Using a Jack From Another Telephone Line

wall, then mount the faceplate over the outlet. Plug the cable from your computer into the faceplate to connect the cable run in the wall.

2.8. Adding hubs to the system

Problem: There are two internal computers routing on the ground floor. Now you need to add two computers on the first floor. The new computers are not only on a different floor, but also across from the existing router and computers.

Solution: Instead of running all the cables, connect the two new computers to a hub or switch, then run a single in-wall cable from the hub/router to the router.

2.9. Deciding between hub and switch

Problem: You want to expand your network, but you have two “stacks” of computers. The three additional computers will be connected to the hub, and the hub will be connected to the router. A friend tells you to buy a switch, because switches send data faster.

Solution: Your friend was right – switches speed up computer communication. The question is, will you notice the difference on a network of 5 (or 10) computers? And switches are generally more expensive than hubs.

2.10. Combining communication speeds

Problem: Your local network has two computers connected to a router. You add two more computers, and plan to install a hub to connect them to the router. The new computer has an embedded Ethernet adapter that communicates at 100mbps; the old computer has an adapter that communicates at 10mbps. Having to replace the old adapter is a hassle.

Solution: There is no need to replace the old adapter. Hubs and switches recognize the speed at which the computer is operating and assign that speed to the computer. This means that speeds can be mixed and matched on the network. If you think you will notice a speed difference, replace the old adapter.

2.11. Create your own cable

Problem: The network computers are scattered over a large area, and the distance between the router and the two computers is greater than 30m. You cannot temporarily connect the cable to the correct length, and ordering a specialized cable is too expensive. Can you make your own Ethernet cable??

Solution: Many people make their own makeshift Ethernet cables. Do this if you need a very long cable, are cabling multiple computers and want to save money, or are a DIYer. Here are the supplies you’ll need:

+ Ethernet cable

+ RJ45 connector

+ Wire stripper

Cut the cable to the desired length, adding about 1m for extra space. Use wire strippers to strip about 1cm of insulation and expose the wires inside. Push each wire into the appropriate hole on the connector, refer to the table below

Number of wires

Color	Uses
1	White and orange	Data transmission
2	Orange	Data transmission
3	White and green	Get data
4	Blue	Are not
5	White and blue	Are not
6	Green	Get data
7	White and brown	Are not
8	Brown	Are not

Maybe you are interested!

2.12. Temporary cables and cross-connect cables

Problem: We are expanding our network by connecting multiple computers to a hub, then connecting the hub to a router. The hub manual says to connect the router using a crossover cable instead of a patch cable. What is a crossover cable?

Solution: The term patch cable refers to a straight-through cable. The wires pass through the cable without changing their position, so wire 1 at one connector is wire 1 at the other connector. Patch cables are standard cables used to connect network components together.

In a crossover cable, the wires change positions between connectors. The wires start at one position and end at the other, as follows:

+ 1 crosses 3

+ 2 crosses 6

(Only wires 1,2,3 and 6 are for Ethernet communication).

A crossover cable does not connect a computer to a hub/switch/router. It is intended for special connections, such as connecting a DSL modem to the uplink port of a hub or switch, or linking two hubs via an uplink port. The hardware documentation will indicate whether a crossover or patch cable is needed.

2.13. Distance Limits

Problem: You add computers to the network, and the total distance on the network is limited to 90m. How do businesses manage networks with such limitations?

Solution: The maximum length limit applies to a single cable running from the computer to the hub/switch. The maximum is 100m.

The reason there is a maximum distance is because the signal degrades over distance. Fiber optic cables do not degrade as easily, and a fiber optic cable can be 10 times longer than a standard Ethernet cable.

If longer cables are needed, you can purchase an adapter that allows you to connect a standard Ethernet cable to a fiber optic cable, and then connect the fiber optic cable to a standard Ethernet cable at the other end.

Another solution for longer cabling is a repeater. This device looks like a hub and it takes care of regenerating the signal, allowing cabling longer than 100m. Often, with a repeater, the distance can be doubled.

3. PHONE WIRING HARDWARE PROBLEMS

3.1. Shared phone jack

Problem: A telephone network has two computers, what should I do if I want to add another computer?

Answer: It is possible to share a telephone jack between your phone and your computer by attaching a modular duplex jack to a wall outlet. This device has an RJ11 plug on one side. Plug it into the jack. The other side has two RJ11 connectors. Use one end for the phone, and the other end for the telephone cable going to the new computer.

3.2. Sharing a telephone network adapter

Problem: One of the network phone computers in the bedroom does not have a phone. Now I want to add a phone in that room, but the PC only has one jack.

Solution: There are two methods to solve this problem:

+ Use duplex jack.

+ Use the second connector on the telephone network adapter.

Note: The telephone network adapter has two jacks: one with a symbol or label for the line (wall jack), and one with a symbol or label for the telephone. Use the line jack to connect the computer to the wall jack, and the phone jack for the telephone.

3.3. Connecting computers together

Problem: You want to add another computer to the telephone network, in the same room as your existing computer. This room has a single telephone jack, and you share the jack with the phone using a splitter.

Solution: You can connect your computer to an existing computer, whether in the same room or in a different room. Run a phone cable from the network adapter in the new computer to the second jack in the network adapter on the first computer. This is called a daisy chain.

