable) IP address.
Several sources of wireless interference exist in Wi-Fi home networks. These include both other devices inside the home and also the Wi-Fi networks of neighbors. One way to avoid sources of wireless interference is to change the Wi-Fi channel number used on a WLAN.
A DNS server is a special type of computer on the Internet used to support the Domain Name System. Numerous DNS servers across the Internet maintain a distributed database of domain names and IP addresses.
Internet Explorer 7 downloads are available for free online. Besides the Web browser itself, related IE7 service packs and security updates are also essential to keep the application running at maximum efficiency. Here are the best places to find Internet Explorer 7 downloads.
What is networking? Networking in the field of computing is the practice of linking computer devices together to support digital communication among them. Wireless communication represents the future of networking technology.
A broadband router combines the features of a traditional network switch, a firewall, and a DHCP server. A broadband router is designed for convenience in setting up home networks, particularly for homes with high-speed cable modem or DSL Internet service.
An IP address conflict occurs when two computers on a local network (or the Internet) have been assigned the same IP address. IP conflicts between two computers normally render either one or both of them unusable for network operations.
Wireless access points and routers ship with a default network name (SSID) set by the manufacturer. Change this name to improve the security of your home wireless LAN.
A subnet mask allows IP networks to be subdivided for security and performance purposes. Learn about the basics of subnetting in this tutorial.
Follow these instructions to set up new Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections from a Microsoft Windows XP client to a VPN server.
It is possible to hide the public IP address of a home computer or router when using the Internet. Hiding this IP address hinders the ability of others to trace your Internet activity.
The 802.11n Wi-Fi standard offers speeds comparable with Fast Ethernet and supports greatly increased wireless range over 802.11g and earlier home WiFi networks. 802.11n wireless broadband routers available today are based on the pre-N draft version of the standard.
Both DSL and cable boast faster speeds than competing Internet services. Is DSL or cable faster than the other? More importantly, what can you do to maximize the performance of your cable or DSL Internet connection?
This article explains how to build a wireless home network. Pick a wireless design that's right for you, then choose the appropriate hardware, and install and configure your new wireless network.
A network switch is a small hardware device that join multiple computers together at a low-level network protocol layer. Network switches differ in capability from both hubs and routers.
In computer networking, ad hoc mode refers to the ability of wireless devices to communicate directly with each other. Ad hoc wireless networks are used for peer-to-peer communication when central access points or wireless routers are not available.
Windows XP allows you to set up wireless connections to network routers and access points automatically. This feature helps you to make wireless Internet / Wi-Fi network connections more easily with laptop computers and is highly recommended for those who roam between multiple locations.
Internet proxy servers allow you to (mostly) hide your home IP address and navigate anonymously. However, these free public servers often are taken offline without warning, and some may offer a less reputable service than others. If you are interested in anonymous proxies, you should maintain a free proxy server list to ensure at least one is accessible from your home network at all times.
802.11n network equipment supports up to 300 Mbps of rated bandwidth. Unfortunately, sometimes an 802.11n network may operate at much lower speeds such as a 130 Mbps rating. Certain conditions must exist to achieve an 802.11n speed of 300 Mbps as described here.
An access point (AP) is a specially configured node on a wireless local area network (WLAN). Access points act as a central transmitter and receiver of WLAN radio signals.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to configure WPA in Windows XP. WPA is Wi-Fi Protected Access, a security standard for wireless networks.
A network router can serve as the core of a home network, simplifying how computers and other equipment can connect to each other and share the Internet. Both traditional cabled routers and wireless routers are available.
Windows Live Messenger (formerly MSN Instant Messenger) is a popular P2P Web application. Windows Live Messenger software is available for free download on the Internet. Check these locations to find a Windows Live Messenger Web download.
Microsoft Windows allows you to enable and disable any installed network connections. Use this feature to help troubleshoot and repair certain Windows networking problems.
A BitTorrent P2P client sometimes experiences slow download speeds due to the design of the BitTorrent network protocol. This tip allows you to speed up a Bit Torrent client by setting up a home firewall / router correctly.
The performance of a WiFi wireless network connection depends in part on signal strength. Between a computer and access point, the wireless signal strength in each direction determines the total amount of network bandwidth available. Several different methods for determining the wireless signal strength are available.
The MAC address is a number used by network adapters to uniquely identify themselves on a LAN. MAC addresses are 12-digit hexadecimal numbers. Follow these instructions to find a MAC address and/or change a MAC address.
Both DSL and cable modem service bring broadband networking to the home and small business at an affordable price. But what are the differences between the two?
