Wireless Networks, when installed and configured properly, can give you the flexibility to work on your laptop in the dining room, home office or out on the deck, all while being connected to the other computers in the house and your high speed Internet Connection.  We can either steer you in the right direction, or handle the entire installation for you.

Evaluating What You Need for your Home Network

When you consider Home Networking, or connecting your computers together, a lot of questions pop up.

1.  Should I go with a Wireless System or install wires between where I want the units to operate permanently?

2.  What is the difference in price?

3.  Will a wireless network work in our home?

4.  How many units can I connect?  Are my units capable?  Can I "network" my printer?

5.  Can we all get onto the Internet over one connection?

6.  Is a secure connection to my office possible?

7.  What about a switch, router, hub, firewall, Network Interface Card?

8.  What are the model numbers I need for the components?  What is their cost?  Where can I get them?

9.  Who will do the actual installation and configuration?

10.  What kind of connection should I have to the Internet?

We have the answers!  Previously, we only worked with business people dealing with similar questions regarding their business operations.  Recently, it was brought to our attention that many business operators and managers were having difficulty deciding what to do at home.  Selfishly, it dawned on us that if we provide people the same expertise and guidance we provide to our business clients, they just might be willing to recommend us the next time they are aware of a need in the areas we normally address.

So, the birth of the Home Survey and Discovery Project.  For a nominal fee we will do the following:

a.  Survey your existing equipment and structure on site (limited to the Greater New York area), e.g. printers, computers, scanners, Internet connection, home construction, etc.

b.  Evaluate your existing equipment's use in a Home Network.  Are they compatible? ...fast enough? ...securable? ...in short, usable?  Can hard wire connections be made?  Will wireless work between the probable computer locations?

c.  Discuss with you your intended use of your home network.  Is high speed needed (broadband)?  Is DSL, Cable, T1, T3 needed?  Will your intended use require Static IP address(es)?

d.  Prepare a document listing suggested components, their probable cost, and where they can be purchased.

e.  Evaluate and estimate the cost of professional installation.

Other services available include:

- Buying the equipment
- Installation
- Configuration
- Maintenance
- Training

We do not buy and then resell equipment; we are not dealers or distributors; we make no margins on any hardware we suggest you use.  We can, however, purchase what you need on your behalf, thereby taking advantage of price breaks we have been able to negotiate over time.  We either use your Credit Card or we buy the goods and then you reimburse us with your card.  We would bill for the time we expend on your behalf.  (More on that later.)

Installation can either be handled as a do-it-yourself undertaking, or by one of our consultants.  Configuration is typically part of the installation process.

Training is seldom an issue.  The design goal is to make this kind of network a no-brainer to operate.  We believe that done correctly, you shouldn't have to know it is there during your day to day use of it.

We can arrange for maintenance as needed.  Again, the design goal is that the components require little ongoing attention.

We would be pleased to provide you with any services you feel would be helpful to you at a rate of $125 per hour.  Please check the Consulting Agreement for more details.  One point on Consulting Fees:  If we didn't save people more than we cost, we would be out of business.  Our experience has been that by you knowing what is needed and where to buy it, you will enjoy significant savings.

If you've been planning on putting in a network at home, and want to do it right, give us a call.  [Next]