Setting up a home network?
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As more and more computers and hi-tech devices come into our homes setting up a home network makes good sense and ensures we get the most out of them. Home networks can provide a variety of benefits such as internet connection sharing, file and printer sharing, wireless access and more.
Once you have decided what you would like your home network to do, determined the best network for the job, and designed the best home network possible, you are now ready for setting up a home network.
Steps for setting up a home network
- Choose an ISP and get connected
- Choose a network type and get all the parts you will need
- Diagram your desired network and gather documentation
- Set up your wired or wireless network
- Connect the various computers and devices
- Secure your new network
Below we review these steps in more detail:
Step 1: Choose an ISP and get connected
The first step is to decide on an ISP (Internet Service Provider) and get connected to the internet. Depending on where you live, you may have several options available ranging from dial-up modem access to DSL or cable, or even fiber optic access.
Step 2: Choose a network type and get all the parts you will need
Now that you have a internet connection you need to decide how to connect the various computers and devices within your home. Review the various home networking options available, select the option that best serves your needs and then obtain all the parts required.
Step 3: Diagram your desired network and gather documentation
Once you have all the required networking hardware, you need to draw a basic network diagram to refer to during set up. It might be tempting to skip this step, especially if your network contains only a few devices, but I would advise you NOT to skip this step.
You also will want to gather any documentation that came with your networking hardware as it contains information you will need during the next step. Detailed diagrams and documentation really can make setting up a home network much easier.
Step 4: Set up your wired or wireless network
Now it is time to install the required pieces of networking hardware such as routers, network adapters and network cables - the real work in setting up a home network. Detailed instructions are available in the links below.
Setting up a home network with traditional cables can be as easy as hooking up a television or stereo system. Using a wired network is the fastest, most reliable and most secure method of networking. Use a wired network whenever possible. Detailed instructions are available in the links below.
Setting up wireless networks is slightly more difficult but well within the reach of most people. Detailed instructions are available in the links below.
Step 5: Connect the various computers and devices
Once the basic network is up and running, you can connect more computers and set up basic file sharing and printer sharing. Detailed instructions are available in the links below.
Step 6: Secure your new network
You will want to take some basic security precautions to protect your new network from unauthorized access.
