Wired & Wireless Networking

Wired Network Design, Installation, & Repair

When your Home or Office needs to share information reliably and quickly then a Wired Network is your best choice. The Internet, files, databases, printers, and just about anything else can be shared.

There are 2 types of Networks that can be installed in you Home or Office:

Client-Server - This is where most information is stored on a central computer known as a Server and the computers using that information are known as Clients. In a Home or Small Office a Server can be a regular every day PC, in an environment where there is a large amount of data or several users using the same data then a specially built PC optomized for speed & reliability should be used.

Peer to Peer - This type of Network is often used where there are only a few files and printers being shared between each other.

Mat-Su Computer Medics can set up sharing so that only specific people can see specific files or folders on another computer and setup other files or folders to be shared with everybody on the Network. The shared files ot folders can be on any brand of computer (ie, Dell, Apple, HP, Gateway) and just about any operating system (Windows XP, Vista, 7, and even MacOS).

Mat-Su Computer Medics can come to your Home or Office to discuss your Networking needs and then make suggestions that are within your budget.

Wireless Network Installation, Security & Repair

Wireless Networking is the best solution for many households and businesses. Wireless Networks remove the need for expensive and ugly wires running through ceilings and crawl spaces. Installation is also far less expensive and intrusive.

A Wireless Network allows you to share a single High Speed Internet Connection such a DSL Service from MTA or Cable Modem Service from GCI. This Wireless Newtork is created by using a Wireless Router. (Note: It is also possible to share a dial-up connection using other equipment). A Wireless Router can provide Shared Internet Access to over 200 Computers.

There is a lot of confusion over Protocols and Standards that we hear. One of the biggest issues I see is that users buy a newer Wireless Router because the Box or Salesperson leads them to believe that it will increase their Internet Speeds, in almost all cases this is simply not true. I'll show you why.

There is currently only one set of "Standards" that all Wireless Routers adhere to, it is called "802.11". There are 4 "Protocols" that use the 802.11 Standard:

Protocol	Year	Frequency	Typical Speed	Maximum Speed	Indoor Range	Outdoor Range
802.11a	1999	5ghz	23 mbps	54	115	390
802.11b	1999	2.4ghz	4.5 mbps	11	125	460
802.11g	2003	2.4ghz	19 mbps	54	125	460
802.11n	2009	5ghz and 2.4ghz	74 mbps	300	230	820

Each newer Protocol is backwards compatible with the older Protocols, this means that your old laptop that has built in 802.11b Wireless will work just fine with the newer 802.11n Wireless Router. The Wireless speed will always be that of the slowest device which is the 802.11b on the laptop.

As far as Internet Speeds go, a Wireless Router cannot increase the speed of the Internet unless the speed of your Wireless Router is slower than the speed provided from MTA or GCI.

Security is a big issue when installing and using a Wireless Router. Most Wireless Routers have no Security set up out of the box and many of the older security standards such as WEP can be easily hacked. This can not only lead to serious data and personal information theft but also to serious legal problems from criminals using your Internet Connection that can be traced back to you.

For proper Wireless Network Installation and Support please contact Mat-Su Computer Medics.

Wireless Hotspot Design, Installation & Repair

Installing a Wireless "Hot Spot" will increase foot traffic and attract mobile professionals to your business. Consumers today would much rather go to a place where they can surf the Web and conduct business while they are waiting for their meal, a doctors appointment, or getting their car fixed. Mat-Su Computer Medics can install and manage a turn key hot spot for your business or organization and train employees to grant access to the network in minutes!

Accessibility
Patrons can be up and running in seconds. No special software is needed on their part. All that is required is a wifi-capable laptop or portable device.

Security
The network access hardware is designed such that no patrons will be able to see each other on the network. The hardware allows VPN pass-through for clients who require airtight security when connecting to corporate networks. Network security can be made as tight, or as loose as required. Clients are authenticated by issuing a printout with a name, password, and a time-limit, to make sure that only your patrons are allowed network access.

Accounting
The built-in software allows the owner to charge for time, or allow free access. Client access can be time-limited from minutes to months.

Call us for all your Wired or Wireless Network Needs, We're Here To Help!
Network Design, Service, & Repair in Palmer 745-0321
Network Design, Service, & Repair in Wasilla 892-0371