Problem

You have been asked to design a network (wired, wireless, or a combination) for a home on which construction will start soon. The home is serviced by a cable TV provider and local phone company, and both provide Internet connectivity. It has two levels totaling 250 meters2 (2700 feet2 ). Five people will live in the home and use three laptop/netbook computers, a desktop computer, a multimedia server, an Internet-connected TV device (for example, TiVo or digital cable DVR), two multifunction printers, and at least five handheld 802.11g wireless devices, such as iPods and cell phones. Based on Internet connectivity options in your own area, recommend whether the home should get Internet services via DSL or cable TV. Also, recommend network infrastructure, including a router/firewall, wireless access points, wired switches, and combination devices. Should the homeowner have wired Internet connections installed during construction? If so, what wire types should be used, and in what rooms should connection points be placed?