The IP address 10.0.0.1 is a default for some types of network routers including Cisco routers. 10.0.0.1 is a private IP address often called the default gateway.
ipconfig is a command line utility in Microsoft Windows. ipconfig allows you to get the IP address information of a Windows computer. ipconfig also allows some control over active TCP/IP connections.
People sometimes want to know Facebook's IP address when they cannot connect to www.facebook.com. Like many popular Web sites, Facebook utilizes multiple Internet servers and IP addresses.
This page lists the default IP addresses for Netgear routers. Home network routers are set up to use a default IP address when first powered on. This allows you to access the administrative functions for router setup.
Compared to the performance of cable Internet service, DSL speed has historically been slower. However, the speed of DSL Internet is increasing as the technology improves and service providers upgrade their network infrastructure. The exact DSL speed you will enjoy varies depending on several factors.
Index of 802.11g wireless broadband routers, with commentary and links to a price comparison engine. These 802.11g wireless router products are best suited for home computer networks.
Follow these instructions to determine your IP address. With this procedure you should have no trouble answering the question: What's my IP address?
You can transfer files from PC to PC over a network using several different software packages and methods. File transfer techniques include FTP, peer to peer and IM software, and shared Windows folders.
Mainstream wireless network equipment used in routers and computers generally signals in either a 2.4 GHz range or a 5 GHz range. However, just because it carries a bigger number, 5 GHz hardware is not necessarily better than 2.4 GHz hardware.
Use this interactive to calculator to work with binary, decimal and hexadecimal numbers. Calculate, translate and convert between binary, decimal and hexadecimal values as needed when working with computer networks and computer systems.
The MAC address represents the physical address of a network device, while the IP address represents a logical address on Internet Protocol networks. A feature of IP, Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) translates IP addresses to MAC addresses. However, there is no universal mechanism to translate in the other direction.
Home and small business computer networks can be built using either wired or wireless technology. Wired and wireless network technologies each have advantages over the other. This article guides you through the wired vs wireless decision making process.
Ethernet is a physical and data link layer technology for local area networks (LANs). Ethernet was invented by engineer Robert Metcalfe. Many higher level network protocols like Internet Protocol use Ethernet as their transmission medium.
The speed of a Wi-Fi home network depends on signal strength from the wireless router or wireless access point. Follow these tips to position your wireless equipment for optimal network performance.
In computer networking, a default gateway is the device that passes traffic from the local subnet to devices on other subnets. On home networks, the router serves as the default gateway.
To improve the security of your Wi-Fi network, strongly consider enabling and using MAC address filtering. Most wireless access points and routers support MAC address filtering, but disable it by default.
A network router contains a default SSID (network name) set by the manufacturer. Manufacturers generally use the same default SSID for all of their equipment, and changing this SSID is a good security practice. Follow these instructions to change the default SSID on network routers.
This checklist describes common causes for slow Internet connections. Examples of these issues include router configuration settings, Internet worms and background applications. Follow these steps to diagnose slow Internet connections.
A network adapter provides the interface between a computer and a network connection. The term network adapter was popularized originally by Ethernet add-in cards for PCs.
The Shareaza free P2P client for Windows is capable of connecting to multiple popular P2P networks including eDonkey and Gnutella. Shareaza provides built-in intelligence for detecting fake and/or corrupted files. The free Shareaza download also contains no ads or spyware.
Each Web site on the Internet possesses one or more IP addresses. Knowing a Web site IP address can be useful to determine its physical location. Follow these instructions to find the IP address for a Web site.
192.168.1.101 is part of the typical dynamic IP address range on Linksys based home computer networks. A computer or other device may be given the address 192.168.1.101 automatically by a home network router.
A Virtual Private Network uses VPN tunneling to establish private connections through public networks like the Internet.
This network diagram illustrates use of an Ethernet hub or switch as part of a home network layout. Some variations on this basic network diagram will also work as described.
A data rate of 1000 bps is equivalent to 1 Kbps (or kbps); higher data rates are represented in Mbps and Gbps. Slow network interfaces like modems, and serial ports function at Kbps speeds.
In Wi-Fi wireless networking, dual band is the capability to transmit on the 5 GHz band of 802.11a and also the 2.4 GHz band used by 802.11b/g/n. Dual-band Wi-Fi is a feature of some wireless routers and network adapters. Some cellular phones also utilize a kind of dual band communications, separate from Wi-Fi.
Share files from a Windows XP computer across a network by following these simple steps. Windows XP file sharing allows individual files, an entire folder, or an entire Windows drive to be shared.
