Home Networking

Technology can be so complex and confusing. That is because technology is constantly progressing to newer and better. That means that if you want to access the Internet, you will need a basic knowledge of home networking so you can keep up with the ever-evolving working parts.

What Is Home Networking

To begin with, I am almost sure that a good many of you have access to the Internet. You may have multiple devices for you, maybe your partner, and children in the home. Possibly, you are familiar with a desktop computer, a laptop, a printer, game systems, and mobile devices. Not only do they all connect to the Internet, but they also connect to each other.

Is it important to set up home networking? Yes. Here, let me show you what some of the benefits are according to Comcast Xfinity. I’ll list them below for you.

• Connect to the Internet from multiple computers, game systems, mobile devices, and more.
• Access files and folders on all devices connected to the network.
• Print from multiple computers on a single printer.
• Manage security settings for all networked devices in one place.

What Do You Need

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

So, what are the basics of what an ISP is? Your internet service providers are private companies like Comcast, AT&T, COX, and Verizon in the United States. Obviously, you will not find these same companies or even the same level of service globally. Some ISPs have data caps that can vary from one provider to another and even from state to state., the basic flow is from your ISP, down into your home, and finally to your device you are using.

Next on our list of what we need to set up home networking is a modem.

Modem

First, you are going to need a modem. There are different types of modems such as a cable modem, a DSL modem, a fiber breakout box that will break the fiber into Ethernet.

Your modem is the connector between you and your ISP. For example, Cox will usually provide you with a modem, albeit at a cost. You can even use your own modem if you have one already if it meets their specifications.

Each internet service provider is different. You want to be sure to check with your ISP for their criteria.

Oh, another note is you want to make sure you keep up with the latest technology. An old modem will ruin your internet experience.

Router

The second piece of the home networking experience is to have a router. It used to be that you needed to get a modem and a router. Now though, routers are part of the modem.

The router has its own particular job to do. Its primary focus is to manage your network and all that traffic from your devices.

The definition that Wikipedia gives us for the IP address is, “An Internet Protocol address (IP address) is a numerical label such as 192.0.2.1 that is connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. An IP address serves two main functions: host or network interface identification and location addressing.”

Type of Connection

Connections to the Internet can either be wired or wireless or both. You will need an ethernet cable to complete a link to all your devices. There are several benefits to having a wired home network:

• The connection is faster and more reliable.
• Your security increases because no one can access your network.
• Lastly, setting up and troubleshooting issues are more manageable than wireless connections.

The one immediate benefit of having a wireless connection is that you don’t have cables running throughout different rooms of your house or even outside the home.

You may be happier with a wireless connection because more devices can use the network. Also, the distance between your devices is no longer an issue.

Home Networking Equipment

According to Lifewire, in addition to the modem, router, and subscribing to an internet service, you might need to purchase additional equipment, mainly if your network is wireless:

Network adapters. Most new computers and all modern mobile devices have built-in wireless networking capability. However, if you have older equipment that isn’t so equipped, you may need to buy a network adapter or card to connect that device.

Range extender or repeater. If your home is large or you want to work outside and access your network, adding a range extender will boost the router signal beyond its usual range.

Troubleshooting Issues

If you are a first-time computer buyer interested in setting up home networking, Megabite is here for you. You may be interested in our business onsite services. We also provide periodic or sporadic technical support. If you would like more information, you can call 904-430-0350.

#networking #homenetworking #networksetup

Categorised in: Technology Information

This post was written by Megabite