A long time ago - we're talking pre-Internet times - if you had a home computer, you probably had a modem in it. A modem allowed your computer to communicate over phone lines with other computers. You could, theoretically, transfer files to another modem-equipped computer, after making sure both were online and using complementary protocols. More often, you could log on to "bulletin boards" and download shareware programs - games, utilities, etc. that you could try first, then pay for.
Now, of course, virtually every computer is connected to the Internet. Early on, most computers connected with a modem and phone line. Later, wired broadband connections were the standard. Today, your Internet connection is most likely delivered to your home via DSL or Cable, then made available to various devices (computers, printers, tablets, smart phones, video receivers, etc.) over a wireless network.
Modern devices search for wireless access, and automatically connect to known networks, assuming you've got your device set up to do so. The whole thing works very well, and makes smart phones, tablets, and laptops truly portable. Wifi networks are readily available - most restaurants have them - so you can be connected almost anywhere.
Most wireless networks are stable and secure. Networks at public venues may not have security installed, so you may be slightly more susceptible to hackers - do your banking in secure locations. My problem came with our home network.
We moved a few months ago. In our old home, our router was located in my office in the basement. Our main TV was also in the basement, where the Wii was connected - important because we needed the wireless for online gaming or movies using this gaming system. The only connectivity issue we had was with a net book computer we used in the kitchen - the signal strength was weak, causing slow connection speeds. Overall, that was a minor issue, since we weren't doing anything important on the small computer anyway.
In our new home, our main TV is on the main floor. In addition to the Wii, we now have a Roku, with which we watch many old movies on Netflix or Hulu. We've also both got iPads, so our data needs are increased significantly. Since our router is located downstairs, in the corner of the basement opposite the living room, the weakest signal in our network was the room where most of our needs were. As a result, we were experiencing a number of "drops" where we'd lose the network in the middle of whatever we were doing (most often watching a movie or TV show). Clearly, a change was needed.
My first reaction was to buy a new router. Our old one was a mid-level router, designed for average users. I bought a higher end router - still not top-of-the-line, but better - designed for "medium to large homes with higher data needs". This worked better, but after some time, we began experiencing the same issues as before. Figuring we just didn't have enough signal strength, I bought a new, higher-end router, and a range extender. This would do it for sure, right?
I set up the new, hot shot, dual band, extended range router downstairs, then placed the range extender upstairs in our spare room, directly above the router. After some fiddling around with the settings, I got connected, and everything looked great. Then I walked into the living room! My powerful signal from the bedroom was only marginally better than the downstairs signal, still weaker than what I needed. I grabbed the extender and moved it out to the living room. Now, I had it! I was able to connect to the router, and the signal to my video devices was perfect. The only issue was that the extender was sitting in the middle of the living room - not coordinating well with Theresa's decorating.
This was an easy problem to solve, right? I just moved the extender a few feet over so it was sitting by the TV - hidden from casual view like all the other components. Finally, we were ready to relax and enjoy a movie - and we did, for about 3 minutes. At that point, the movie stopped to reload, running for a couple of minutes each time before pausing again. What happened?
It turns out that moving the range extender just a few feet had put it on the edge of our network's range, causing a very slow connection. It was confusing, because our Roku said the signal strength was "Excellent". Engaging my brain - something to which I'm unaccustomed - led me to realize that the signal FROM the booster was strong, but the signal TO the booster was marginal. This was like using a bucket to move a teaspoon of water - it works OK, but you don't really get anything accomplished.
Clearly, a new approach was needed. I debated the purchase of another new router, this time going for a super high-end unit. I suspect that would work - after all, many restaurants have a strong signal that will reach even into the parking lot. After some thought, I decided to just run a network cable up behind the TV, and install a router there. This wouldn't be difficult, since our basement isn't finished, and it would have the added advantage of allowing for a wired connection to devices, should that prove necessary.
Since I had our old router sitting around doing nothing, I decided to leave the new one in place, and add the old one upstairs. We'd now have three wireless networks on our system - the original, now relocated upstairs, and two emanating from the dual band router in the basement. I could have just moved the router up, but, since I've got a computer and printer downstairs, I figured it would be handy to have network access down there.
After the requisite false starts and screw-ups - during which I lost ALL connectivity throughout the house - the system was ready to go. With relatively little trouble, I was able to connect all the devices upstairs to the network, and give it a try.
So far, everything seems to be working fine. The wireless network is a bit slower than wired, but it's certainly within acceptable limits. Watching TV and movies is easy - there are no objectionable delays. My Wii has an Ethernet connection port, so I may experiment with a hard-wired connection there, to see if there is a big improvement in performance. The Roku is wireless only, but similar devices are available with Ethernet connections, so if it looks like it's worth it, I can switch that out, as well.
I suspect wireless technology will continue to improve, so that Ethernet cable will be unnecessary in the future. Indeed, I'm sure we'll one day have universal coverage, so that every device will be connected at all times. Until then, we'll have to keep patching and improving our home networks to keep up with our ever-growing data needs.
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