Network: How to?

In this section you will learn about computer network how to, troubleshooting tips, configurations, IT help, basic configurations help, wireless access point, hardware components and cables. Data commmunication is an important thing to share the data and resources and if you want to share the one internet connection with the other PCs, share your server's hard drive with the client computers, share printer, fax, scanner, DVD writer then this information will help you make the right choice. Before starting the installation and configurations you should be aware of all the hardware, software, cables, drivers and all the necessary other things.

Basic Introduction

• STEP 1: Router: A router relays the data between your computers and your internet connection.
• STEP 2: Network Adapter: A Network Adapter or NIC card is connected to each computer and it is used to send the data to each every computer and the router.
• STEP 3: IP Address (Internet Protocol) is your computer’s unique identification on the computer network and over the internet. In your home network and a small network of a company all the computers share the same IP address over the internet.
• STEP 4: Print Server A print server is a specialized network adapter that is used to connect the printer machine to a network and with the print server several computers in a network share the same printer or print device.

How to Choose a Right Network Type

• STEP 1: Connecting your computer wirelessly over the radio waves is carried out by a specialized router called an access point. One access point is enough for networking an averaged sized home. The trade name of this technology is Wi-Fi or 802.11b. One important thing is that all the Wi-Fi products should be compatible with each other. Wireless communication is important for the people who go from room to room with their wireless laptops or they want to use their laptops in airports, hotels, cafes and other places where wireless service is available.
• STEP 2: Next you use your home’s wiring to connect the router to each computer with a powerline network. HomePlug is the trade name of this technology. It is seen that HomePlug networks are more secure than the Wi-Fi. But as compared to the Wi-Fi it is a new technology and is more expensive than Wi-Fi technology.
• STEP 3: Hook up with the Ethernet 10-Base-T or 100-Base-7. Ethernet is the best choice if your router, broadband internet connection and all the computers all in one room. Due to the cabling, involved in the Ethernet, it’s less flexible than the others.

Buying Equipment Instructions

• STEP 1: First of all get one router and if you want to go wireless this router will called an access point.
• STEP 2: Next get compatible NIC cards for each computer and plug them into the computer’s universal serial bus (USB
• STEP 3: If you are using a wired network the purchased extra long CAT 5 Ethernet cables.
• STEP 4: Next buy a print server if you want to put a printer in your home. One important thing to note is that all the hardware should be compatible with each other.

Setup Instructions

• STEP 1: First of all read the manuals of the devices and start experimenting. Many products have good manuals and online support. You can easily get answers of the basic and advance questions. Many manufacturers provide online help and advice so there is no need to worry about any kind of technical support. Good technical support can save your lot of time and efforts. So before starting make a thorough plan to work on it.
• STEP 2: If you are planning to install a wired Ethernet, then run the cables to your home theaters or stereo. Now many new digital home products like digital video recorders and game systems are having the internet capability.

General Tips

In summary you should look for these things for installing a home network such as Router or access point, Ethernet cables, NIC adapter, Print Server and the technical support from the vendor or a useful website or forum on the internet. Hybrid networks have many advantages and so they are very popular. For example, you can have Ethernet going to a desktop computer and printer in your home office and additionally wireless router or access point for a roaming laptop and desktop computer in your bedroom.

Some cordless phones and the microwave ovens can interfere with a wireless communication. If you have any interference problems then move the access point and router and place them at some different positions.

It is very important that when you setup your router for the first time at your home, change its password because every hacker on the internet can know the default password of a router. Additionally, while making the wireless connectivity you must enalbe the WEP to keep the information private and secure from the hackers.

Additionally, install some anti spyware, good anti virus software on your server and client machines in your computer network and regulary update Windows operating sytem through the Microsoft's website.