1. What is Home Networking?
A home network is a group of PC (laptops or desktops), printers, and other devices that communicate with each other through a common technology (wired or wireless). (back to top)

2. What are the benefits of Home Networking from ABHNS?
Here are just a few of the benefits your family will enjoy with Home Networking from ABHNS:

• Convenience – ABHNS experts will completely install and configure your Home Network and we are available 24/7 to answer any questions. 
• Share the speed – no more waiting for your turn to use the Internet.
• Save money – Pay for only one Internet connection. Eliminate the need to buy separate printers for each of your computers.
• Protect your computers – Built-in features help guard your PCs from dangerous Internet hackers.
• Multiple options to choose from – Wired and wireless home network solutions are available. Imagine the convenience of super-fast Internet access anywhere in your home – even on your back patio! (back to top)

3. Why ABHNS over my ISP for my Home Networking?
We offer solutions you standard ISP will not offer and the equipment is yours if you switch ISP the networking equipment doesn't change in most cases. (back to top)

4. Why should I buy Home Networking from ABHNS instead of an Electronics Store?
Convenience, support, value and more. ABHNS Home Networking experts will recommend a home network setup to meet your needs, and then complete the installation and configuration to make sure your home network is up and running quickly and smoothly. (back to top)

5. What types of Home Networking solutions are available from ABHNS?
ABHNS offers both wired and wireless home networking options. There are several differences between wired and wireless networks.

A wireless network uses technology similar to that of a cordless phone where information is transmitted through the air via wireless radio signals. This eliminates the need for wires to be installed in the home to connect the various network devices to the network. Wireless allows laptop network users greater freedom of movement throughout the home. If you want to avoid having to wire your home, would like the freedom to move about your home with a laptop, wireless home networking would be your ideal choice. (back to

A wired network uses wires to transmit data using a longtime networking standard called Ethernet. Ethernet home networks are one of the fastest available. However, if your home is not pre-wired, your ABHNS technician will install cabling from each of your network devices to the home networking router or central connection point. If you will be using your network to handle graphic intensive applications, have stationary desktop PCs, and don’t mind extra wiring in your home, wired networking would work best for you. 
NOTE: "wall fishing" or route of cables between the walls of your home is a extra service and is billed on a by the hour basis. Estimates on "wall fishing" of wire is only estimate of time and the actual time my vary and will be charge accordingly. (back to top)

6. How Much Does Home Networking From ABHNS Cost?
Home Networking from ABHNS is can vary from location to location but this is very inexpensive compared to the savings you will enjoy by sharing a printer, files and programs – not to mention the time and aggravation you will save by being able to access the Internet when you want. (back to top)

7. If I get a wireless network, how far will the signal reach?
Generally, wireless networking equipment has a range of up to 300 feet indoors and 1500 feet outdoors. It will even penetrate most walls so you can have devices in different rooms and even on different floors and still stay connected to the network. This means you can take wireless equipped laptops almost anywhere in your home.  

The wireless router will typically go through two to three walls before you lose connectivity. If you have a large home, or a home with thick or dense walls, it is suggested you place the wireless router as high as possible and as much towards the center of the house as possible. If you want access outside, it is suggested that you place the wireless router near a window. Also, try to keep the wireless router away from any large metal objects, as these will hinder its distance.  (back to top)

8. How secure are wireless networks?
There are many things you can do to secure your home network. All wireless equipment installed by ABHNS will come equipped with several built-in security features from the manufacturer. Our installer will enable these built-in security features (like SSID and WEP encryption) and implement passwords to ensure continued security. Users may also add additional layers of security by installing 3rd party firewall software sold in retail stores or online. (back to

9. Does ABHNS offer Home Networking for Macintosh Computers?
Yes, however there are several limitations for Macintosh computers:

• Only the wired option is available for Macintosh computers at this time,
• If you have both Windows based PCs and Macintosh computers on your home network, file and printer sharing features are not available for the Macs on the network. (back to top)

10. What is the Equipment Warranty for Home Networking from ABHNS?
All home networking equipment including routers, NIC and USB adapters, come with a warranty of 1 year. If the equipment fails during this time through normal usage, ABHNS will replace the defective unit free of charge. You will not have to pay any labor charge for equipment replacement.  (back to top)

11. Will having all my computers on the Internet slow down my Internet connection?
For most households who use their PCs for everyday computing tasks, none of the PCs should experience a noticeable slowdown in speed with either a wired or a wireless home network. Wireless equipment has transmit rates of up to 11Mbps…more than enough to handle everyday computing tasks, like e-mail, web surfing, file sharing and downloading music. However, if you plan to use your network for graphic intensive applications or intensive file swapping, we recommend a wired home network for optimal network performance.  (back to top)

12. My PCs are older models and have different operating systems. Can I still set up a home network to share my Internet connection?
Yes! Home networking is designed to connect various computer makes, models and operating systems to work together. But Windows 95 is no longer supported.  (back to top)

13. What is a Firewall?
A firewall is a security scheme built into routers installed by ABHNS, allowing for safe communications to and from the Internet. It monitors and keeps unauthorized users and hackers from gaining access to your home PCs.  (back to top)

14. What components will be necessary to build a home network?
ABHNS will provide and install the router, network adapters and any cabling required for your network.  (back to top)

15. What is a Router?
A router is the central connection device of your home network. This is the device that routes or directs the information in your network to the proper destination. The router is the brains of your home network and allows you to share your high-speed Internet service between all the PCs in your home. 

Router Information: For best performance, use a router or any modem and router combination that allows for a 100 Base T Ethernet connection between the devices.  This will help ensure this is not the slowest point on your network and bottleneck your performance. If you are using a wireless home router the most important aspect is the type or “mode” of wireless networking you decide to use, 802.11 G offers up to 54 Mbps throughput making it a good choice for your high speed service. (back to top)

16. Should I get a wired router or a wireless router? 
If your computers are all in the same room a wired router might be best. If your computers are in different rooms or if you have a laptop and wish to roam about, then a wireless router might be best. You can always have wired connections into the wireless router if you wish.  (back to top)

17. What type of cables do I need if I am using the wired router instead of the wireless router?
The cables used in a network are called "Ethernet cables" or "Category 5 cables". The connectors look much like a phone jack connector except slightly larger. Standard Ethernet cables (straight-through) are your best option.  (back to top)

18. What is an Adapter?
An adapter is a device that each PC needs in order to be part of your home network. Each adapter connects via either a wired or wireless connection to the Internet-sharing device (also known as a router). There are three types of adapters for both wireless and wired home networks. The type of adapter you need depends on the type of PC you have – alternatives are Network Interface Cards (NICs), USB Adapters or PCMCIA Cards (for laptops). Our technicians have the knowledge and experience required to select the best adapter for your needs.  (back to top)

19. How many computers will the router support?
Both the wireless and wired router will support many PCs. (back to top)

20. Are there printers that are not supported by ABHNS’s Home Networking technology and service?
Yes, there are some printers that are not supported at this time.

The following printers are not currently supported:

Any new Lexmark printer without a built-in command interpreter
* Some users have been successful using their Z series printer.  Try disabling bi-directional printing.

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