How to Setup Home Network
by
nickcarterz
·
about 5 years, 10 months ago
In reply to Home network setup
The home network enables multiple devices e.g. PCs,tablets etc to connect to each other, and also to connect to the internet.
setup a home or small office network and connect it to the Internet.
Choosing a Wired or Wireless Network
Do You Build a wired or Wireless Network?
Early (pre 2008) home networks were predominately wired networks.
Wired networks use Ethernet over UTP cable and tend to be faster than wireless networks, which is an important consideration if you are a gamer. The simple wired home network diagram below shows a minimum setup with a switch and broadband router.
Wired Network Advantages
Fast typically 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps
Secure and reliable.
Wired Network Dis-Advantages
Doesn’t work with devices that don’t have an Ethernet port e.g. tablets and smart phones.
Not so easy and fast to setup as it requires running cables. However Homeplug or powerline adapters can be used instead.
Not so easy for visitors and mobile devices (laptops) to connect to.
Home Wireless Networks
Wireless networks use Wi-Fi. and are quick and easy to install, but are generally slower than wired networks. See Wi-Fi and Wireless networks for more details.
Wireless Network Advantages
Easy to setup from an end user perspective.
Allows easy access to smart phones, Tablets and mobile devices.
No cables to run.
Wireless Network Dis-Advantages
Not as Secure as wired networks without proper configuration. and easy to setup insecurely.
Not so as fast as wired networks.
Not as reliable as wired networks.
Most home networks will use a mixture of wired and wireless.
Setting up a Home Network -Components and Structure
Today however most home and small home office networks will use a wireless network or mixed network, as most people use Smart phones, and tablets which don’t have Ethernet support.
The main components required to build a typical home/small office network are:
Router or Wireless router – Connects the network to the Internet.
Wireless Access Point – Used to Connect Wi-Fi equipped devices to the network.
Ethernet HUB or Switch -Used to Connect Ethernet equipped devices.