connecting everything

8/7/2019 Connecting Everything

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Connecting everything Your computer is capable of communicating with more devices than you can imagine. We show youhow to set up your super Wi-Fi home using built-in Windows 7 network functions. BY Fabian von Keudell

Make the most of the new Windows 7 features using the professional tricks in this article and turn yournetwork into a super-LAN in which you can stream your videos andMP3s wirelessly on your stereos, you canmake your TV Wi-Fi-compatible and remote control everything comfortably from the sofa using your cell

phone. And while you are watching your favorite file, your normal digital camera wirelessly transfers yourvacation pictures to the PC, the Windows computer plays the new music albums via Wi-Fi on the memory of your car radio and your smartphone informs you that the washing machine is finished. Sounds like a distantdream? Not if you follow the tips and tricks in this article.

Devices that were previously scattered around the house and not living up to their potential can now beunified and made to work together. You don¶t have to manually carry data around on DVDs or pen drives;simply use Wi-Fi networking and a few simple tricks to create the perfect home network. A huge number of consumer electronic appliances sold these days can now communicate with other devices.Making it easier

than ever before, Microsoft has designed one of the most underrated functions in Windows 7, calledHomegroups. Establishing a home network group is easy, but requires at least Windows 7 HomePremium

(any other version can also join an existing Homegroup). Files can thus be shared between computers andeven multimedia content can be streamed to non-Windows devices, such as your TV or Hi Fi system.

In order to ensure that your home network transmits between to all devices, you first need to set up thecommunication centre²your Wi-Fi router. You should ideally use a device built with the 802.11n standardthat transfers data at a speed of up to 300 Mbps. You can ensure the device is of the right standard bylooking for an ³N´ symbol on the packaging. Most of the older and more affordable routers are equipped withthe slower 802.11g standard which transfers data at just 54Mbps. In practice, these values fall by a fairamount owing to interference such as thick walls or other wireless devices in the vicinity. Ensure that therouter isn¶t too far from any of the devices that you want to reach; a little experimentation might benecessary to find the perfect placement.



The best routers for heavy loads such as video streaming are quite expensive, but basically work in bothbands at the same time: they establish one network on the 2.4 GHz band for conventional devices and one onthe largely unused 5 GHz band that is perfect for HD streaming. The choice and flexibility are good to have,since 5 GHz networks are ideal for close devices with maximum one or two walls between them, but a 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi network has a longer range even though the speeds aren¶t as great. If you own a notebook,cellphone or any other Wi-Fi device sold in the past year or so, it will most probably have Wi-Fi n. USB

adapters are available for retrofitting other computers.

One big potential weakness is that you will not get anywhere via Wi-Fi in case of very thick concrete wallsaround your house. One emerging though still uncommon option is HomePlug, a network connection standardthat uses your home¶s electric wiring to bridge the gaps between devices. For this, simply plug an adapted

into a socket near your router and another into a socket near your device. The two adapters communicateover the copper wires in your electric circuits. Speeds are relatively fast too, approximately 200 Mbps.

WINDOWS HOMEGROUP

ACCESS YOUR DATA FROM ANY COMPUTER

The new Homegroup function in Windows 7 allows you to share files and printers comfortably via your homenetwork. These days, many people have a router already to use their laptops wirelessly, so it takes almostzero effort to add other compatible devices and truly use their potential. Your main computer should createthe Homegroup in which all the other computers can participate. We will also show you how to connect suchall the other systems in the house to the group.

INSTALLING A HOME NETWORK GROUP: You need at least Windows 7 Home Premium to get the

configuration done. Those who bought netbooks or laptops with the Starter or Home Basic editions can stilljoin a Homegroup, but cannot create one.

Important: Ensure that the µNetwork location¶ type is set to µHome¶ on all the computers, not Work or Public,

otherwise Windows refuses access for security reasons. You can find the setting in µControl Panel | Network

and Internet | Network and Sharing Center¶. µHome network¶ should appear in blue in the µView your activenetworks¶ section. If not, click the status and select µHome network¶ in the next window. You can also selectthe types of things which you want to share, e.g. pictures, music, and printer, and you will be shown a sharepassword using which other computers can join the network.If µHome network¶ has already been selected as the network location, click µCreate Homegroup" in theµNetwork and sharing center¶. You can specify the sharing options here and you then get the same network

password.

JOINING THE HOME GROUP: Click µNetwork and Internet | Homegroup¶ in the Control Panel. Windows 7

indicates an existing group which you can connect to by simply clicking µJoin now¶. Enter the networkpassword that you received when creating the home network in this step.



EXCHANGING DATA: You can see the shared data of other computers in µHome group¶ in Windows

Explorer. However, the PC on which the data actually resides must be turned on and active for this. You

should thus deactivate the Standby and Idle modes on those devices depending on how often you need touse them.

ADJUSTING THE SHARE SETTINGS: By default, all the files in the µDocuments¶ libraries are shared in the

home network group. If you wish to add a particular folder, open it in Explorer and then click µShare with |Homegroup (Read)¶. This will ensure no one can alter your files even when they access them. You can

alternatively block external access to certain folders using the same method.ADDING MORE DEVICES: All Windows 7 computers now have access to your multimedia files using the

Home groups function. Other devices require one more setting: first, activate the DLNA (Digital LivingNetwork Alliance) and UPnP-AV (Universal Plug and Play ± Audio/Video) functionality of Windows 7 so thatcompatible devices such as TV sets, game consoles, media streamers and others can access the files. Forthis, click µChoose home group and sharing options¶ in the Control Panel and put a checkmark in front of µStream My Pictures, Music and Videos to all the devices on my home network¶.

Wi-Fi TV

MAKE YOUR OLD TV SET MULTIMEDIA-COMPATIBLE

You do not need a new super-expensive TV to play video from your computer wirelessly on the TV. We showyou how you can see your films on the big screen without any difficulties.

AS A SECONDAR Y DISPLAY: If you would like to control playback directly from your computer, it is best if

you use your TV as an additional display. You don¶t need to lay any long HDMI cables through your apartmentthough. Modern laptops with Intel Core i-series CPUs use Intel¶s new Wireless Display function. You¶ll stillneed a receiver on the other end though; the only easily available one is the NetgearPTV1000, but it costs afair amount. Connect the adapter to your TV using an HDMI cable and install the provided software on your



computer. For playback, you don't even need to take the trouble of getting up to press Play on the computer;you can use your smartphone to control the entire setup via Wi-Fi too (explained further on).

AS A MEDIA PLAYER: Some TVs are already equipped with a media player functions out-of-the-box. They

can control the browsing and playback of content either on a connected USB storage device or over thenetwork via a wired or wireless connection. USB ports are currently the most common, with networkingfunctions only on today¶s most expensive sets from all the major brands. Even then, many models haveEthernet ports but can be upgraded with a USB Wi-Fi adapter (usually the manufacturer¶s own device, not

just any available one). If your TV supports wired networking but not Wi-Fi, the HomePlug option is againyour best bet to avoid laying cables around the house.These network-capable TVs come with configuration settings but can usually recognize your network and scanit for available shared folders and DLNA and UPNP servers, including your computer¶s media library andcertain external hard drives. Simply select the source of your choice and then navigate to the file you wantto play, using the TV¶s own remote. These connected TVs can also access the Internet, providing you withlive information, their own streaming services, and even online software updates that can add new featuresfrom time to time.

UPGRADING WITH A MEDIA PLAYER: If your TV does not have networking connectivity or even a USB

port, several devices exist that connect via HDMI or older standards, and allow you to stream both fromnetwork shares as well as from connected USB hard drives. Newer models from WD and Iomega, forexample, also include hard drives on board to store your media library, so you can access your videos andpictures at a terrific speed without having to configure network options.

USING AN EXISTING GAME CONSOLE: If you own an Xbox, you can also use it to access files on your

PC through the network and play them directly on your TV. Thanks to the Media Centre Extender

functionality of the Xbox, you can also see TV recordings and Live TV if a supported TV tuner card isinstalled in the Windows PC. The latest Xbox 360 models come with Wi-Fi built in, and the older ones can befitted with an adapter to work perfectly with your home network.

AUDIO

STREAM MUSIC TOY

OUR HI FI SY

STEM Hi Fi systems can be easily used to play your MP3s using the DLNA/UPNP-AV functions of your PC orexternal storage devices.

UPGRADING THE STEREO: If you want the best possible solution, you¶ll need to buy a new wireless

audio player. The Sonos ZonePlayer 90 (www.sonos.com) is a unique device that can wirelessly stream your

music collection and let you control it anywhere in the house. You can even combine multiple units indifferent rooms. To set it up, first connect the player to your router and install the configuration software onyour computer. You can then simply stream your MP3s using your PC to the Sonos player; this player thenplays through your stereo system. You can control everything using either the computer or the optionalSonos Controller 200. A low-cost option for those who already own an iPhone or iPod Touch is the SonosController app, available for free in the App Store. Alternatively, Logitech¶s Squeezebox series of players can



stream your music over Wi-Fi as well. The last option is Apple¶s Airport Express, which can stream only fromiTunes. Simply plug it into a power outlet and connect the audio output to your stereo. Then fire up iTuneson your PC or Mac and enable Airtunes streaming.

CELLPHONE

USE YOUR SMARTPHONE AS A MULTIFUNCTION REMOTE CONTROL

Control your home network using a current smartphone that runs iOS or Android.

IPHONE AND ANDROID: Several media players that comply with the DLNA/UPNP standards are available

for iOS devices, including the iPod Touch. Thus, you can not only play multimedia files from your computer,but also direct them to play on your TV or home theater and use the smartphone like a remote control.PlugPlayer (available in the App Store for US$ 4.99) is easy to operate and works perfectly with our devices.For testing your devices without spending as much, you can also use the cheaper Media:connect ($0.99)app, whose functional scope is however restricted unless you pay more to upgrade it. Several free playerssuch as Gmote 2.0 are available in the Android market for Android cell phones as well. Note: Two versionsof Gmote 2.0 are currently being offered; select the free version which should have everything you need.

NOKIA: UPNP support works with most models from the Wi-Fi enabled E51 onwards, especially the N

series. Nokia includes the UPNP-compatible Home Media application.

CAMERA

SEND YOUR PICTURES TO YOUR COMPUTER WIRELESSLY

Quite a few camera models are now equipped with Wi-Fi, and can send photos to the PC wirelessly. Weshow you how to use this premium function in every standard camera and how to transfer your pictures toyour computer.

ADDING Wi-Fi TO A DIGITAL CAMERA: The SD card format allows for more than simple data storage.

The Eye-Fi Connect X2 4 GB (www.eye.fi) upgrades your device with Wi-Fi as well. You simply need toinstall the provided software on your Windows computer. The card then establishes a wireless dataconnection to the PC. If you are going to buy a new digital camera anyway, check out the models on offerwith Wi-Fi built in already. In addition to your PC, these can upload pictures directly to Facebook and otherservices.



WIRELESS CAMERA MONITORING: If you wish to monitor your house wirelessly when you are on

vacation, Wi-Fi comes to the rescue again. A number of options exist for both wired and wireless network

cameras. A motion sensor and a microphone ensure that every movement is captured, and you are alertedby email and/or SMS, so nobody enters your house unnoticed.

PRINTER EQUIP YOUR LAPTOP AND TABLET

Your printers are automatically available to all the computers that are a part of the Homegroup once youactivate that function. HP has come up with something so that even those devices which are normally notcompatible with a printer, eg the Apple iPad, can print your documents. Many new models are equipped withiPrint, which effectively gives each printer a separate, self-determined email address. If you send adocument as an email to this address from your iPad, cellphone, or any other device, the printerimmediately converts the message into a physical printout. If you wish to make your existing printer Wi-Fi-compatible, wireless server products are also available that allow any USB printer to receive commands overthe network. You can then not only print from the iPad, but also access the printer with every other devicein your home network.

These Wi-Fi devices will soon be a part of your network The wireless world reaches much farther than your computer and your home theater components. We show you

the devices that will soon be Wi-Fi enabled in your future home. Always use affordable electricity

Always monitor electricity usage: The intelligent electricity meter communicates with a server that forwards thedata to you and thus informs you about the current consumption level

Wi-Fi washing machine

Future washing machine models will inform the user about the operating status via Wi-Fi. Many other household

appliances will also function similarly.

Control household devices wirelessly

Household devices such as the dishwasher or stove can be controlled wirelessly using iPhone apps andsimilar gadgets Make your car wireless compatible

The car radio becomes a fully functional PC, which can be integrated into your home network and synced viaWi-Fi

Your router as a backup and streaming center

Many modern Wi-Fi routers come with USB ports, into which you can plug any hard drive to be used asshared storage across all network-connected devices. A more expensive solution would be a network-

attached storage box (NAS) which plugs into an Ethernet port on the router just like any computer. Theseare ideal for backups as well as media streaming, since your computer is not occupied and consuming powerduring such operations.

DATA BACKUP

You can schedule automatic synchronization without plugging and unplugging drives each time, yet theactual data is not on the same computer, and thus protected from physical disasters. Once the drive isconnected, you can access it through the Explorer. Save important files on an external hard drive connectedto the router. Even the basic backup tool provided with Windows 7 automatically takes a backup of your

multimedia collection as per your approved schedule. For this, click µSet up backup¶ in the Control Panel¶sBackup and Restore section. Next, select the network-attached hard disk as the storage medium and followthe instructions. Third party solutions might cost a bit of money but generally provide more flexibility.

You can automatically schedule backups to happen overnight, so that your computer is protected but you

aren¶t affected by the network activity.

Soft and powersaving backup An external 2.5-inch hard disk is optimum as a powersaving backup device

Saving electricity: NAS media server as a data center

Modern computers are powerful, but consume up to 170 watts per hour depending on the configuration.Power-saving network-attached disks consume much less electricity. A network-attached drive is lessconvenient to configure, but consumes much less electricity in return: approximately 12 Watts per hour.This is less than what even older TVs consume in standby mode. When not actively being used, the drives¶ consumption reduces to a lower, single-digit value²and the data is still available at all times. If your router



has a USB port, it will perform the server functions (DLNA, UPNP) otherwise a NAS drive will have its ownserver capabilities.Many NAS drives targeted at the home come with simple software assistants to help you get them set up.

Many of them have security settings preconfigured, and even the media servers are already running, withshared folders for music, videos and photos have already created by default.

The power-saving media server A network-attached hard disk can function as a complete DLNA server and is great for saving power. ± [email protected]