Setting Up a Home Network

Home networking allows computers and other network devices to change information. Networking is approximately sharing resources like the Internet, documents, music, video and printers.

Wireless vs Wired Networks

Home networks could be either wireless or wired, or possibly a blend of both. A home wireless router uses radio waves exactly like cordless phones. Wired networks send their signal through data cables, most popular is Ethernet.

The center of the home network is the router. Even though you'll find both wireless and wired routers, wireless modems provide more flexibility.

The advantages of the wireless network will be the freedom to move around your home without restrictions using handheld network devices.

Powerline Adapters produce an easy way to also employ wired applications as needed. No need to run cables during your home simply plug one in the router along with the other to the network device.

Router

The router could be the central component in connecting your computers along with other network devices. It allows all devices connected to share the Internet and talk to the other person for the home network.

The standard for wireless is 802.11

802.11a Operates at the frequency of 5 GHz, it really is less crowded than 2.4 GHz. Most telephones and also other household devices operate at 2.4 GHZ which may cause interference with the router. The disadvantage over this router of others will be the range, it can be limited by around 75 feet.

802.11g Operates with the frequency of 2.4GHz possibly at a speed of 54 Mbps. This is fine for most home network applications, the Internet, sharing files and applications.

802.11n Operates at boosts to 300 Mbps and the routers are cable of supporting huge files. This may be the choice if you plan on streaming high-definition video, voice and music.

Dual-band routers focus on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. If you plan on streaming video over your house network using an invisible setup. The Dual Band router provides best solution by routing it in the 5GHz frequency.

Wireless Routers have Ethernet ports used to hook wired devices such has Network Attached Storage, Powerline adapters, VOIP and Print servers.

Modem

Modems connect the Internet plan to your computer. Which type of modem you will want is determined by the provider you're using DSL or Cable. You can rent out of your provider or else you may option to acquire one. If you plan on staying with the same provider consider purchasing one over renting, it will paid for itself inside a short amount of time. There is also a Gateway router which combines the modem and router into one unit.

Network Adapter

You will simply must purchase an invisible network adapter if your pc or laptop won't have one installed. Most laptops come with a wireless network adapter installed, Most computers do not come with an invisible network card installed. Check your hardware before buying a network adapter.

The various kinds of Adapters are:

For Desktop Computers:

PCI Adapter that's installed inside your personal machine. This will require an available pci slot to the network Adapter which simply plugs into any USB port.

For Laptop Computers:

PCMCIA Card which is around the size of the credit card Express Card for notebook computers with the ExpressCard slot. USB Adapter