8 Port Switch http://8portswitch.org Dedicated to the 8 port switch and other routers Sun, 12 Dec 2010 16:06:30 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 Long Range Wireless Router http://8portswitch.org/long-range-wireless-router/ http://8portswitch.org/long-range-wireless-router/#comments Sun, 12 Dec 2010 16:06:30 +0000 8 Port Switch http://8portswitch.org/?p=65

Getting the right type of long range wireless router is a necessity when you want to make a wireless network across a large building, or even just a large home.  That way, you can be sure that you’re able to send and receive signals over the entire area without an issue.  Not having a powerful enough router means that you’re not going to be able to get online using WIFI with your computers or portable devices.  But with the right long range wireless router you can setup an entire home or office network using just one powerful router.  All you have to do is be sure that the one you have your sights set on features all those features that are going to make all the difference.

When you’re looking for the right type of long range wireless router, what you’re going to find is that you have a lot of options out there for making the right choice.  But of course the first thing that you have to ensure is that you have a good sized signal distance, so that your router is going to get the job done.  The distance that your signal can reach is what’s going to determine how powerful the router is as well as how far away you can be and still use the WIFI connection.  You want to ensure that your long range wireless router is going to encompass the entire home, office, etc, so that you know it’s far reaching enough to make use of.

What’s more, you need to ensure that you’re buying a fast enough long range wireless router to process all the information that’s going to be sent through.  A part of the problem you can have with any given router, is just not being able to manage all the data coming through, which is going to cause some slowdown.  That means you have to ensure that yours is fast enough to handle data transfer speeds that you’ll be needing on a regular basis.  Otherwise your entire network can be tied up by the slower speed of your router, which is something that you really don’t want, when you’re trying to get anything done.

Of course, in buying the perfect long range wireless router, you also want to get one that can be password protected, so that you can ensure nobody is able to use the network but you.  The problem with getting an average router, is that they are hard to password protect and can be easily cracked.  Then anyone can use your network, and that’s really going to cause some overall slowdown.  But with the right type of long range wireless router you can ensure that your network is always protected, so nobody is using your signal for anything that isn’t approved by you.

You can find a great long range wireless router at just about any electronics retailer as well.  Through stores like Best Buy as well as Staples, you can typically get just the router you want.  That way, you can ensure you have just what you need to get the job done.

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Wireless Printer Router http://8portswitch.org/wireless-printer-router/ http://8portswitch.org/wireless-printer-router/#comments Sun, 12 Dec 2010 16:04:40 +0000 8 Port Switch http://8portswitch.org/?p=63

Setting up the right type of wireless printer router can be a really handy way to ensure that an entire office can use the same printer, without having to be connected physically.  This is actually really easy to set up as well, because it’s the same type of wireless network that you would need to create for just about anything else.  That means you’ll be able to use just about any type of router to get the job done. All you have to do is ensure that you set up your wireless printer router in the right way, to ensure that every computer on the network is able to make use of that printer.

What you’re going to find with just about any type of router like this, is that they are really just normal routers, but with the added functionality to manage an entire network. All you really have to do is connect your printer to the router in order to set them up correctly . But that does mean there are a few things that you need to think about.  Namely, you have to ensure that the wireless printer router you have features enough ports for hardwiring select devices.  Some things are going to have to be hardwired, in order to get them connected to the network so that they can be used wirelessly.

That means you have to actually connect your printer to the wireless printer router through an Ethernet cable, in order to place it on the network. From there, you can actually go to any computer already connected on the network, and set it up as a printer available to all users.  That way, the printer can be found by anyone looking to print, so long as they’re connected to that wireless network.  This way, you only need one printer for an entire building, and you can ensure that it’s easy to get what you need, and then go get your documents and ensure that they have been printed correctly.

Of course, with any type of wireless printer router, what you’re also going to find is that you still need to be sure that they have the right type of range to incorporate your entire network. The WIFI signal that these operate using is somewhat limited in range.  That means you have to purchase one with a powerful enough antenna to be able to send and receive transmissions from across the entire network. Otherwise a router that’s too weak is going to be of no use, because the signal is not going to reach as far as you have need.

But you can easily buy just about any type of wireless printer router you could want at any office supplies stores.  Through the top companies like Office Depot or OfficeMax, and even Staples, you can find just about any type of router you could want with ease.  That way, you can get just the wireless printer router that is going to make all the difference for you.

