Understanding Home Networking - NETGEAR EVA9000 User Manual

Understanding Home Networking

In recent years, home networks have become common. More and more,
they include a variety of technologies that work together in ways that
are not always obvious. The following topics identify common
connection types, their speed, and security considerations.
• Broadband Internet
Your Internet connection speed is determined by your Internet
Service Provider, as well as the connection speed of the sites to
which you connect, and general Internet traffic. ADSL and cable
modem connections are asymmetrical, meaning they have a lower
data rate to the Internet (upstream) than from the Internet
(downstream). A typical residential ADSL or cable modem
connection provides a downstream throughput of about 1 to 3
megabits per second (Mbps). Newer technologies such as ADSL2+
and Fiber to the Home (FTTH) increase the connection speed to
tens of Mbps.
• Wireless
Current-generation 802.11n wireless routers such as the NETGEAR
WNR854T RangeMax NEXT Wireless-N Router provide wireless
data throughput of up to 300 Mbps using technology called
multiple input, multiple output (MIMO). MIMO uses multiple
antennas to transmit multiple streams of data. The use of multiple
(internal) antennas also provides excellent range and coverage.
With the introduction of the newer WPA and WPA2 encryption and
authentication protocols, wireless security is extremely strong.
• Powerline
For connecting rooms or floors that are blocked by obstructions or
are distant, consider networking over your building's AC wiring.
NETGEAR's Powerline HD family of products delivers up to 200
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