About Home Computer Networking
Home computer networking allows multiple computers to share access to resources and peripherals, such as Network Attached Storage and printers. Using wired or wireless networking equipment makes it easy to share movies, music, photos and documents with multiple computers. Depending on desired speeds and computer locations, it is quick and affordable to set up a home network.
Networking and Transfer Speeds
Depending on the standard chosen, home computer networking is capable of various speeds, ranging from one megabit per second to one gigabit per second in the home equipment market. Advances in networking technology have made the highest speed standards affordable. This allows home users to enjoy one-gigabit connections on wired networking and speeds up to 108 megabits on wireless networking. Keep in mind, however, that this speed is a measurement of the total data throughput of all connections made to the device. Keep this is mind, when purchasing home networking equipment: buying a device that allows more transfer speed than you require will allow for future expansion. Current popular wired networking standards are 100 megabit and one gigabit.
Current popular wireless networking standards are 802.11g, allowing up to 54-megabit transfers and 802.11n, allowing up to 108-megabit transfer speeds. When considering wireless speeds, keep in mind that any objects, such as walls or household items, between the router and the computer receiving access will reduce signal quality and overall speed. There are older standards available; however, devices using these newer standards are often the same price, if not cheaper, than devices using the old standards.
Networking Equipment
The device responsible for routing traffic and Internet access through the network is called a router. Routers come in a variety of capacities and configurations, depending on your needs. Wireless routers typically also include wired Ethernet ports. However, many wired routers will not include wireless access. If you are looking to use wireless networking, ensure the device supports it by checking the specifications on the box.
Connections must be made from the router to the computers, with Network Interface Cards. Like routers, NICs support various standards. Unlike routers, NICs only support either wireless or wired transmission. Always ensure the card purchased fits your desired connection method.
NICs come in both internal and external formats. Internal NICs require opening the case of your computer and installing the card. External formats typically plug in to an available USB port on your computer. This is the easiest option, as it requires no technical experience to install or operate. External cards are an affordable way to gain network access on an older laptop or desktop computer that may be hard to find components for due to age.
Network Setup
If using a wireless setup, installation is as simple as providing power to the router and connecting your modem. After installing the NICs on your computers and powering them on, the computer should automatically detect and offer to connect to your network.
If using a wired setup, the steps are the same, with one addition. Ethernet cables must be run from the router to any computer you want to have network access. After connecting and rebooting any computers on the network, the computer should automatically detect the network and connect.
For advanced features and configurations, consult the manual or software included with your device.