Home Network Set-Up
Whereas setting up an internet connection is unbelievably simple nowadays, setting up a home network is seen as a task only achievable by a certain level of computer geek; though with the improvements in operating system software and network software, the process is much easier than once thought.
Detailed below is a list of the steps you should take in order to quickly and simply set up your own home network.
Before you begin installing anything, you must make sure you have the right equipment. The most important part of your network is the router, depending on if you want to set up a wireless or a wired network; you will need a suitable router with either wireless capability or enough Ethernet ports for your needs. Many routers nowadays come with both wired and wireless capability, which helps if you change your mind in the future. You must also make sure you have enough Ethernet cables or wireless network cards for each computer.
The next step is to connect up the first computer with the router to configure settings. If you are setting up a wireless connection, it may be easier to firstly connect to the router through a wired connection so that you can apply certain settings in order to access wirelessly. With a wired connection, quite simply plug everything in! With regards to wireless networks, what will make you life much easier would be to make sure that all the equipment is made by the same manufacturer and ideally, the same product range.
With regards to a wireless network, after the installation of all wireless network cars has been completed, each computer should be able to recognize and communicate with the router. At this stage there should not be any wireless security systems set up so everything should be working perfectly. By using certain software, such as Windows Homegroup Setup Wizard, you will also be able to share and stream media from one computer to another.
Wired connections do not need network security as people can only access your home network by using an Ethernet connection, connected to your router. Some multi-functioning routers are able to be connected through wired and wireless connections. If this is the case with your router, make sure that wireless broadcasting is disabled if it is not being used. With a wireless network, it is strongly advisable to utilize one of the many forms of network security to try to deter network invaders.
With the first computer connected to the router, access the router by typing in the IP address of the router in the address bar of your internet browser, then create an SSID (basically, a name for your network), and enable WPA or WEP security and select an appropriately difficult password. Then, connecting each other computer in turn will be as easy as clicking on the wireless card on your computers taskbar, selecting the network, entering the password and there you go!
Now Try : Cat 5 Cables