Emails normally contain the IP address of the sender in the email header. Identifying this IP address can be tricky and its possible to find a wrong one. Follow these instructions to find the sender's actual IP address.
When using a wireless laptop with public hotspots, a strong WiFi signal is necessary to ensure successful Internet access and good connection speed. A wireless laptop with limited range is likely to suffer from slow or dropped Internet connections. Here are some ideas for improving the WiFi signal of a laptop to ensure best possible wireless Internet access.
Microsoft Windows allows files and folders to be shared on a network. These step-by-step instructions explain how to find which folders have been shared on a networked Windows computer.
Follow these step by step instructions to set up network connections in Microsoft Windows XP. WinXP supports several different types of network connections.
Simple File Sharing is a feature introduced in Microsoft Windows XP. Simple File Sharing removes some of the file sharing security options available in other versions of Windows. This may help Windows XP administrators more easily set up folder shares.
A subnet allows an IP network to be subdivided for security and performance purposes. Learn about the basics of subnetting in this tutorial.
This home networking tutorial offers a comprehensive resource for beginners and experienced networkers alike. Learn how to build and troubleshoot home networks, and see what the future of home networking might bring.
The IP address 192.168.1.2 is the default for a few select models of home broadband routers and access points. 192.168.1.2 is a private IP address found on internal networks but not on the Internet.
IP addressing has been in use for decades. It is an essential technology of the Internet and home and business networking. Learn about the basics of IP addressing in this tutorial, including addressing, subnets and CIDR.
This network diagram illustrates use of a wireless router as the central device of a home network layout. Some variations on this basic network diagram will also work as described.
Answer a few simple questions about your home networking needs, and our interactive setup advisor will explain what you need to know about building your home network.
Two key elements that determine computer network performance are bandwidth and latency. Learn more about network latency and the impact of high latency in this introductory article.
127.0.0.1 is an reserved IPv4 address. 127.0.0.1 is a special purpose address conventionally used as a computer's loopback address.
Standard computers allow you to turn off wireless networking easily. This can save power and sometimes even improve your network security. But can Wi-Fi be turned off on wireless routers? It depends.
So-called DSL tweaks are optimizations you can make to your computer and local network to increase the speed of your broadband Internet connection. While many tweaks exist for low-speed (dialup) Internet, the same methods often do not apply to DSL tweaks.
Answer a few simple questions about your home networking goals and needs, and this interactive advisor will provide listings for suitable wireless routers.
TCP/IP networks keep track of both the IP addresses and MAC addresses of connected computers. Given an IP address, here's how you can get to the corresponding MAC address... sometimes.
SAN and NAS technologies offer different but complementary solutions for network storage.
If your network is not functioning properly, you may see A Network Cable Is Unplugged messages appear repeatedly on the Windows desktop. Learn more about this problem and how to stop Network Cable Unplugged messages from occuring.
An FTP server is a required software application on networks that wish to support file sharing using the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and Internet servers. This index describes the most popular FTP server software for Windows, some of which are free.
A download speed test estimates the performance of a network connection by using sample data files and test Web servers. You can use one of these download speed test services to measure Internet connection bandwidth as part of tweaking your network setup.
A wireless media adapter converts a wired Ethernet device for use on a wireless network. WiFi media adapters are also known as wireless Ethernet bridges.
The range of a Wi-Fi LAN depends on the specific 802.11a protocol being used, as well as the nature of obstructions in the line of sight to an access point or router. But what are the rough numbers?
A wide area network (WAN) spans a large geographic area. A WAN often contains multiple local area networks (LANs) and/or metropolitan area networks (MANs).
Follow these step-by-step instructions to set up an ad hoc WiFi network. A WiFi network in ad hoc (or peer) mode allows two or more devices to communicate with each other directly instead of through a central wireless router or access point.
Internet standards define certain IP addresses as private. A private IP address cannot be used or accessed on the public Internet, but it can be used on local networks. Using private IP addresses improves network security and conserves IP address space.
The IP address space can be divided into five classes. IP supports both limited broadcast and multicast.
Answer a few simple questions about your home networking goals and needs, and this interactive advisor will provide listings for suitable wireless routers.
The term client server refers to any network design utilizing networked client and server computers and application software. Web, FTP, email, DNS and many other database applications are client-server designs. Client-server networks offer efficient shared access to network resources. Learn more about the client-server model in this introductory tutorial.
DHCP - the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol - allows network devices to automatically obtain a valid IP address from a server. DHCP has become a popular technology used both on corporate LANs and by ISPs.
IP addresses are the fundamental method for computers to identify themselves on the Internet and many other computer networks. This tutorial explains the basics of finding, changing, and hiding my IP addresses.
