Computer networking may sound like a confusing and difficult task to attempt, but with the advances in operating systems and technology, it has become something that anyone who has basic knowledge of computers is able to do. Nowadays, setting up your own home computer network is as simple as buying the correct computer hardware, plugging it in and then just following some on-screen prompts described by your computer's operating system.
Probably the most confusing part for most people is buying the right equipment in order to set-up your home network. Below is a detailed list of hardware components you will need to set up either a wired or wireless home computer network.
Your first choice is whether you want a wireless network or a wired network. With a wired network you can be sure that all of the data that is networked in your home is protected and can not be hacked into from a computer that is not connected to your network, though you will have to deal with organizing the cables around your home, which can be unsightly. Wireless networks require a little more thought as you will need to make sure that you install certain security measures to ensure that your network can not be accessed by somebody outside of your home.
If you have decided on setting up a wireless network, the actual parts you need in terms of hardware are quite few. You will obviously need a wireless router which acts as the data hub of the network, sending data to all the computers linked to it, plus wireless network cards for all computers you wish to link up, though nowadays most new computers and all laptops will come with a wireless card supplied. Wired networks will require a network router with enough available inputs for all the computers you wish to network, plus one Cat 5 ethernet cable for each computer.
Although most modern routers are manufactured as router modems, some older specification routers and routers that are designed for larger networks may not have the ability to work as a modem, so you may need to purchase a separate modem to access the internet. Additionally, if you are installing a wireless network, you should employ some form of security measure such as WPA or WPA2 to prevent unwanted access from other parties.
After you have purchased and installed the equipment needed to set up your home network, the actual configuration process should be relatively straightforward as most modern operating systems will be able to immediately identify the network and are able to guide you through the process of implementing security to your network. If you are finding this stage confusing, refer to the router's user's manual for more information. You may need to access the router's home screen on your internet client software to change some settings. To do this, find the address in the user's manual and type it into the address bar with the default password provided.
Probably the most confusing part for most people is buying the right equipment in order to set-up your home network. Below is a detailed list of hardware components you will need to set up either a wired or wireless home computer network.
Your first choice is whether you want a wireless network or a wired network. With a wired network you can be sure that all of the data that is networked in your home is protected and can not be hacked into from a computer that is not connected to your network, though you will have to deal with organizing the cables around your home, which can be unsightly. Wireless networks require a little more thought as you will need to make sure that you install certain security measures to ensure that your network can not be accessed by somebody outside of your home.
If you have decided on setting up a wireless network, the actual parts you need in terms of hardware are quite few. You will obviously need a wireless router which acts as the data hub of the network, sending data to all the computers linked to it, plus wireless network cards for all computers you wish to link up, though nowadays most new computers and all laptops will come with a wireless card supplied. Wired networks will require a network router with enough available inputs for all the computers you wish to network, plus one Cat 5 ethernet cable for each computer.
Although most modern routers are manufactured as router modems, some older specification routers and routers that are designed for larger networks may not have the ability to work as a modem, so you may need to purchase a separate modem to access the internet. Additionally, if you are installing a wireless network, you should employ some form of security measure such as WPA or WPA2 to prevent unwanted access from other parties.
After you have purchased and installed the equipment needed to set up your home network, the actual configuration process should be relatively straightforward as most modern operating systems will be able to immediately identify the network and are able to guide you through the process of implementing security to your network. If you are finding this stage confusing, refer to the router's user's manual for more information. You may need to access the router's home screen on your internet client software to change some settings. To do this, find the address in the user's manual and type it into the address bar with the default password provided.
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