Wireless Networking In Your Home

“Get all the components from the same vendor. And ensure all products follow the same wireless communications and security standards”

As you buy, and install electronic devices in your house, you will wonder why they don’t work together and exchange data. A system of interconnected devices opens up many possibilities. Attempt the integration on your own and you’d have to deal with interoperability issues, differing standards, communication protocols, and a plethora of cables. But all that is an old story, now that wireless connectivity solutions are becoming affordable. Wireless is not just limited to offices and cyber cafes. You can have it in your home too !

Our advice to all those who want to build a connected home is “Get all the components from the same vendor. And ensure all products follow the same wireless communications and security standards”. Here’s a shopping list for building the connected home.
MUSIC STREAMING DEVICE : Your music is stored on the computer, but you ant to listen it on the hi-fi system in the living room. A music bridge or streaming device makes the connection. The wireless music bridge sits near the hi-fi system and the connections are done using standard RCA or Coax/Optical Digital connectors. For better streaming performance, opt for the new Wireless - G standard.

Products : Linksys Music Bridge, Apple Airport Express, Roku Sound Bridge, Squeezebox.

WIRELESS CARDS : If your music’s on a desktop or notebook that isn’t wirelessly enabled, then consider installing a wireless card. A faster route to wireless here is a USB Wireless Adapter (dongle). Install the drivers and you’re in business.

Products : Netgear WG111

WIRELESS ROUTER : This is the hub of the wireless network that ties all the components together and lets them communicate wirelessly. The router is connected to an Ethernet equipped device such as PC, Game Console, etc.. and to a broadband (ADSL) router for the Internet access. Two important things to check here are, what are the wireless standards supported (802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11n, 802.11g) ? Is the security standard the older WEP or the stronger WPA/WPA2 ?

Products : Linksys, D-Link, Buffalo, Netgear, etc..

PRINT SERVER : This device is optional. It manages print jobs between one or more printers. Printing requests can be received from any device on the wireless network. It’s imperative that the existing printers in your home/office supports the wireless standards of the print server device. Wired PCs can also be connected to it. Convenient if you have computers in different rooms.

Products : Linksys Wireless - G Print Server, Belkin.

IP CAMERAS : An optional device used for home surveillance. Wireless IP cameras can be installed anywhere in the home or garden (within range). Most effective when coupled with a triger such as motion detection sensor. Video streams from multiple cameras can be recorded on a PC. Since the camera’s have an IP address, video streams can be viewed on a Web Browser, anywhere in the world !

Products : Linksys, D-Link etc..

RELAYS : Want to control the lights and curtains and other such accessories in your house through the PC ? These are electrical devices so you will need special interface called relays and PLC bus modules. Of course, it takes an engineering feat to do all the wiring.