Network & Network Gadgets

Access Point helps u in Accessing

2009-05-08T23:52:00.000-07:00

Definition: Wireless access points (APs or WAPs) are specially configured nodes on wireless local area networks (WLANs). Access points act as a central transmitter and receiver of WLAN radio signals.

Access points used in home or small business networks are generally small, dedicated hardware devices featuring a built-in network adapter, antenna, and radio transmitter. Access points support Wi-Fi wireless communication standards.

Although very small WLANs can function without access points in so-called "ad hoc" or peer-to-peer mode, access points support "infrastructure" mode. This mode bridges WLANs with a wired Ethernet LAN and also scales the network to support more clients. Older and base model access points allowed a maximum of only 10 or 20 clients; many newer access points support up to 255 clients.

Wireless Access Point vs. Ad-Hoc Network

Some people confuse Wireless Access Points with Wireless Ad-Hoc networks. An Ad-Hoc network uses a connection between two or more devices without using an access point: the devices communicate directly. An Ad-Hoc network is used in situations, such as for a quick data exchange, or for a Multiplayer LAN game, because it is easy to set up and does not require an access point. Due to its peer-to-peer layout, Ad-Hoc connections are similar to Bluetooth ones, and are generally not recommended for a permanent installation.

Internet access via Ad-Hoc networks, using features like Windows' Internet Connection Sharing, may work well with a small number of devices that are close to each other, but Ad-Hoc networks don't scale well. Internet traffic will converge to the nodes with direct internet connection, potentially congesting these nodes. For internet-enabled nodes, Access Points have a clear advantage, being designed to handle this load.

Common WAP Applications

A typical corporate use involves attaching several WAPs to a wired network and then providing wireless access to the office LAN. Within the range of the WAPs, the wireless end user has a full network connection with the benefit of mobility. In this instance, the WAP functions as a gateway for clients to access the wired network.

A Hot Spot is a common public application of WAPs, where wireless clients can connect to the Internet without regard for the particular networks to which they have attached for the moment. The concept has become common in large cities, where a combination of coffeehouses, libraries, as well as privately owned open access points, allow clients to stay more or less continuously connected to the Internet, while moving around. A collection of connected Hot Spots can be referred to as a lily-pad network.

Ethernet hub

2009-05-07T22:07:00.000-07:00

Definition: In computer networking, a hub is a small, simple, inexpensive device that joins multiple computers together. Many network hubs available today support the Ethernet USB
hubs also exist, but Ethernet is the type traditionally used in home networking. Standard. Other types including

Working With Ethernet Hubs

To network a group of computers using an Ethernet hub, first connect an Ethernet cable into the unit, then connect the other end of the cable to each computer's network interface card (NIC) . All Ethernet hubs accept the RJ-45 connectors of standard Ethernet cables.

To expand a network to accommodate more devices, Ethernet hubs can also be connected to each other, to switches or to routers.

Characteristics of Ethernet Hubs

Ethernet hubs vary in the speed (network data rate or bandwidth) they support. Some years ago, Ethernet hubs offered only 10 Mbps rated speeds. Newer types of hubs offer 100 Mbps Ethernet. Some support both 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps (so-called dual-speed or 10/100 hubs).

The number of ports an Ethernet hub supports also varies. Four- and five-port Ethernet hubs are most common in home networks, but eight- and 16-port hubs can be found in some home and small office environments.

Older Ethernet hubs were relatively large in size and sometimes noisy as they contained built in fans for cooling the unit. Newer devices are much smaller, designed for mobility, and noiseless.

When To Use an Ethernet Hub

Ethernet hubs operate as Layer 2 devices in the OSI model, the same as network switches. Although offering comparable functionality, nearly all mainstream home network equipment today utilizes network switch technology instead of hubs due to the performance benefits of switches. A hub can be useful for temporarily replacing a broken network switch or when performance is not a critical factor on the network.

Key Fob Video Camera

2009-04-21T09:43:00.000-07:00

This harmless looking key fob could be just the thing you’ve been on the lookout for, after discovering some lipstick marks on your man’s collar that do not belong to you because you don’t use Bobbi Brown’s Light Warm Beige semi-matte lipstick. A totally covert Car Alarm Key Fob with digital video recorder that gives you instant video images at the touch of only one button. This is genuinely the world's smallest high grade digital video recorder with a built-in 2Gb flash memory and a built-in high resolution camera that takes both video and/or still shots.

Unfortunately, you lack the hard evidence to bring your man back to his senses, so having this Key Fob Video Camera/DVR with you could be the perfect fodder. After all, you can discreetly place this at a bedroom or living room (or where you suspect the tryst is going on), letting it record videos or snap images that are stored on its 2GB internal memory. Video quality stands at 355 x 288 resolution at 15fps, while images are 1.3 megapixels clear. You will get up to 150 minutes worth of video recording with this, and 2GB will also net you 4,000 still images. It will cost you a handsome £395 (including taxes) to bring this home though.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Video protocol: NTSC/PAL Standard
Video Resolution: 355 x 288 @ 15fps
Memory: Built-in Flash memory 2Gb
Max. Stills resolution: 1,300,000 pixels (@ 1280x1024)
Video file format: AVI
Picture file format: JPEG
PC interface: Mini USB 2.0
Current consumption: Standby: 100mA/ Recording: 150mA
Date/Time table: YYYY/MM/DD, HH,MM,SS
Battery charging time: 3 - 4 hours
Power supply: DC5V/2A
Battery charging current: 250mA
Battery type: DC 3.7v/550mA Lithium battery
Battery life: 150 minutes
Dimensions: 70x34x16mm's
Weight: 34 gms.