Buzz
A home network allows you to connect multiple devices within your home, providing a way to communicate and share resources such as files and printers.Home networks were once mainly used by technology enthusiasts, as many families didn't require or couldn't afford more than one computer. However, in today's world, computers are essential for various activities like e-mail, online shopping, messaging, downloading media, and gaming. For households with multiple computers, a home network becomes a necessity rather than a luxury.
A home network is essentially a system that enables computers to interact with each other. If you have more than one computer in your household, a network allows them to share the following:
- Documents and files
- An internet connection
- Printers, print servers, and scanners
- Entertainment devices such as stereos, televisions, and gaming consoles
- CD burners
Different network types rely on distinct hardware, but they share core components that are essential for communication.
- At least two computers
- Necessary hardware (like a router) and software (either integrated into the operating system or as a standalone application) to manage data transmission
- A communication channel through which data travels from one machine to another
If you're planning to network the computers in your household, there are a variety of options to consider. This guide will explore the various types of home computer networks, how they function, and key factors to consider when setting one up. We'll also cover the hardware responsible for creating and securing home networks in the next section.
Building a Home Network
The two most commonly used home networks are wireless and Ethernet. In both of these setups, the router takes care of directing traffic between devices. By connecting a router to your dial-up, DSL, or cable modem, multiple computers can share a single internet connection.
To connect your network to the Internet, you'll require a firewall. A firewall is essentially a hardware device or software application designed to safeguard your network from harmful users and inappropriate websites, preventing hackers from accessing or damaging your data. While firewalls are crucial for businesses protecting sensitive information, they're equally important for home networks, as they ensure the security of personal data like Social Security numbers, addresses, phone numbers, and credit card details. Most modern routers combine wireless and Ethernet capabilities, along with an integrated hardware firewall.
Many software firewalls installed on your computer default to blocking all incoming data, prompting you to give permission before allowing it through. This approach enables the firewall to learn which types of data you want to permit on your network. Symantec, McAfee, and ZoneAlarm are well-known providers of software firewalls, offering both free basic protection and premium security options for purchase.
If neither wireless nor Ethernet networks suit your needs, other methods are available for connecting your computers. If your devices have USB or FireWire ports, you can use cables, jump drives, or file transfer tools to move files between them. Additional options include power-line and phone-line networks, which use your home's existing wiring to link computers, eliminating the need for extra cables. For further details, explore "How Power-line Networks Work" and "How Phone-line Networks Work".
Wired Networks
This Belkin router offers both wireless and Ethernet connectivity, while also functioning as a firewall.
Photo courtesy Consumer Guide ProductsBoth Ethernet and wireless networks have their own strengths and weaknesses. Depending on your requirements, one may be a better fit than the other. Wired networks are known for providing excellent security and the ability to transfer large amounts of data quickly. They tend to be faster than wireless networks and are often more affordable. However, the cost of Ethernet cable can accumulate – the more computers on your network and the greater the distance between them, the higher the cost. Furthermore, unless you're wiring a new house with Ethernet, you'll see the cables running around your space, and wires can restrict mobility. For instance, a laptop user may find it challenging to move freely when their computer is tethered to the wall.
There are three primary systems for establishing wired networks. The first is an Ethernet system, which typically utilizes either a twisted copper-pair or coaxial transport system. The most common Ethernet cable is the category 5 unshielded twisted pair (UTP), ideal for businesses that need to link multiple devices like computers and printers. However, it can be bulky and expensive, making it less suitable for home networks. A phone line network uses the existing phone wiring found in most homes, offering fast services such as DSL. Lastly, broadband systems provide cable Internet through the same coaxial cables that deliver cable TV.
To connect just two computers, you only need a network interface card (NIC) in each and a cable to link them together. However, if you wish to connect multiple computers or devices, you'll require an additional component: an Ethernet router. You'll also need cables to connect each device to the router.
Once you have all the necessary equipment, the next step is to install it and set up your computers so they can communicate with each other. The exact steps you'll follow depend on the type of network and your current hardware. For instance, if your computers come with pre-installed network cards, all you'll need is to buy a router and cables, then configure your devices to use them. Regardless of the network type you choose, the routers, adapters, and other equipment should include clear setup instructions.
