A multimedia network can be defined as a network that allows users to use computers which can support a variety of media. Such computers are able to process textual data, audio, video, still pictures and animation (Syed 2008). A multimedia network can be used for a variety of applications which include but not limited to: entertainment, education, information provision, design of CAD or CAM, video conferencing, application sharing, and remote working (Syed 2008).
Setting up a multimedia network entails connecting the company’s computers to a router with an Ethernet cable. This is a basic connection so for the company to comfortably add multiple computers to the network to facilitate sharing of files, stream media, share a printer or even determine which computer accesses information on the network, other components need to be added to the network (Syed 2008). Firstly, the company needs to choose a router. Since the network will consist of both wired and wireless connections, a wireless router is ideal for the company. One great advantage of using a wireless router is that it has inbuilt firewalls which guard the network against intrusion and other threats. For security reasons therefore, the company should not leave the routers administrator password at its default settings (Gonzalo 2006). The router is the bridge between the local area network and the internet. The router also facilitates sharing of connection by all computers in the network. The router actually serves as the DHCP server because it allows all connected devices to have an independent / private IP address. This is what facilitates communication between the various components in the network. A dual band router such as the $ 169 D-Link DIR- 825 Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit has to be used. This router also has to have Gigabit ports to facilitate high speed wired connections which are ideal for a multimedia network (Gonzalo 2006).
The next step in this setup is choosing a Networking standard. The ideal networking standard supported by modern computers and routers is the 802.11n networking standard (or just “N” for short) (Harrowell 2006). N devises are good as far as speed goes since they have a transfer speed of 540mbps which is higher than that for other standards such as the legacy. if some of the devices in the network are old and therefore don’t support the N standard, then the router settings should be adjusted to the ” mixed mode” (Harrowell 2006).
The next step is wiring the Network. this is important because devices transmit data faster over a wired Ethernet connection as opposed to a wireless one. The company can take advantage of NAS drives, routers and gaming consoles which come with Ethernet cables (Gonzalo 2006). The company can use the Cat5e Ethernet cable which goes for between $14-$30 depending on the length. The company should use power line adapters in areas which cant use Ethernet cables though their use should be minimized since they slow down the network speed. They cost about $ 149 (Gonzalo 2006).
The next step is to pick the appropriate client adapters. All computers which are not wired to the router require a wireless adapter so as to pick up the Wi-Fi signal. Laptops, and other internet enabled devices will though not require these adapters since they already have in- built wireless adapters (Harrowell 2006). Servers on the other hand have Ethernet network ports which are in-built and would also not require the adapters. The company should therefore purchase a USB wireless adapter or wireless adapter card for devices which have neither of these. Cisco Linksys AE1000 High Performance Wireless N adapter is an ideal choice for an adapter. It goes for about $ 69.99. Other suitable choices for adapters which can easily slip into the computer’s PC slot are: the $42.95 Cisco- Linksys WPC600N Ultra Range Plus Dual — Band Wireless N PC Card, and the $79.99 D-Link’s DWA-522Xtreme N Desktop Adapter (Syed 2008).
The next step is to consider the appropriate switches and Hubs. A typical router comes with four Ethernet ports for connecting: computers, storage devices, gaming consoles and servers (Gonzalo 2006). A switch comes in handy if the network setup requires additional ports . The 3com Office Connect Gigabit PoE Switch is ideal for a multimedia network. it goes for about $49.99. Finally, the company would be required to start managing the network by adding users, files, printer sharing options and many other requirements (Gonzalo 2006).
Several companies have embraced the use of this technology. They include: Home Grid Forum, which promotes the international telecommunication Union’s G.hn standardization efforts for next generation home networking, Omni Multimedia Network International, LLC , which is involved in Internet service provision as well as data processing and other related services. Others are Kista Mobile & Multimedia Network which is an active commercial network which doubles up as an independent meeting place for participants in mobile services and broadband applications (Syed 2008). The united states of America has several companies which use this technology in their operations. These companies also happen to have expanded to cover an international scope. Future presence is a company whose headquarters are in San Rafael, U.S (Syed 2008). This company is involved in information technology consulting as well as recruiting and contact matching. Future software located in Chennai has also embraced the technology in its operations which include telecommunications software development, ATM and SNA development. Future media, located in Toronto uses the technology to dispense web marketing information. Furukawa Electric is an international company based in Tokyo, Japan (Syed 2008). This company uses the technology in its operations which are: electric/ fiber cable development, and the development of routers and switches . FrontEndTech has also embraced the technology and its involved in Web site design, and maintenance. Its located in San Jose, U.S. FoxxTechComputerServices, located in , Colorado Springs, U.S. is involved in Computer repair, upgrade, training, and hosting and it uses the technology in its operations. Another case in point of companies using the technology is Foundry Networks which is involved in the development of Networking equipment, switching, and routing. Its located in San Jose, U.S (Syed 2008).