Some reasons why you may want a home network
Do you have more than one computer in the house, or do you have one, or more, PC's and an online capable games console (for example an XBox 360)?
If so, why not share your broadband internet connection between them? Just think - you can be browsing the internet, or downloading some files, while at the same time the kids are playing an online game on the console. All this can be done easily and it saves all *those* arguments from ever starting.
Another scenario that shows the benefits of a network...
If you have more than one computer, for example a desktop PC and a notebook, you'll be aware of the difficulty in keeping up to date with current versions of files you are working on. You could be working on your notebook and the file you need is stored on the desktop machine in another part of your home or office.
If you network the machines together, you can easily access any file from any connected computer at any time - whatever PC you are using.
It is also easy to set up hardware sharing, for example a printer, so that you can print from any network connected PC without having to physically plug the computer into the printer.
Types of network that are available
Home and small office networks can be broken down into 2 main types. They are:
- Wireless (WiFi) networks
- Wired networks
Wireless networks
How they work
A central box, known as a wireless router, sends and receives data as radio waves from all wirelessly connected computers. The router can have a broadband modem built into it which allows an internet connection to be shared amongst multiple computers or consoles.
What you need
To setup a wireless network you will require a wireless router (which incorporates a modem if you want to share an internet connection). Each computer also needs a wireless adaptor installed - many modern computers, especially notebooks have this functionality built in as standard. Games consoles may also need a wireless adaptor - these are usually manufactured by the same company who makes the console.
Other Information
Since wireless networks work by transmitting and receiving radio waves, there is a limit to the range with which they can be used. This varies depending on several factors, such as the thickness of the walls in your home. Security can also be an issue. If the network is not set up correctly with data encryption then your neighbours or anybody else in the close vicinity could access your network and use it to surf the internet (or worse, access files on your computers) freely.
Wired Networks
How they work
There are two ways to set up a wired network connection, infrastructure and ad-hoc.
An infrastructure network uses a router to which all computers are connected by a piece of cable. The router receives and transmits data to and from all connected machines. It can also be connected to the internet if it has a modem built in to allow all computers to share the same connection.
An Ad-hoc network can only be used between 2 machines. They are connected together directly with a piece of cable and can send and receive data between each other. An internet connection can also be shared between them, but the PC that is connected to the internet must be switched on before the other can use it.
What you need
Each computer needs a network adaptor installed in it. On modern machines these generally come fitted as standard, otherwise they can be bought cheaply and installed. A router (with inbuilt modem to share a broadband connection if required) would also be needed if more than 2 computers are to be networked. Network cable would also be required to physically connect everything together.
Other Information
Due to the need for cabling to connect all the machines together, wired networks are mainly used in places where all the computers are kept in the same room - most people don't like the idea of cables running all around their house.
Networking is a complex topic, and I have tried to keep the above information as easy to read as possible. If you have any questions on any aspect of this, or if you decide you need a network installed, please feel free to contact me for some advice.