It is understandable for some people to be put off from attempting to set up their own home computer network, though in actual fact the steps that you need to take in order to successfully create a home network are relatively straightforward. With modern advances in operating system software and technology improvements, much of the equipment is plug and play, meaning that, once you have the right equipment, your operating system will be able to sort out the bulk of the work for you in terms of configuration settings and security.
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.
Firstly you need to decide whether you would like a wired network or a wireless network. Wired networks are impossible for outsiders to hack into, as all the data is passed along cables as opposed to wireless data transfer. Wireless networks allow users to access any computers, printers or storage media in their home without connecting their hardware with cables.
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.
Once all components are installed, most operating systems will be able to automatically detect the network and set-up the basic configurations for you, walking you through the process of other user defined settings. In some circumstances, you may need to refer to the user's manual of your router to obtain set-up information or default passwords. If you are having trouble setting up your home network, you can either contact the manufacturer of your router for assistance or have a brief search on the internet for information.
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.
Firstly you need to decide whether you would like a wired network or a wireless network. Wired networks are impossible for outsiders to hack into, as all the data is passed along cables as opposed to wireless data transfer. Wireless networks allow users to access any computers, printers or storage media in their home without connecting their hardware with cables.
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.
Once all components are installed, most operating systems will be able to automatically detect the network and set-up the basic configurations for you, walking you through the process of other user defined settings. In some circumstances, you may need to refer to the user's manual of your router to obtain set-up information or default passwords. If you are having trouble setting up your home network, you can either contact the manufacturer of your router for assistance or have a brief search on the internet for information.
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