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Fiber Optic Switch http://8portswitch.org/fiber-optic-switch/ http://8portswitch.org/fiber-optic-switch/#comments Sun, 12 Dec 2010 16:03:12 +0000 8 Port Switch http://8portswitch.org/?p=61

Getting the right type of fiber optic switch is a necessity when you’re operating that type of network throughout your home or office building.  That’s because nothing else is going to be able to make use of the special type of cabling that you need to make an optical system like this work.  Without the right type of switch you can’t connect the signals, which means you literally can’t connect your computers.  But that’s easily solved, by purchasing the right type of fiber optic switch.  But different models can have different features, so you still want to be careful about what you buy, so that you can ensure it has just what you need to get the job done, no matter what you’re looking for.

When you’re after the right type of fiber optic switch, what you’re going to find is that there are a lot of options out there for choosing the perfect model.  But they are all meant to work in about the same way.  They all facilitate the connection of several fiber optic cables, so that you can connect multiple computers together on the same network.  This way, they can all use the same connection to the internet, but they can also connect to one another.  Then you can transfer files, or even sync your documents across all platforms, which can be useful for working or watching media in the home, as well as in the office.

But of course, there are a few things that you have to consider, namely what type of fiber optic switch you need based upon the amount of ports that you’re going to require.  This is really important because switches are made with different amounts of ports depending upon the needs of the user.  The more computers and devices you need to connect, the more ports that you’re going to need to get the job done.  It’s just a matter of figuring out how many devices you’re going to have to have connected on a permanent basis, and ensuring that your switch can cover the amount that you need.  Otherwise you won’t be able to get everything on the same network.

What’s more, you have to ensure that your switch is actually made for fiber optics.  That’s because these have to be specially made with the properties of the cables.  What you’re going to find is that fiber optic switch have to be specially made to allow light through, because that’s the way that the technology is created.  Anything less is not going to be able to make use of the signal just because of that.

Of course, when you’re after the right type of fiber optic switch, what you’re also going to find is that you have to buy yours from the right type of store as well.  When you’re looking for the most options for your office, you need an office electronics expert like Best Buy or Staples.  That way, you can find just the type of switch that you know is going to get the job done.

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Ethernet Repeater http://8portswitch.org/ethernet-repeater/ http://8portswitch.org/ethernet-repeater/#comments Sun, 12 Dec 2010 16:01:32 +0000 8 Port Switch http://8portswitch.org/?p=59

Buying the right type of Ethernet repeater is a necessity when you need to get online, or get connected to a network over a great distance.  Sometimes a home can be setup so that you only have access to an Ethernet connection for broadband internet connections from one place in the house.  But that location is not always ideal for having a computer, or for connecting several computers, so you need a solution to get a strong signal over such a distance.  For that, you have to buy the right type of Ethernet repeater, to get the signal where you need it to be in a flash.  With the right type of extender like this, you can enjoy internet anywhere in the house, no matter how far away you are from your hookups.

Basically any type of Ethernet repeater is meant to do a few jobs, but the first and most important is to extend your Ethernet cable so that it can reach from place to place.  This way, you can enjoy internet or just Ethernet transfer speeds across a private network, whether you’re 50 or 500 feet away from the connection.  The most common type of Ethernet repeater you’re going to find, are those that feature two separate areas where you can plug in an Ethernet cable, with a long segment of cabling in the middle.  The way that they work is literally proving a link between two cables, so that you can buy two that will almost cover the distance, and them make up the difference in the middle with the repeater.

But the reason that your Ethernet repeater is such a necessity, is just because they also boost your signal, so that it can travel the distance successfully.  The problem with very long cables like these, is that the signal degrades as you go along, so that you’re going to be suffering a weaker signal the farther you go.  That can mean that just using one cable isn’t going to be enough to get the signal from point A to point B, without losing too much signal to connect to a network.  But with the right type of Ethernet repeater, you can boost that signal so that it can travel the distance without an issue, so that you can literally connect from anywhere no problem.

Of course, you do need to do some preparation to ensure that you’re buying the right type of Ethernet repeater as well.  That means you want to do a run through with a piece of string, or even a long enough measuring tape, to figure out how far you are away from the connection, and how long your repeater needs to travel.  That way, you can find one that’s powerful enough to boost the signal, or that’s just perfect for ensuring that you have as fast a connection as can be.

You can buy the right type of Ethernet repeater from just about any office retailer.  Through stores like Office Depot or OfficeMax you’re typically going to have the best luck when you’re looking for any type of solution.  There you can find just about any type of Ethernet repeater you could want to get the job done.

