Home and Small Business Networking
Anole Computer Services specializes in home and small business networks. We'll talk with you about your needs and make sure that the network we design and install will be both reliable and secure.
- Why Network?
- If you have more than one computer at your site, networking allows them to share resources. Among these shared resources can be files, printers, and internet access. Because the resources can be shared and the computers can interact, you can save money and do more things with your computers.
Wired or Wireless?
Should your network be wired, wireless or a combination of both? There's no one answer for everyone. Both wired and wireless networks have advantages and disadvantages.
Anole Computer Services can design install and configure the network that's right for you.
Wired Networks
Wired networks utilize physical cabling to connect the computers in the network. Because there is a physical connection, wired networks provide reliable connetions at high data transfer rates. Wired networks are ideal for situations where computers will not be moving around much.
- Wired Network Advantages
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- Very reliable connections.
- Excellent connection speeds unaffected by environment.
- Most modern PCs have standard wired connection interfaces built-in and thus do not require you to purchase a separate network adapter.
- More secure than wireless connections "out of the box".
- Wired Network Disadvantages
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- Can be difficult to install if wiring is not already in place.
- Lighting strikes that come in through the network can affect all interconnected machines
Wireless Networks
Wireless networks utilize radio frequencies to connect the computers in the network. Because there is a no physical connection, wireless networks provide easy installation for difficult environments. Wireless networks are ideal for situations where users desire or need to move their computers around a lot, as in the case of a laptop.
- Wireless Network Advantages
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- Easy to install.
- Provides for easy mobility of laptops or relocation of desktop machines.
- Since there is no physical connection, lighting surges can't be transmitted over the network connection.
- Wireless Network Disadvantages
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- While they can be made secure, wireless networks are not secure "out of the box".
- Less reliable connection.
- Environmental factors (walls, home wiring, construction materials, etc.) can adversely affect communication forcing users to place equipment in undesirable locations.
- Can be affected by other wireless devices such as cordless phones, garage door openers and nearby wireless networks.
- Usually requires purchase of wireless network adapter.
Wired and Wireless Combinations
Your network doesn't have to be one or the other. It's possible, and often highly desirable, to utilize a combination of wired and wireless components in your network. Doing so can provide with the reliability of wired networks and the mobility and ease of installation of wireless networks.