Netgear MCA1001 MCA1001 User Guide - Page 47

Appendix B 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 any of the NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless-N Routers 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 Mbps to any power outlet and connects to your devices and network using standard Ethernet cables. Note: You need at least two Powerline HD adapters to make this type of connection in your network. Data transmissions are encrypted for security, and you can configure an individual network password to prevent neighbors from connecting. Understanding Home Networking B-1 v1.0, December 2008