In fact, if you don't have telephone cables running around your house, you can daisy-chain your entire network to a single wall outlet. Connect the first computer to the wall outlet, then connect the next outlet to an empty outlet on the first computer's network adapter. Connect the next computer to an empty outlet on the second computer's network adapter, and so on. This frees up all the other wall outlets in your house for phones, modems, and fax machines.

3.4. Using a jack from another telephone line

Problem: One of the computers that we want to put on the phone network is in a room with a jack. However, we have that jack wired to another phone number. Can we still exploit it?

Solution: All network computers must operate on the same phone line. However, there is a workaround. Use another wire in a jack with a different phone number. Open the jack and find the pair of wires that match the first phone line (just match the colors). Place them in the jack, and connect the computer to that jack.

3.5. Telephone cable problem

Problem: The telephone network stops transmitting data. At the same time, the telephone has a lot of static electricity. Why does static electricity on the telephone line cause problems for the telephone network? You assume that they are not using the same part of the telephone line.

Solution: For some reason the insulation on the telephone cable is damaged (perhaps by rats chewing on it or by liquid corrosive to the cable in the underground conduit). In this case, all the wires and frequencies on the cable suffer the same fate. The best thing to do is to ask the telephone company for help.

3.6. Mini phone network setup

Problem: You have an Ethernet network on the ground floor, and want to augment two machines on the first floor. You are faced with the difficult task of moving all the cables that run through

walls and rooms. If we have telephone wiring on the first floor, can we set up a telephone network and connect it to an Ethernet network ???

Solution: This is a great solution to this problem. In addition to the network adapter for the computer upstairs, you will need to purchase a phoneline bridge. A bridge is a network device that connects two network configurations – in this case, an Ethernet network and a telephone network. All network equipment manufacturers sell phone bridges.

Set up a phone network on the first floor by plugging the network cards of both computers into the phone jacks. Then, on the ground floor, bridge both networks.

Connect the upstairs phone port to a wall jack with a phone line. Connect the upstairs LAN port to an Ethernet Hub (or Switch or router) with an Ethernet cable.

3.7. What phone port?

Problem: You don't know which port is used to connect to the phone jack. Telephone devices do not say Phoneline, Phonejack, or jack.

Solution: Look for HPNA port, the official term for a phone port as defined by the Home Phoneline Networking Alliance. This group sets standards for phones.

4. ELECTRICAL HARDWARE PROBLEMS

4.1. Find the homeplug icon

Problem: You see electrical equipment that comes in different prices and they have different specifications on the box. Some say they operate at 12 or 14 megabits per second, others are slower and cheaper. Is there a difference?

Solution: This is a case of “you get what you pay for”. Cheap slow equipment does not apply the current standards for networking technology.

4.2. Electrical wires and electrical equipment

Problem: It's hard to find a free outlet in a room with computers and peripherals. You have a power cord plugged into the outlet to handle multiple devices. Can you plug a power adapter into the cord?

Solution: Maybe, maybe not. However, there is no clear answer to this question. It is possible to plug a telephone adapter into the power cord without any problems. The manufacturer's instructions say not to do so, and they recommend plugging the adapter directly into the wall. They say that the electricity in the cord can interfere with the network.

4.3. Connecting the power supply from the desk or hallway

Problem: Can you take your wireless device outside and access the Internet? If you run an extension cord to your desk (no power outlet) can you plug the adapter into it?

Solution: Of course you can—the extension cord runs directly to the electrical outlet. And unlike your radio-activated friend, you don't have to move around a lot to find a signal.

4.4. Installation software is required

Problem: Besides the driver installation for the network adapter, do I have to install a whole software program?

Solution: Security. The software that comes with the power adapter includes security software, ensuring that outsiders cannot access network communications. The software allows the power device to apply security without going through a complex configuration process.

4.5. Security risks for the power grid

Problem: Wireless networks are notorious for security breaches, but the electrical grid is entirely within the home. Data doesn't float in the air like wireless transmissions. Why worry about network communications?

Solution: You are correct in saying that the risk of data being stolen while being transmitted from computer to computer is not as high as over a wireless network.

However, data is not as safe as you might think within the confines of a power line.

The electrical network gateway is the transformer that supplies power to your home. Anyone who shares the same transformer is on your “side.” This means that anyone who logs into a computer on the same side of the gateway as you can join your network. For a single-family home, this is not a problem. However, even a single-family home may share a transformer with the house next door. Install security software with your power adapter to avoid this problem.

4.6. The security codes must match

Problem: All three computers on the network seem to be working fine. All three can connect to the Internet. However, one computer won't join the network, it can't reach the other two computers, and the other two computers can't get its files. How to fix this???

Solution: The secret key for the isolated machine must not match the one set on the other two machines. All the keys must be the same. Anyone who doesn't know the key is helpless, and neither are the machines.

4.7. Change the default security password

Problem: Changing your password on every computer on the network is a waste of time. The default password is the same on every computer, and you don't have to worry about password mismatches. Why not just leave it alone.

Solution: Because leaving it as is is not effective enough. The default password is the same on every adapter sold by the manufacturer. Anyone with the same adapter can hack into the transformer wire and steal all the files on the network.

Normally, if you use a computer, you have to be on guard because security is an issue in the computer world. Changing a batch of passwords only takes a few minutes, and it protects your network communications.

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