E
T
A
E
I
M
M
L
T
O
U iH
NETWORK
INSTANT
EXPERT
ACCESS POINT
EVERYTHING
This is a compact
standalone unit
that can extend
the reach of your
There are tons of advantages to getting everything
wireless network,
without the need
in your home hooked up, and here’s how to do it…
for a long Ethernet
cable to connect a
device to a router.
SECURITY
HOME NETWORK TIPS
When setting up
your router you
can choose the
type of security
system you want
to use. WEP
(Wired Equivalent
Privacy) offers
64-bit or 128-bit
encryption, and
the higher the
bit number, the
more secure the
encryption. WEP
is easy to use but
not 100 per cent
reliable and WPA
(Wi-Fi Protected
Access) has
been designed to
replace it. WPA
provides improved
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
BEWARE THE BANDWIDTH THIEF!
data encryption
The heart of any wireless home network is the Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi signals cover around a few hundred feet, which
and user
router (around £40). Most modern laptops now have
could be a gift to your neighbours. It may seem harmless,
authentication.
Wi-Fi built-in, but you can still take advantage of wireless
but if your internet service provider limits your monthly
connectivity with older machines and desktops using
online time, that means a wily eavesdropper could steal
SOFTPHONE
either USB dongles (around £10) or wireless LAN cards
your bandwidth and use the network time you’ve paid for.
These are
(around £12). Peripherals, such as scanners and printers,
It’s advisable to specify security levels while setting up
software-based
can also be incorporated as long as they’re network-ready
your router. The longer the alpha-numeric code you use for
virtual phones for
(which means they’ll have LAN/Ethernet ports).
your password, the more secure your system.
your PC that you
download from
PARKING THE ROUTER
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
a VoIP service
As Wi-Fi uses radio frequencies, manufacturers usually
Most routers typically feature four ports so you can
provider. They
recommend positioning the router as high as possible
connect home entertainment equipment such as a games
have a graphic
(an upstairs room or loft, but be ready to experiment) for
console for online gaming or devices for accessing your
dialling pad
better reception and transmission. While this isn’t always
music wirelessly from anywhere in your home. There
and use your
necessary, bear in mind that you’ll also have to place the
is no precise limit on the number of machines that can
computer’s built-in
device near a phone line. And, if you’re using Ethernet
share a single router, but placing too many devices
mic and speakers
cable to connect other devices, you’ll need a lot to run it
on your network can affect its performance, and most
to chat and listen.
neatly around skirting boards and door frames.
manufacturers say to stop at 10 bits of kit.
GET CHEAP CALLS!
A big mouth’s guide to VoIP phone calls
M
O
It’s good to talk. It’s even better when it’s a ‘softphone’ from your service provider AOL, Microsoft, Google and Yahoo. Skype
S
.
C
I
C
cheap. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet and then use your computer’s built-in mic (www.skype.com) was one of the pioneers
P
H
Protocol and is a way of making telephone and speakers to chat. Or you can also get of IP telephony and owes its rapid success
A
R
G
calls using a PC connected to the internet. hold of dedicated VoIP handsets that can be to the fact that its basic software is free
E
R
Why? In theory it means cheaper calls – plugged into a PC’s USB port. and uses an open platform that makes it
L
M
assuming your computer is already hooked Chatterboxes have a host of companies compatible with all the main PC operating
P
A
D
up to a phone line for web access, all you to choose from. Many, such as Demon, systems. Any calls Skype users make to
R
A
pay for when making VoIP calls is the cost of Gossiptel, Orbtalk and Vonage, now each other are free. But the provider also
H
I
C
your internet connection. Brilliant! provide specialist VoIP services in the UK offers several paid-for packages from £2.24
R
In order to use VoIP, you’ll need the kit for consumers and business use, as do per month, which let you make unlimited
I
S
,

B
to talk and make calls. You can download big-name internet service providers such as calls to landlines and mobiles.
R
C
O
30 February 2009 www.bbcfocusmagazine.com
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