10Base2 uses BNC, or ThinNet, cabling. BNC is coaxial cable similar
to that used for cable-television hookups. 10BaseT uses RJ45,
or twisted-pair, wiring that is available in both unshielded (UTP)
and shielded (STP) variants. The more expensive, shielded variety
is recommended for 100Mbps connections. It's also practical for
networks that require ceiling wiring, since it will protect your
network wires from fluorescent-light interference.
The two basic types of Ethernet network interface cards (NICs)
are: 10Base2 and 10BaseT. The main difference between them is
how they connect to the rest of the network. A 10Base2 network
uses a daisy-chain setup, with each workstation connected to the
next PC in the chain. The best strategy for a small, inexpensive
LAN, 10Base2 does not require a network hub. Each PC in a 10BaseT
network, on the other hand, must be connected to a network hub,
which costs at least $500.
The maximum conventional speed for an Ethernet connection is 10Mb
per second, but a high-speed Ethernet card will allow you up to
100Mbps of bandwidth. The 100Mbps NICs also support 10Mbps connectivity.
If your current network runs at only 10Mbps, but you plan to upgrade,
it'll be worth the extra money to buy a faster card now instead
of upgrading to a speedier card later.
Currently, you can purchase a very basic single-connector 10Mbps
PCI Ethernet card for about $65. A multiple-connector card that
supports both 10BaseT and 10Base2 will cost about $100. Prices
for higher-speed 100Mbps Ethernet NICs range from $125 to $175.
Speed and connection type are the two main factors you'll need
to consider when purchasing a PCI Ethernet NIC. The connection
type is based on the network you plan to use. 10Base2 is probably
best for simple two-workstation connections. Its main drawback
is that all PCs on the daisy chain must be turned on for the connection
to work. 10BaseT requires a hub, but you can run just one, some
or all workstations at the same time.
PCI NICs offer Plug-and-Play capabilities, simplifying installation.
Windows 95 will recognize a PnP card immediately, so you don't
need to fiddle with driver software when you install a new card.
You can also purchase NICs in ISA, EISA and VL-Bus configurations,
but the few dollars you'll save will earn you headaches and slower
performance. ISA, a 16-bit standard, is much slower than PCI.
EISA is an enhanced, speedier form of ISA. Several years ago,
network gurus swore by this standard-but now they're more likely
to swear at it, when comparing its speed to a PCI card's. Although
VL-Bus is a 32-bit standard, it is still far slower than PCI.
Oddly enough, you've got more options when it comes to portable
networking solutions. Manufacturers are wise to the limited expandability
of notebooks, and they're solving that problem, at least partially,
with PC Cards that combine related functions. In addition to requiring
less power than two separate PC cards, a combination card usually
costs about $400-that's less than the price of two separate cards.
An Ethernet/fax modem is a common combination. Motorola, Xircom,
Ositech and Epson all make 10Mbps Ethernet/28.8Kbps modem/ 14.4Kbps
fax combination cards that occupy a single Type II PCMCIA slot.
These cards allow you to connect to the network with a network
cable and to the Internet with a phone connection. Another side
benefit: With a desktop PC Card reader, you can use the same PC
Card for desktop and laptop connectivity, so one peripheral replaces
four.
Xircom also makes a duplexing Ethernet card that allows you to
hook up two network connections simultaneously.