Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
can use the Mac's Time Machine backup software with most of them; for a Windows PC, such drives
usually come with backup software.
Apple's Time Capsule ($500 for 3TB, $300 for 2TB) combines a wireless router and network
drive so you can back up multiple computers over the network.
Wireless range extenders
If your home is too big for one wireless router or AirPort base station and you don't like the idea
of running Ethernet cables throughout the house, a wireless range extender is likely your only option
to ensure connectivity throughout your home. They're available from the major vendors of wireless
routers, such as Netgear, D-Link, and Linksys. They pick up the wireless signal from your current
router and then rebroadcast it, so you would locate an extender where the router's signal begins to di-
minish.
But before you run out and buy a product to boost your signal, consider a few factors. First, can
you move your wireless router to a more central location in your home instead? Second, did your
router come standard from your broadband provider? If so, it's likely not the best device on the mar-
ket, and you should think about replacing it with a router that has a more powerful radio that could
cover your home. Third, if you have Ethernet cables running to other locations in the home, you
could attach a wireless router there (be sure to turn off DHCP via its settings) and use that as an ex-
tender — you'll get better speed if that relay router is connected to the main router via Ethernet than
you'll get from a wireless extender connected over Wi-Fi.
Powerline networking
If you struggle to maintain a decent Wi-Fi connection throughout your home, you might want to
look into the powerline networking options on the market. This technology uses your electrical wiring
as network cables. Netgear and Devolo both offer such products, and I've used products from both to
run a connection between my office and living room. But note that the transmission speed over
powerline networks can vary dramatically, so be sure you can return powerline gear if it doesn't work
well over your wiring.
Printers
iOS devices can print over Wi-Fi to printers that support Apple's AirPrint protocol, usually
through the Share button ( ) but sometimes through a button like Settings ( or ), as
Figure 9-1 shows. Hewlett-Packard and Canon both sell printers that support AirPrint. But you don't
have to get a new printer to use AirPrint.
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