How to Build a Home Computer Network
It is not uncommon for the average home to have number of computers within the home. If your home has a number of PCs, creating a network allows you to share documents and ensure they are all able to access the Internet. Creating a network within your home is a simple task and typically involves plugging in cables and changing your computer's settings.
Things You Need:
- Router
- Ethernet cables
Instructions:
- Check with your computer manual or go to Start, Control Panel then Device Drivers to see if they offer an option for wireless networks card and/or Ethernet cards.
- Purchase a wireless Internet router or a wired router depending on the type of network card on your PC.
- Pick a computer in the house to act as the main PC where you will install the router software. The software does not need to be installed on the other computers unless the manual that came along with the router states this is a necessity.
- Take the Ethernet cable and connect it to the WAN port indicated on the router and connect it to the OUT port on either the cable or broadband modem. If you are using a wireless router then there are no other wires needed. However, if you are using a wired router then you need additional cables to connect to the other computers in the home.
- Access the Control Panel via the Start menu and click on Network and Sharing Center. Click on the Connect to a Network link and choose the wireless network or the wired network link.
- Select the name of your router and click OK. Repeat for all of the computers in the home.