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10 Gigabit Ethernet http://8portswitch.org/10-gigabit-ethernet/ http://8portswitch.org/10-gigabit-ethernet/#comments Sun, 12 Dec 2010 15:59:44 +0000 8 Port Switch http://8portswitch.org/?p=57

Handling the transfer of large data files across a large local computer network can really push your Ethernet cables to the limit, slowing down the entire office.  But that’s where 10 gigabit Ethernet comes in handy.  This is a special type of maxed out type of cable that can pump out a lot more bandwidth than the standard cable.  This way, you can literally transfer files or information as fast as you have need, with no limitations.  That way, your network is going to run that much more quickly, and the information that you need is literally always at your finger tips.  All you have to do is find the right way to implement 10 gigabit Ethernet cables and network hubs throughout your office, or even home.

Basically what this is going to offer you is more bandwidth, and more speed, a lot more speed to be precise.  That’s because your 10 gigabit Ethernet devices can run a lot faster than normal cables, so you don’t have to worry about any more network slowdown from trying to send too many files at once.  Instead, you can ensure that your system flows smooth as can be, as you manage your hassle free network in a way that allows you to optimize the office, instead of stress out over how slow your files are moving.  But of course, there is a lot of hardware that comes with a conversion to 10 gigabit Ethernet, so you have to be prepared for the transition.

That means you’re going to need to buy cables for starters, that feature the ability to transfer and handle all that data.  That means you need upgraded 10 gigabit Ethernet, as well as the computer software and hardware in order to manage them.  Without the right type of computer port, you’re still not going to be able to send information quickly enough, so you have to buy a special computer addition to allow you to make use of that extra speed.  That way, you can connect the larger cables and ensure that your computer can make full use of them the way that you really want.

Of course, when you’re after more 10 gigabit Ethernet integration in your network, you do need to purchase the right type of switch to handle all that information as well.  That means you need one that’s optimized for these types of cables, so that it can handle all the flow and transfer of information as well.  Remember, anything that’s not compatible with the power found in 10 gigabit Ethernet, is not going to run quite so quickly as it might have otherwise.

When you’re after any types of 10 gigabit Ethernet additions to your office, you always want to go shopping at an office supplier, so that you can find plenty of options for your needs.  Through stores like Staples or even Office Depot you can find just what you need to ensure that your office can run more quickly than it ever has before.

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Cheap Wireless Internet http://8portswitch.org/cheap-wireless-internet/ http://8portswitch.org/cheap-wireless-internet/#comments Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:39:18 +0000 8 Port Switch http://8portswitch.org/?p=36 Computers are a common part of many people’s lives these days and they can be used for work and leisure. Many people who have a computer in their home or office like to have internet access and there are various ways this can be done. If your preference is for using a portable computer such as a notebook or netbook then a wireless connection to the internet can be a good option to choose and there are many cheap wireless internet deals available on the market these days.

While the traditional method of providing an internet connection was with a wired connection this typically ties the use of a computer to a small area where it can be physically connected to the wire. A wireless internet service on the other hand will let anyone with a suitably equipped PC connect to the internet from any location in a home or office. Typically the connection is brought into the building by wires and connected to a central hub. This central hub then typically uses radio waves rather than wires to transmit the internet connectivity. This sets up a local area network around the central hub, within which a suitably equipped computer can connect to the internet.

Using cheap wireless internet can have a few benefits. If you like to work with a portable PC, it basically means once the system is set up in your home or office you can connect to the internet from anywhere rather than having to work in one location. It also generally means that more than one person can be connected to the internet at one time. Wireless internet can also be useful in offices as they are fairly easy to set up and it enables a number of computers to connect to the internet without the requirement to run wires to every computer.

There are a number of companies that provide cheap wireless internet these days and there is a fair amount of competition amongst the various providers. The cost typically starts at around $20 per month for the most affordable services. Comcast is an example of this and they offer high speed wireless internet access for a cost starting at around $19.99 per month for a 6 month contract. This offers download speeds of around 12Mbps and includes a free security suite which is valued at around $120.

There are a few other companies that offer cheap wireless internet services with some of these including Qwest, Cox and AT&T. There are a few comparison websites that provide details of these and this can be a good way to find a good deal. The Broadband Expert is one of these and this has details of a number of the cheapest wireless internet plans on offer.

Using a cheap wireless internet service can be a flexible way to provide connectivity in your home or office. It enables the internet to be accessed from anywhere in the property, which can be a benefit for those with a laptop. It also allows more than one person to access the internet at any one time and for these reasons it can be a good option to consider.