Cable modem service has long been recognized for its superior speed compared to other forms of Internet access. Is cable modem speed really that much better than alternatives? If so, how much faster?
The terms bits and bytes are common in computer networking. Both terms refer to digital data transmitted over a network connection. For example, bits and bytes both can hold network addresses or port numbers. So what's the difference?
This network diagram illustrates use of an Ethernet router as the central device of a home network layout, but with a wireless access point attached for hybrid wired / wireless capability. Some variations on this basic network diagram will also work as described.
Microsoft Xbox consoles support home network connections to the Xbox Live service for multi-player Internet gaming. Unfortunately, these network connections may fail for various reasons. This article describes Xbox 360 troubleshooting procedures for Xbox Live networking.
Downloading Skype software allows you to set up your computer for free Internet phone calling. Free Skype downloads are available for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux and Pocket PC. Skype allow offers separate toolbar downloads for Microsoft Internet Explorer and Outlook.
The use of static IP addresses on home computers is sometimes preferred to the dynamic IP addresses local networks commonly employ. A static IP address must be chosen and set carefully especially when multiple computers are involved. Follow these guidelines to set up static IP addresses properly.
This network diagram illustrates use of an Ethernet router as the central device of a home network layout. Some variations on this basic network diagram will also work as described.
Most wireless routers contain a built in antenna that broadcasts a WiFi signal equally well in all directions. Greater WiFi range can sometimes be achieved with a hi-gain directional antenna that sends a stonger signal in a particular direction. Consider replacing the wireless antenna on a router to improve wireless network performance.
Wi-Fi is the industry name for wireless LAN (WLAN) communication technology related to the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless networking standards.
Wireless routers contain built-in programmable logic called firmware. The firmware implements network and security protocols. Many wireless router manufacturers provide an upgrade / update capability for their firmware.
CAT5 is an Ethernet cabling standard that supports high-speed networking. Both CAT5 (CAT 5) and the related CAT5e (CAT 5e) are Ethernet cable standards defined by the Electronic Industries Association and Telecommunications Industry Association (commonly known as EIA/TIA).
The 802.11g standard for wireless networking supports a maximum bandwidth of 54 Mbps. Yet some 802.11g-compatible home networking products may advertise speeds of 108 Mbps or more. And neither number accurately reflects the real-world performance of 802.11g. How fast, then, is 802.11g Wi-Fi networking?
This tutorial explains VPN concepts. A VPN - Virtual Private Network - implements private network communications over public infrastructure using a combination of hardware, software, and protocol solutions.
An Ethernet hub is a small, simple network device that allows multiple connected computers to communicate. Hubs are an inexpensive piece of network equipment often found in home wired networks and small businesses.
IP addressing has been in use for decades, but has recently emerged into the mainsream with the expansion of the Web and home computer networking. This page outlines an IP tutorial and lesson plan.
The MAC address is a number used by network adapters to uniquely identify themselves on a LAN. MAC addresses are 12-digit hexadecimal numbers. MAC addresses work at the data link layer of OSI and map to IP addresses through an address resolution protocol.
This network diagram illustrates use of ad hoc wireless in a home network layout. Some variations on this basic network diagram will also work as described.
Answer a few simple questions about your home networking goals and needs, and this interactive advisor will provide listings for suitable wireless routers.
In computer networking, a port number is part of the addressing information used to identify the senders and receivers of messages. Port numbers are most commonly used with TCP/IP connections. Home network routers and computer software work with ports and sometimes allow you to configure port settings.
OpenVPN is free VPN client and server software that runs on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. OpenVPN improves the security of public Internet connections. Both command line and GUI interfaces exist for OpenVPN, which uses SSL browser-based security.
Broadband routers, also known as home or residential gateways, support various combinations of DSL or cable modem Internet connection sharing, firewall, VPNs, content filtering, and other features of interest to today's home networker.
Microsoft Windows operating systems contain built in support for file and printer sharing. This networking feature is particularly useful on home networks but can be a security concern on public networks. Follow these instructions to either enable or disable Windows file and printer sharing.
Answer a few simple questions about your home networking goals and needs, and this interactive advisor will provide listings for suitable wireless routers.
Answer a few simple questions about your home networking goals and needs, and this interactive advisor will provide listings for suitable wireless routers.
A computer network topology is the physical communication scheme used by connected devices. This page illustrates the star topology diagram.
A computer network topology is the physical communication scheme used by connected devices. This page illustrates the mesh topology diagram.
A computer network topology is the physical communication scheme used by connected devices. This page illustrates the ring topology diagram.


