Future-Protect Your Router
You may not need wireless capabilities right now, or need the latest WiFi protocol, but odds are you will. If you are running multiple home entertainment boxes (Xbox 360, Apple TV, Slingbox, etc.) you may run out of direct Ethernet connections to the router in short order. Don’t skimp on the router. Look for a model that supports wired and wireless connection and preferably also handles the latest 802.11n protocol.
DSL, Cable or Fiber?
Test Your Speed
If you have doubts about your ISP’s broadband performance, try an online speed test like the one at Speakeasy.net/speedtest and others you can find online. These services can compare your results with others to help indicate a problem.
Protect and Defend
Apply security to your network. It is very easy for neighbors or passersby to hijack some of your bandwidth, sometimes even by mistake. And remember, you may be held responsible for any traffic (pirated content, porn, etc.) that goes across your connection. When choosing a security protocol (WEP, WPA, WPA2) first check that all of your devices like game machines and cell phones support that protocol.
Share and Share Alike?
For sharing files across PCs or accessing a PC’s media files from a connected game console/media streamer, you may need to tweak settings on the host PC. In Windows Media Player, look for the Media Sharing item in the Library menu. In Vista, call up the Network and Sharing Center to view and change discovery and sharing settings.
Protect the Kids
There are many network management products on the market that will monitor and limit your child’s access to the Internet. Windows Vista has Parental Controls built-in. Type “Parental Controls” in the Start search box to open a network management program that can limit the time your child spends online, where he or she goes, and can report to you their logs.
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