Homegrown Networks
Readers share their stories about building their own home networks. We look at three systems, one of which takes an especially unique approach to component integration.
LAN
HomePlug Turbo Adapter Round-Up
HomePlug "Turbo" technology prominently touts that it delivers data at "up to 85 Mbps" rates. But Tim Higgins found that the usual games that manufacturers play with throughput claims has been taken to new lows with these products.
Making a little Magic on your Network
Setting up a small LAN isn't always easy for the newbie. David Strom looks at two products that try and somewhat succeed at easing the pain of getting a small LAN up and running.
How To: Diary of a New Home Network- Part 2
Tim Higgins is back with Part 2 of his new home network adventures. This time it's all about the connections - wall plates and patch panels, that is.
How To: Diary of a New Home Network- Part 1
Designing a system to distribute communications and electronic entertainment services around a new home can be a daunting task. But with the right approach, you don't have to be a master of the home networking universe to do it, and you might even have fun! Tim Higgins recently did just that.
LAN Party How To – Part 3: LAN Management and Troubleshooting
Chris Dickens' series has so far shown you how to organize a smooth-running LAN party and get it powered properly. This time he offers tips on choosing networking gear, installing it and handling the problems that come with the territory.
LAN Party How To – Part 2: Building the LAN
You can't have a LAN Party without a LAN and you shouldn't set up your party's LAN before reading the latest installment of our How To. Chris Dickens returns to step you through what it takes to set up a fast, robust LAN that can handle plenty of fraggin'.
LAN Party How To – Part 1: Planning and Power
Ever think about throwing your own LAN Party? Or maybe you already have an didn't have a great experience. Chris Dickens has been there and done that and in Part 1 of our LAN Party How To shares his secrets of getting set up for success and making sure that there's power a'plenty to keep everyone happy.
Corinex CableLAN Adapter Review
Until now, the one cable that hasn't been pressed into service to solve networking problems is the one carrying your cable or satellite TV signal around your home. Corinex' CableLAN adapter changes that, providing the first IP-over-coax networking solution that can handle networks both large and small.
Fast Network Adapters – What’s Holding You Back?
One of the "lessons learned" from our testing of higher speed (>10Mbps) network adapters is that you don't always get what you think you're getting, i.e. higher network speed. Things that didn't matter at lower network speeds come into play when using products such as 100Mbps Ethernet adapters and even the newer 802.11a wireless network adapters.