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Wireless Access Point http://8portswitch.org/wireless-access-point/ http://8portswitch.org/wireless-access-point/#comments Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:38:52 +0000 8 Port Switch http://8portswitch.org/?p=46 Many people have a PC in their home these days and they are also commonly used in offices. Most people who have a computer available also like to have an internet connection and this was traditionally provided using a wired connection. However this is not so convenient when there are a few computers in a home or office and also where portable PCs are used. In these cases a wireless internet network can be a better idea and a wireless access point (WAP) can be used to provide this.

A wireless access point is a small electrical device which can be connected to the wired internet service where it enters a home or office such that it broadcasts a wireless service throughout the property. This can be useful in that it means that wired connections are not required to provide internet access to the various computer locations in a property. Basically anyone with a suitably equipped PC can connect to internet wirelessly from any location in the property. For those with a portable laptop this can be useful as they can move around to any room in a property with their computer and still remain connected to the internet. It also generally enables more than one person to connect to the internet at a time and in many homes and offices there can be more than one person with a computer.

A common use of a wireless access point that most people know is a hot spot location in a cafe or library, where anyone with a suitably equipped laptop can wirelessly connect to the internet. A similar system can be set up in a home or office and a WAP device is commonly used to provide the wireless service.

If you have a wired internet connection coming into your property and you also want to enable a wireless service, there are a few wireless access point devices on the market for this purpose. The TRENDnet 300Mbps Access Point TEW-638APB is an example of this. It retails for around $52 dollars and can be used for a few purposes. It can be connected to a wired internet service to provide a wireless service in a property and it is possible to connect a few of them together to produce a Wired Distribution System (WDS) in a large building. Where an existing wireless network is in operation, the access point device can also be used to connect wired equipment to this.

Other manufacturers that produce wireless access points include Cisco, D-Link and Netgear. Prices can start around the $30 mark, although can rise to in excess of $100 for more sophisticated equipment which incorporates more features. They can be found for sale at a number of locations with electrical stores such as Best Buy having them on offer as well as internet stores such as CompUSA.

If you are looking to set up a wireless network in your home or office then a wireless access point is a simple way to do this. Most are easy to set and avoid the need for stringing long lengths of cable around a property and this can make them a good option to choose.

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Wireless Air Card http://8portswitch.org/wireless-air-card/ http://8portswitch.org/wireless-air-card/#comments Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:38:08 +0000 8 Port Switch http://8portswitch.org/?p=38 Many people these days travel for work and leisure purposes and like to carry a portable PC with them. This can be useful to have available for a number of reasons. If you want to use the internet while doing this there are a few options available. While using a Wi-Fi hot spot at a cafe or hotel is an option this can only be utilized when you are in a suitable location. A more convenient way of connecting to the internet can be to use a wireless air card and these are widely available these days.

A wireless air card is basically a portable modem which uses cell phone technology rather than telephone cables to connect to the internet. It tends to be designed for use with portable computers such as notebooks, although it can be used with a desktop computer. It is a small card sized device which either connects into the PC card slot of a portable PC or they can also typically be connected using a USB adapter. Once connected the PC can then be connected to the internet through the cell phone network and this means that you can basically have an internet connection anywhere there is a cell phone service. The only real restriction on its use is that the area where you are trying to connect must be directly covered by the air card provider or indirectly covered through roaming contracts.

The benefit of using a wireless air card is that you can have access to the internet wherever you are rather than trying to have to find a convenient hot spot location to connect. Many people require an internet connection for working purposes and using an air card means that whether you are sitting in the back of a taxi, on a train or in a clients office you are able to establish an internet connection. It can also be useful for those that travel a lot for leisure as connection to the internet and the entertainment this brings can be a good way to relieve the boredom of travelling.

Most of the cell phone providers will have wireless air cards available and generally these can be purchased on monthly contracts which typically provide unlimited access. In many cases the air card will be provided free of charge when you open an account. Cell phone providers such as Sprint, Verizon and AT&T are examples of air card providers, although many cell phone companies offer the service.

When deciding which wireless air card provider to choose the first thing to look at is the coverage that they provide for their service. Different areas of the country can have different cell phone services that work best and it is common sense to pick a service that provides good coverage of the areas in which you live and travel. Most cell phone companies have maps on their website showing the areas they cover and this can be a good starting point in terms of finding a good service.

If you are looking to purchase a wireless air card there are a few online companies which can be used to find a comparison of the various devices and contracts on offer. Cheap Aircards is an example of this and they have a range of air cards from various companies. Typically the air cards on offer are free, with the monthly cost of an account generally starting around $40 per month.

If internet access is important to you when you travel then a wireless air card is the best option to choose. It ensures that no matter where you are you should be able to connect your portable PC to the internet through the cell phone network.

