WHAT IS A NETWORK?

In its simplest form, a network is at least two computers — desktops, laptops or one of each — connected together with wireless or wired technology.

For example, let's say you've got a desktop and a laptop in your home or office.

Seem confusing? Just take it one step at a time. First, you'll choose between three options for how you connect your computers:

Wireless, also called Wi–Fi®, means networking through the air, like a radio transmission

Wired, most often known as Ethernet, means networking through wires. (There are other wired networking options growing in popularity, but for the purposes of keeping this simple, we will approach wired using the most common technology, Ethernet connectivity.)

Or, a combination of both wireless and wired technologies

WIRED OR WIRELESS OR BOTH?

Essentially there are three different types of networks. Which one you choose depends on your specific needs.

Wireless: Easy and Convenient

With wireless, there's no need to drill holes or run wires to join the network. Just install the software on your desktop or laptop, add a wireless accessory, and you're ready to go. Wireless users can travel from room to room, between floors, or even outside, almost anywhere, and remain connected. The range of your wireless connection will vary based on a number of factors, like the type of wireless technology you use or the thickness of your walls.

The purpose of a wireless (Wi-Fi) network is to hide connectivity complexity by enabling wireless access to applications and data, media, and streams. The main aims of Wi-Fi are to:

• Make access to information easier
• Enable user mobility
• Ensure compatibility and co-existence of devices
• Eliminate cabling and wiring
• Reduce the need for switches, adapters, and connectors

Wired: Built for Speed

Wired networks are a must when fast data transfers are your primary concern. Wired networks really zoom — supporting data rates in access of 30 Mbps.¹ They're easy to setup and simple to use, offering a combination of performance and consistent coverage in any area.

Wired and Wireless: The Best of Both Worlds

With both wireless and wired users on the same network, you can pick and choose which users take advantage of which technology.

1 A Word About Data Rates: Data rate is the speed at which individual bits of data flow through a channel. It is not the same speed at which entire files are uploaded or downloaded. These speeds will vary, and are often less than the maximum data rate. Upload and download speeds are affected by several factors including, but not limited to: the capacity of and the services offered by your cable operator or broadband service provider, channel capacity, network traffic, computer equipment, type of server, number of connections to server, and availability of Internet router(s).

WHAT DOES A NETWORK LOOK LIKE?

Once you've chosen your type of network, you can add more computers and peripherals, such as printers, scanners, game consoles or anything else that people can share on a network.

Let's take the previous example — two computers, one desktop and one laptop — and build on it a little. We'll add another desktop, a printer and, of course, a broadband modem so all the computers can share a broadband Internet connection.

Examples of different networking options:

WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF A NETWORK?

All networks need a base station. And the type of network you choose — wireless, wired or a combination of both — determines which type of base station you need.

A wireless access point

Enables everyone in the home or small office to effortlessly connect to the network without running wires. This device plugs into your existing broadband device, like a cable or DSL modem. Motorola supplies a number of options in this category, click here to see them all.

An all-in-one integrated wireless modem/gateway

Enables everyone in the home or small office to effortlessly connect to the network without running wires. This device includes a built-in cable or DSL modem and also home networking flexibility, i.e. a built-in Ethernet router and/or Wi-Fi access point. Motorola supplies a number of options in this category, click here to see the cable modem version and here for the DSL modem version.

Ethernet router

Enables everyone in the home or small office to connect to the network via Ethernet cabling for faster bandwidth connection. This device plugs into your existing broadband device, like a cable or DSL modem. Motorola supplies a number of options in this category, click here to see them all.

Wireless accessories

To complete your wireless network, each piece of hardware (desktops, laptops, and peripherals) will need a specific wireless accessory, like a wireless notebook adapter or a .USB network adapter. These adapters connect a laptop or desktop computer to a wireless network. Motorola supplies a number of options in this category, click here to see them all.

WHY NETWORK WITH MOTOROLA?

One-stop shopping

All-in-one integrated Cable or DSL modems/gateways, wireless access points, Ethernet routers, and wireless accessories from a name you trust.

Room to expand

Our devices can network everyone in your home or small office — and then some — within the home.

Freedom from wires

Wireless users can roam almost anywhere - indoors or outdoors. Distance dependent upon user environment and wireless technology deployed.

High standards

All of our wireless networking products are standards based and certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance.

Simple installation

All products include an easy-to-use Installation Wizard