Absolutely everything these days is tapped into the worldwide web. If you want to do your banking, you hop onto the website. If you want to make a phone call, you can used hosted VoIP solutions. When you want to hang out with friends, you simply boot up your favorite video game, plug in your headset, and you’re off to the races. Of course, all of that’s assuming you have access to a reliable home ethernet network.
Setting up your home ethernet network doesn’t have to be difficult, but if you’re a complete layman when it comes to tech, it can be daunting to know where to start. Do you need a gigabit ethernet router? Should you secure your network? By following these simple tips, you can answer those questions and start enjoying your home ethernet network straight away.
Four Simple Tips for Setting up a Home Ethernet Network
- Decide Exactly What It is You Need
- Get the Right Hardware
- Choose the Right Spot for Your Router
- Be Sure to Secure Your Network
For NetworkWorld.com, the first step to successfully setting up a home ethernet network is deciding exactly what it is you need. Do you want a wi-fi connection or a single cable that will let you play games at high speed on your desktop? How much cabling will you need to connect all of your family’s desktops? Consider these things and more before you take the next step to save yourself any extra hassle.
Now that you know what you need, the next step is to buy the proper hardware to fulfill those needs. As the Geek Squad suggests, you’ll typically need a cable modem, enough ethernet cable to hook up all of your computers, and a wireless router for a wi-fi connection. If you wish, you can also purchase wireless cards for your desktops in order to give them the ability to connect to your wi-fi hot spot. Keep in mind, however, that wireless cards are generally slower than a direct cable connection.
For About.com, one of the biggest considerations when setting up a home network, particularly a wi-fi network, is the location of your wireless router. Depending on the quality of router you buy, the coverage bubble will be bigger or smaller. Typically, you’ll want to buy a router with enough oomph to cover your entire home. Placing it in the center of the basement or in the middle of a central hallway is a great way to maximize your coverage.
The last step in setting up your home network may be the most crucial. You need to secure your network, both to make sure a neighbor isn’t leaching your data and reducing your speed and to protect yourself from data and identity theft. As CNet writes, securing your network doesn’t have to be hard. Choosing a wi-fi password that uses numbers, symbols, and letters and changing the router’s standard security password will go a long way in keeping strangers out.
Are you something of a tech guru? What tips would you give homeowners looking to set up their own networks? Sound off in the comments below.
