The right NIC
A NIC (Network Interface Card) is a circuit board installed in a computer
or built into a motherboard that provides a dedicated, full-time
network connection to a LAN (Local Area Network) using Ethernet
topology. Ethernet wired networks operate at 10mbps (megabits bits
per second); Fast Ethernet wired networks operate at 100mbps;
Ethernet wireless networks (802.11b) typically operate at 11mbps,
However, there is a new upcoming wireless standard (802.11g)
that operates at 54Mbps. That's almost five times faster!
In addition, since they share the same 2.4GHz radio band,
wireless-g devices can also interoperate with existing 11Mbps
wireless-g equipment.
I strongly recommend against purchasing one of the many cheap, no-name
NICs that are available. Although you will save some money, you will most likely encounter
frustrating problems getting it to work properly. If you have trouble, your only recourse is to contact the manufacturer's technical
support (which could be in China - assuming it even exists).
It pays to invest in a quality NIC.
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A cabled network offers great speed at a great
price. Computers communicate using a NIC (about $20) that is added
to the computer. Many newer computers have them built into the
motherboard. All you have to do is install the card, install
software drivers (allow communication between the NIC and the
operating system), install and configure the network protocol,
connect the cable from the NIC to the switch, and you are up and
running!
A cabled network is nice, but there are a few drawbacks. Obviously, each computer
must be joined to the network using a cable, which can be difficult, especially if you live in a multistory house and want all the rooms to have a networked computer. In addition, if you want to move a computer to a new location, you must run a cable to the spot.If your PC doesn't have a built-in
NIC, I recommended
one of the following NICs:
For Wired Desktops:
- Intel (all EtherExpress10 models)
- 3Com (Etherlink models)
- SMC (EtherEZ models)
For Wired Laptops:
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A wireless network offers great flexibility because
there are no physical connections required for most nodes. Computers communicate using
special NICs and a WAP (wireless access point), which is similar to a
hub except it uses radio waves instead of cable as communication medium.
The WAP should be centrally located in the house, while the computers can be virtually anyplace.
I installed a wireless network in my home. Now I can surf the web
on my laptop while sitting in the sun on our deck.
- Linksys – Model
WRT54G combines a Wireless-G (54mbps) Wireless Access Point
with a 4-port full-duplex 10/100 Switch, plus a Broadband Router
to securely share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection.
- Linksys – Model BEFW11S4
combines a Wireless-B (11mbps) Wireless Access Point
with a 4-port full-duplex 10/100 Switch, plus a Broadband Router
to securely share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection.
The wireless NICs are more expensive than NICs used in cabled
computers. You can find traditional
NIC for $20 or less and a hub for $50 or less. A wireless
NIC cost around $85 and a WAP goes for at least $100. Even if you factor in the extra cost of cabling, wireless networks still cost more.
Wireless networks also are not as secure as wired networks. Wireless access points can broadcast their signal up to
300 feet, and the signal goes straight through walls. However, before you write off wireless networks as being
unsecure, remember that there are ways to prevent unauthorized access to your network.
For Wireless:
I recommend wireless LAN equipment that is based on the 802.11(b) DSSS standard.
The models listed here are PCMCIA cards (for laptops). Other
connection methods such as USB and PCI exist, but are not listed
here. Contact
me if you need information concerning wireless desktop
NICs. Three manufactures excel for ease of installation and
performance of the PCMCIA type include:
- Linksys – Model
WPC11; up to 11 mpbs
- SMC – Model
SMC2632W; up to 11 mpbs
- Intel
– Model NC-APRW1PCC;
1.6 mbps
Most wireless Ethernet networks work just fine at 11 mbps. All
three of these models are interchangeable with a wireless network
that supports 802.11(b).
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Laptop installation:
If you're installing a NIC on a laptop, it's very easy. Make
sure you read the directions that come with the PCMCIA card.
Typically, you need to install the software drivers BEFORE you
slide the card into the slot. Once that is done, the Windows
operating system will recognize the new device and install the
necessary software once you insert the card.
Desktop installation:
If you're installing a NIC on a desktop, it's a little bit
harder. Make sure you read the directions that come with the NIC
first. Typically, you need to install the NNIC software drivers
AFTER you install the card into a ISA slot or PCI slot.
- First turn off your computer, unplug it, ground yourself or
wear an antistatic wrist strap, and remove the case. Most
motherboards today come with between 3 and 5 PCI (white) slots
and 1 or 2 ISA (black) slots.
- Determine which slot to use. I like separating components as
much as possible because they generate heat. Slide the NIC into
an isolated slot if possible, match up the notch to the card,
and gently rocking it back and forth to get a good connection.
BE CAREFUL! Motherboards can break if too much pressure is
applied.
- Anchor the NIC to the computer frame with a screw.
- Turn on your system with the casing off (just in case you need to
readjust the card.
- Open Windows Explorer and see if a new device appears.
- Insert the CD or disk when it asks for the drivers. These
should install automatically once you point the program to the
folder containing the right inf file.
- You will need to configure the networking (network
identification, protocols, and file & print sharing, etc.)
components before it can communicate with another computer.
If unsuccessful, double-check your work. Is the card seated
properly in the slot? Are the software drivers installed correctly?
Should
you have problems, contact me.
- Plug the ends of the patch cable into the RJ-45 receptacle
on the workstation and the other end into the hub and start
networking!
- Put the case shell back on. You're done!