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Wireless Broadband Router http://8portswitch.org/wireless-broadband-router/ http://8portswitch.org/wireless-broadband-router/#comments Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:37:43 +0000 8 Port Switch http://8portswitch.org/?p=40 Computers have become common devices in homes and offices over the last few years and many people now have one or more of these available. Most people that have access to a computer also like to have an internet connection available and this can be provided in a few ways. A wireless broadband router is a common method these days and this can be used to provide a wireless network in a property.

The internet service that most people have will typically depend on the computers available. In homes or offices with a single desktop the simplest way is to have a wired connection that uses the telephone line. However in locations where people prefer using portable PCs or where there are many computers a wired network can be inconvenient in that cables have to be strung around to provide the internet to the computers. In these cases a wireless network may be more appropriate and a wireless broadband router is a device that can enable this.

A wireless broadband router is an electrical device that performs a couple of main functions. They typically work as both a router and a wireless access point. A router is a computer device which enables different computer networks to connect together and pass data. A wireless access point is a device that enables wireless connectivity throughout a property when connected to a wired internet service.

If you have a wired internet service coming into your property a wireless broadband router is the most common and convenient way to create a wireless network. The device is basically connected to the wired internet service where it enters the property and it then broadcasts the wireless signal throughout the building such that wireless enabled equipment such as laptops and gaming devices can connect to the internet.

There are a number of companies that manufacture wireless broadband router devices. Some of the well known names include Buffalo Technology, D-Link, Belkin and Netgear. The devices can be found for sale at a number of locations with office supply retailers such as Staples, electrical stores such as Radio Shack and computer retailers such as CompUSA having them available.

Costs for a wireless broadband router can start at around the $30 to $40 mark. The Netgear WGR614NA  Wireless-G Router is an example of this and it costs around $35 to purchase. This can be configured for private or public wireless networks, has touchless Wi-Fi security and double firewall protection to protect against hacking. More sophisticated wireless router equipment will tend to increase in cost and can rise to in excess of $100. The Belkin N1 Vision Wireless Router, for example, costs around $150 to purchase. This is considered to provide excellent wireless coverage and speeds and the interactive display shows the status of the network at all times.

Installing a wireless broadband router on your existing wired service is a simple way to establish a wireless network. They are fairly simple to set up and once ready will provide wireless connectivity throughout a building which can be a useful service to have available.

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Wireless Home Theater http://8portswitch.org/wireless-home-theater/ http://8portswitch.org/wireless-home-theater/#comments Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:36:02 +0000 8 Port Switch http://8portswitch.org/?p=42 Many people like to recreate the movie experience in their home and this means that home theater systems have become popular in recent years. While the TV screen used for this is obviously a critical component it is also important to get the sound right. Generally a wired sound system will entail a lot of work to install and a simpler option these days can be to use a wireless home theater.

Home theaters are common in many homes these days and can be an excellent source of entertainment. However, many systems use a wired network to connect the various components together and this can be inconvenient for a few reasons. Having a mass of cables running around the floor to connect screen, speakers and other equipment can be unsightly, has the potential to cause accidents and can be difficult to troubleshoot should any problems occur with the system. Placing the wires behind walls, ceilings and flooring is an option, although the work involved in this can be expensive.

An alternative to using a wired system is to install a wireless home theater and these connect many of the components of the system by wireless means. This can be a more flexible system, especially in terms of the speakers which can easily be moved around to find the best position for them without having to worry about trailing wires around.

However, a wireless system may not mean that all the equipment connects wirelessly and in many systems it is only the back speakers which lie furthest from the screen that are connected by wireless means. When purchasing a system therefore it pays to check which of the components work by wireless means.

There are a few wireless home theater systems on the market these days and some of the manufacturers that produce them include companies such as Sony, LG, Pioneer and Samsung. Costs can typically start around the $300 mark with the Sony DAV-HDX275 BRAVIA 5-Disc DVD/CD Player 5.1 Channel Home theater System being a good example of this. This can be found on the market for around $300 and features wireless rear speakers, multi-room S-AIR technology which can wirelessly transmit sound to another room and an integrated 5 CD/DVD player. It also has a iPod cradle available and the system is compatible with a number of Sony BRAVIA televisions.

More sophisticated wireless home theater systems will typically increase in cost with some of the more expensive equipment on the market which incorporates enhanced features costing closer to $1,000.

If you are looking to simplify the wiring required for a home theater system then a wireless home theater is an option to consider. The sound they produce these days tends to be good quality and will be acceptable for the vast majority of people. They can also be easier to set up and moving the speakers around can be an easier prospect if you want to reposition them. For these reasons a home theater with wireless speakers can be a good option to consider.

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