Computersight -

When we think of networks, we think of friends and family? This isn’t the network I’m talking about at the moment. I’m referring to a network that allows you access to the internet, actually physical devices that enables data transfers. Most people use the simplest form to access the internet, the modem.

The modem is good for a single use or a couple of computer hook ups but depending on the distance from the location. It can be a real hassle to deal with. For example, say you have the modem in your bedroom and your son or daughter is a room or two away. Accessing the modem without extra equipment is a pain; you could employ Ethernet cable from the modem to the kid’s room. I’m basing this on standard desktops and no additional equipment. I have seen someone run fifty feet of Ethernet cable to the son’s room. This will work but what happens if there are multiply computers that needs to be directly connected at the same time.

You can see the problems involved as additional resources are needed to accommodate the extra computers, rather laptops and desktops mixed together. This providing that the modem has zero wireless capabilities, however this is changing due to the demand for mobile requirements on the market. For now, let’s say that you have a standard modem with two or three Ethernet slots to tap into. You have four computers to hook up, such as two desktops and two laptops. You can get adapters to expand the capabilities of the modem. However the best bet is to have the two desktops permanently attached to the modem and have the laptops revolve on the last plug in.

This is just a scenario but in reality this would not be optimal for all users. We can throw in a Wi-Fi router to the modem that would enable those computers to grab signals and extend the home network even more. The strain would decrease on the singular resources, allowing the desktops to either use Wi-Fi or have a direct Ethernet connection. The simplicity of this design allows flexibility to the design and growth in the future. Just keep in mind that not all accessories are needed at the home level, for example a switch is not necessarily desired but is helpful though. It can be costly to add extra devices to the home network level. Unless you have a huge family, I would not recommend going past the router ability.

There are many different options to setup a home network, even with the latest method of deliverance from satellite. I would still use a router if most of the computers in the house are going to be Wi-Fi and use the Ethernet plug ins as a backup method in case of foul weather. Cable, Satellite, T 1 and T 3 lines are some of the options but consider a few questions as you design the network. 1, how many computers are going to access the local and internet? 2, What is my budget to allow full performance and benefits? 3, What kind of equipment will I need? These are just a few questions to keep in as you design a home network.

Most households can get by using a modem or the cable box to access the internet, but for a bigger household that shares files and is using the internet at different times for long periods. I would deploy a router, rather wireless or not to easy the congestion on the resources. These types of families can have an independent local network to share all files without comprising security or internet resources. Stay tuned for future articles on Networks and the Home.