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Home Networks
by Ron Nelson
April 4, 2006

ARTICLE TOOLS
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The use of residential computer networks is expanding as homeowners see the benefits of linking multiple computers to share resources such as broadband connections, printers or files. These networks also can be used to control HVAC, security, lighting and with the addition of a broadband connection, Internet telephony (VoIP) and even remote video. To determine if you possess the skills to design and install home networks, take the following quiz.


  1. Which of the following hardware devices is used to connect networks together?
    1. HUB
    2. Router
    3. Firewall
    4. Any of the above
    5. None of the above

  2. Which of the following hardware devices is used to connect multiple computers to a LAN?
    1. HUB
    2. Router
    3. Firewall
    4. Any of the above
    5. None of the above

  3. What is the speed of an Ethernet LAN?
    1. 10 Mbps
    2. 100 Mbps
    3. 1 Gigabit
    4. Any of the above
    5. None of the above

  4. Peer-to-peer networks do not require a dedicated server.
    1. True
    2. False

  5. All broadband Internet connections employ a fixed IP address.
    1. True
    2. False

  6. A broadband connection can be used for:
    1. Internet connection.
    2. remote video monitoring.
    3. VoIP.
    4. security system monitoring.
    5. All of the above

  7. When two devices on a network try to send data at once, a collision occurs.
    1. True
    2. False

  8. Which of the following is a protocol for automatically obtaining an IP address on a network?
    1. ARP
    2. DHCP
    3. Ping
    4. Telnet

  9. Stackable hubs are designed to be linked together to expand the network.
    1. True
    2. False

  10. A firewall is hardware/soft- ware that protects a network from external systems.
    1. a. True
    2. b. False

  11. A broadband connection can be obtained from:
    1. cable.
    2. DSL.
    3. satellite.
    4. Any of the above

  12. All DSL lines provide the identical bandwidth.
    1. True
    2. False

  13. A print server can be used to connect a printer to a network.
    1. True
    2. False

  14. Which of the following UTP cable types offers the highest data rate?
    1. Cat-3
    2. Cat-5
    3. Cat-6
    4. They are all the same.

  15. Which of the following jacks are used to connect computers to a network?
    1. RJ-11
    2. RJ-31X
    3. RJ-45
    4. Any of the above


What’s Wrong with This?

Wally `Larman was asked to install a network connecting four computers and a DSL line for a residential client that currently had the DSL line connected directly to a single computer. Wally removed the DSL cable from the existing computer and connected the wires on a punch block, ran Cat-6 cables to each computer, and connected the cables as shown in this diagram. When he tried to test the system, he discovered that it did not work as intended. Can you see what Wally did wrong and what he must do to correct the problem?


5-Minute Tech Quiz Answers

1. b – A router is used to connect multiple computer networks together.
2. a – A HUB is a network device used to connect computers on a single LAN. To provide superior bandwidth, sharing a switch can be used in place of a HUB.
3. d – An Ethernet LAN can support any of these speeds depending upon the hardware and cabling used.
4. a
5. b – Most ISPs use DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). If you require a fixed IP address, you must specify that when ordering the line.
6. e
7. a
8. b
9. a – Stacking HUBs allows you to expand a network by adding a new HUB when all available ports on the existing HUB are occupied. This feature allows you to expand the network without discarding existing hardware.
10. a
11. d – Although a broadband connection can be obtained from any of these sources, the data rates will not always be the same. It is important that you verify the speed offered by your vendor of choice to ensure it meets your requirements.
12. b
13. a
14. c
15. c – RJ-11 jacks are used to connect telephones, RJ-31X for digital communicators and RJ-45 for data networks.


Answer to: What’s Wrong with This?

Wally’s problem is caused by using a punch block to connect the computer cables to the DSL line. The proper way to connect multiple computers to a network is by installing a HUB or switch designed to match the speed of the network. Wally should determine what type of HUB the ISP supports and install it as shown in this diagram. He also must properly install Cat 6-rated connectors on each cable using a crimp tool designed for the connectors. Improper connections can result in degraded network performance.


Ron Nelson
sdmtechtips@bnpmedia.com
Contributing Technology Writer. Ron Nelson has more than 36 years' experience in the security industry, and is employed with Mutual Central Alarm Services Inc., New York. He can be reached at sdmtechtips@bnpmedia.com.


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