lan

Cisco announced on Thursday Network Magic 5.0, a suite of network management software. This is the first product released by Cisco since its acquisition of Pure Networks earlier this year.

The suite provides an array of tools for people to visualize, manage, and get a variety of network tasks done. These tasks include: connecting and sharing computers' content or printer, controlling how computers on the network access the Internet, repairing connection and performance problems, optimizing performance and reliability, and so on.

I tried the software briefly and really liked the Network Map function where all devices that connect to … Read more

This is the last posting in a trilogy about adding a second router to a Local Area Network to provide an additional layer of protection for high value computers.

The first thing I noticed after setting up a network as described in the previous posting was that a newly protected computer, plugged into the second router just worked. All the hard work is in configuring the new router. Any computer using DHCP, which is the norm, shouldn't need any changes to enable the additional protection.

One side effect of the new LAN segregation is remote control. On the network … Read more

Previously, I wrote about using a second router to provide additional protection to high-value computers--specifically, to protect computers used by adults from those used by children on a shared Local Area Network (LAN).

That article was mostly conceptual, this one covers the nitty-gritty technical details.

First, the good news. Adding a second router has no effect on the first router and no effect on the untrusted (kids) computers. Each is blissfully ignorant of the following changes.

In describing the steps, the existing/first router will be referred to as the kids router since the untrusted kids computers connect to it. … Read more

If you live in a home where parents/adults have one or more computers, children have their own computer(s), and everyone shares a single Internet connection, then you should consider a second router.

While the main function of a router is to let multiple computers share a single broadband connection to the outside world, it is also invaluable in offering firewall protection. Firewalls that run on your computer have their place, but you are much safer with the additional protection offered by the firewall in a standard, ordinary, consumer-grade router. Previously, I suggested that even someone with only one … Read more

Transition and evolution are a constant in the tech industry as niche products evolve into enterprise infrastructure. This is exactly what's happening with wireless local area networks (WLANs) in large organizations.

It first started awhile back with a few wireless access points in conference rooms. Intel's Centrino processor led to lots more laptops and thus lots more access points. This in turn led to the need for more wireless network management, security, and administrative tools.

All of these things have come to pass and now we are looking at enterprise-wide WLAN deployment, especially in industries such as education, … Read more

PC gaming still remains a staple of the modern geek. Even though Wiimotes and gamepads are fun, you just can't beat a mouse and keyboard in a straight-up multiplayer shooter. Cyber Snipa makes gaming accessories specifically for PC gamers. The company makes your usual variety of mice and keyboards, but it does offer two pretty unique products for the geek in you.

They'll do little to actually identify you, but the Cyber Snipa Dog Tags are still a pretty useful bit of kit. Instead of showing your name and blood type like military dog tags, these geek-minded tags … Read more