How to set a Home Network

[Big Gaz]

If you want to connect more than one computer to your broadband connection then you need a device called a router. The process of hooking these together is called home networking.

There are many different home networking solutions and products such as routers available.


However, this guide gives you an overview and the basic settings. Sometimes it’s a simple as putting all the wires and pieces of kit together but sometimes you need to read the manual.

So what’s a router?

A router is a device which connects to your cable modem or set top box and shares the connection received from youre network provider.


Many modern routers are wireless so you can share this connection through a wireless signal and don’t need wires from your router to your computers.
This is great because maybe your computer is upstairs or in the living room and you'd prefer not to have ugly cables running all over the place.

However, if you want to share your Internet connection over a wireless connection, you must have also have a wireless network card or adapter installed on the computer(s) that you want to share the connection.

Some computers now have wireless already installed, especially laptops. (Look out for "mobile or wireless technology").

Home networking: guide to setting up

Check with your manufacturer when you set up your equipment but basic setup steps are as follows:

Set up start:

Turn off all the equipment, cable modem/set top box, router and computer(s) in the correct way.


Connect your router to your cable modem or set top box as instructed by the manufacturer. This usually means connecting an Ethernet cable between the cable modem and the back of the router.







Connect the relevant cables between the router, computer(s) and wireless adapter(s) if required. If you are using cables then the router will have several ports to connect an Ethernet cable from the back of the router to the Ethernet port on the back of the computer.







If you are using a wireless connection then you should connect the wireless adapter to your PC by reading the set-up instructions from your manufacturer.







However, it’s a very good idea to read the set-up instructions from the manufacturer (of your router and or wireless adapter) before you do this.








Home networking: guide to setting up

Turn on your cable modem/set top box. Wait for at least 2 minutes or until the lights indicate connection. