ASCII.jp How to make home IT comfortable with additional functions of wireless LAN

A router is the heart of a small network such as a home LAN. However, getting a single router is surprisingly difficult. This is because inexpensive “wireless LAN routers” are widely available. Wireless LAN, which can build a wireless network using radio waves, is perfect for homes because it cleans cables and is easy to clean!

More recently, in addition to the original role of wireless LAN, it has come to be equipped with a convenient function. In this final installment of the special feature, we will focus on additional functions of wireless LAN routers, such as cooperation with digital AV equipment such as TVs and smartphones.

Using the Media Server Function to Make the Most of Your Digital TV

Wireless LAN routers have a variety of functions. Let's start with the "media server".

Due to the complete transition of television to terrestrial digital, the digitization of AV equipment in the home has also progressed. As a result, media such as video, music, and photos stored on personal computers can now be played back and displayed on other devices connected to the network.

In Japan, the standards established by the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) are widespread, and many network-compatible digital devices now have DLNA-compliant clients (playback tools).

An example of a digital TV with a DLNA client. You can view photos and listen to music via the network. Many products can play videos

Windows 7 also has server/client functionality that fully supports DLNA 1.5. You can watch videos and play music using Windows Media Player.

What is needed at this time is a media server function that manages the information of each media and makes it possible to browse from other devices. Some NAS (Network Attached Storage) that can be directly connected to the network have a media server (DLNA server) function in addition to a file server for file sharing, but the network is already running in NAS. It is also introduced into the environment.

If you don't have a home LAN so far and want to build one from now on, a wireless LAN router with a media server is all you need.

Using the features of the media server is very easy. Just check the setting screen of the wireless LAN router that has that function. Then you will be able to select the device in the corresponding client.

DLNA server setting screen of NEC "AtermWR8700N". Also available from Media Center in Windows 7

Planex Communications "MZK-WG300NX" setting screen. Device selection on DLNA compatible TV

There are also media servers that support standards other than DLNA as media servers that can search and play files such as video, music, and photos from the network. That is the "iTunes server" that uses Apple's "iTunes", which can manage and play video and music data for each library information, as a playback client. This was also used in NAS, etc., but it is now being installed in wireless LAN routers.

Run the iTunes server on Planex Communications "MZK-WG300NX". After that, if you connect a computer running iTunes to a wireless LAN, you can enjoy music wherever you are within the wireless range!

Wireless LAN Peripheral Device Catalog Ultra-compact Client (Child) Edition

Wireless LAN is meaningless even if there is a master unit without a slave unit. Some products come with a handset, but basically only one. Nowadays, we live in an era where there is only one computer per person. You will need multiple handsets. So, which handset do you recommend now? If you ask me, I would definitely answer the USB type. Needless to say, it is easy to carry around, and the type introduced here supports 300Mbps and 11n, enabling high-speed communication. If you are interested in high-speed wireless LAN in this special feature, choose a high-speed handset. Prices range from 2,000 to 5,000 yen.

Bargain low-priced compact USB type (for games and smartphones)

A child device that can also be used as a wireless LAN access point. If you connect it to a computer that is connected to the internet, you can connect your Nintendo DS, PSP, or smartphone to the network. The speed is not as fast as the above, but the price is cheap at the 1000 yen level, and it has the advantage of not getting in the way even if it is connected to a desktop or notebook because it is small. There is also the comfort that it is OK to leave the stabbing. One is a peripheral device that you want to have.