Learn About Setting Up A Home Computer Network

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.

Due to this evolution of operating system software, integrating plug and play systems that allow us to be taken through the steps of setting up a network by our computers, the biggest challenge we are likely to face in this process is actually buying the right equipment in the first place. If you are considering setting up your own home computer network, the main hardware components you will need are listed below.

The first thing you need to decide on is whether you would like a wired or wireless home network. Wireless home networks are all the rage nowadays and can be easily set up with very few components; though they are susceptible to hacking if you do not install capable security measures. Wired home networks are much more stable and can not be hacked into, but who wants cables running all over the house?

With a wired network, the basic hardware components you need are network cards for each computer you wish to connect to your network, a network hub such as a router, and sufficient Cat 5 ethernet cables in order to connect all of your components up to the router. Wireless networks require a wireless router (the main hub of the network), and wireless network cards for each piece of hardware you wish to network. It is important to be sure that the wireless network cards you buy are compatible with your wireless router.

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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