The process of configuring your computers will vary depending on the hardware and operating system you use. User manuals typically provide the required guidance, and Web sites specific to your operating system often offer helpful tips for connecting multiple computers together.
Next, we'll explore the pros and cons of wireless networks.
If you're already comfortable with computers, setting up a network should be relatively simple. However, the idea of installing cards and making physical connections can make some people uneasy. Many Internet service providers (ISPs) offer home networking solutions. For a monthly fee (sometimes with an initial setup charge), the ISP will supply both the necessary hardware and support to help you build and maintain your network.
Wireless Networks
The most straightforward and cost-effective way to link the computers in your home is through a wireless network, which uses radio waves instead of physical cables. The lack of wiring gives this type of network a high degree of flexibility. For example, you can move a laptop from room to room without dealing with network cables and without disconnecting. The downside is that wireless connections tend to be slower than Ethernet connections and are less secure unless you take steps to protect your network.
To set up a wireless network, you'll need a wireless router. The signals from a wireless router typically cover a radius of about 100 feet (30.5 meters), though walls can interfere with the signal. Depending on the layout and size of your home, and the range of your router, you may need to buy a range extender or repeater to ensure sufficient coverage.
Each computer you want to connect to the network will need a wireless adapter. You can also add printers and other devices to the network. Many newer models come with built-in wireless features, and for devices that don't have them, you can use a wireless Ethernet bridge to enable wireless functionality. Additionally, devices supporting the Bluetooth standard can easily connect with each other over a distance of up to about 10 meters (32 feet). Most computers, printers, mobile phones, home entertainment systems, and other devices come pre-installed with this technology.
When setting up a wireless network, it's essential to ensure its security so your neighbors don't misuse your connection. Available wireless security methods include:
- Wired Equivalency Privacy (WEP)
- WiFi Protected Access (WPA)
- Media Access Control (MAC) address filtering
You can select which security method (or a combination) you wish to implement when configuring your wireless router. All of these standards have been approved by the IEEE, but research has shown that WEP is vulnerable to being easily cracked. If you choose WEP, you might want to incorporate Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) to enhance your system. TKIP acts as a wrapper with backward compatibility, meaning you can add it to your current security system without disrupting its operation. Think of it as applying a bandage over a cut finger — it protects without interfering with the finger's normal functions.
Up next, we'll explore some exciting new technologies in home networking that are gaining popularity.
Emerging Home Network Technologies
The latest innovations in home networking extend beyond just home offices and entertainment setups. Some of the most groundbreaking advancements are occurring in fields such as healthcare and housing.
In the realm of healthcare, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) enable doctors to remotely monitor their patients. Patients wear wireless sensors that transmit vital data through specialized communication channels. This information may include vital signs, bodily functions, behavioral data, and environmental factors. If there is an anomaly in the data — such as a sudden rise in blood pressure or a sign that an active patient has suddenly become motionless — an emergency channel detects the signal and alerts medical personnel, who can then respond directly to the patient’s home.
The housing industry is also making significant strides thanks to home network technology. Bill Gates is one of the few people who owns a smart house, but it's possible that one day, this will become a common lifestyle. A smart house is fully integrated with a network that allows for remote control of various functions through a central computer. This is perfect for frequent travelers or anyone seeking a modern, all-in-one solution for managing their home.
Homebuilders are starting to provide network solutions for their clients, ranging from basic setups, like installing Ethernet cables into walls, to high-tech systems that allow you to manage your home's climate from miles away via a laptop. A prime example is the Laundry Time experiment, where companies such as Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Panasonic, Proctor & Gamble, and Whirlpool showcased how home appliances can interact with each other. In this trial, a washing machine and clothes dryer were connected to a TV, PC, and cell phone. This innovative system alerted homeowners when their laundry loads were finished, sending notifications to TV screens, instant messaging apps, or cell phones. Research is also underway for systems that could revolutionize how we live—voice and data recognition could transform how we secure and enter our homes, while smart appliances might take care of tasks like cooking, temperature control, and cleaning.
While the potential of these technologies is exciting, they're not yet ready for widespread use. The average consumer can't afford a WSN or smart home, and even if they could, operating these advanced systems could be too complicated for many. Another concern is security—until developers can ensure these networks are safe, there's a risk that personal medical data could be exposed or homes left vulnerable to cyberattacks.
