Home Networking

Computers on the same network share files, printers and Internet connections regardless of their proximity to one another. The machines can communicate through one of four channels: phone lines, power lines, Ethernet or wireless technology. Although setups vary for PC and Macintosh systems, users often are assigned a level of access or given a password that restricts where they can go within the network.

Phone lines

The network transmits computer data on bandwidth channels separate from those that carry voice signals. Each computer requires a phone jack in this system.

Power lines

The network transmits information through a range of frequencies on the electrical subsystem. Performance might be affected by other power usage in the home.

Wireless

Adapters in each computer send data via infrared light pulses or radio frequencies. In some networks, a main controller receives and transmits information to the wireless adapters in each machine.

Ethernet

Each computer within the network is connected by an Ethernet cable to a main hub. The hub receives information from one computer and then sends it to all the others. This is the fastest home-networking system.

Source https://www.howstuffworks.com

Researched by CHRISTINE FREY/Los Angeles Times