How To Set Up a Home Network and What Benefit it Has

~ original update: October 13, 2003 (jb)
= last update: December 22, 2003 (jb)

    Setting up a home network is not as hard as it sounds. In fact, the basic idea of a LAN (Local Area Network) is two or more computers connected together. Technically, all we are doing is connecting one or more computers to another computer and sharing resources (such as the Internet or printers).

    There are three things needed to set up a home network and connect them to the web:

1. Cable/DSL modem
    First, we need a Cable/DSL modem to connect our network to the Internet. A Cable/DSL modem is typically provided to you by your high speed internet provider after signing up for their cable/DSL service. This mechanism converts the digital signal coming to the house/office into a computer readable signal.

2. A Wireless or Wired Broadband Router
    Next, we need to hook the Cable/DSL modem into a Wireless or a Wired Broadband Router. A router is used to share the Internet data with multiple computers.  It also provides a user with a secure firewall against outside intruders.

    There are many different brands of Routers, but the most popular are by Linksys, Netgear, and D-Link.  Currently, average router costs are around $40 to $200 depending on what band (802.11a,b, or g) that you purchase.

    A Wired Router will have multiple ports on it where a cable can be plugged into, that is also plugged into the computer. This is how the Internet data is sent back and forth.

    A Wireless Router will have one or two antennas connected to it, and possibly some ports for wired cables. The antennas transfer Internet data through radio waves, similar to how cellular phones transmit data to towers.

3. Network Adapters
    Once we have the Cable/DSL modem and the Router set up, all we need is a way to connect the computers to the Router.

    For a desktop computer, there are 2 choices. One choice is a wired/wireless PCI adapter, which physically connects to the computer’s motherboard. The other is a USB wired/wireless adapter, which is more flexible.

    For a laptop computer, they can also use the USB wired/wireless adapters or a wired PCMCIA card, but are easier to use on the go with a wireless PCMCIA notebook adapter card.  A PCMCIA card fits into one of two slots on a traditional laptop and can be left there whenever the laptop is moved.

    Once everything is set up, any computer can connect to the Internet or another computer. There are many web sites that discuss the benefits of home networking, and below are just a few of these benefits.

Benefits of home networking

    Networking allows users to share files, which can save time and money when compared to printing documents for others to review or E-mailing documents to each other.

    Networking allows users to share printers.  This can save hundreds of dollars compared to purchasing a printer for each individual computer.  It also allows all computer users access to expensive printers such as a laser printer.

    With the addition of a Broadband Router, you can share Internet access.  Cable access or a DSL line is all you need to have Internet access to everyone in your home/office simultaneously. 

    Upgrades and installing software becomes very easy with a network.  The software needs to be installed on one machine, then all machines can install the software from the one machine.  This saves time for a Computer Technician and allows more time for individual computer help.

    Lastly, a home network allows people to play games together at a fast rate. Many popular games are multi-player (multiple player) games, which allows for people to work together or against each other towards a common goal.

    Home and office networks are great to have. Please use this How-To guide and the resources below to set one up at your house or office. If you have any questions or comments about home networking, please .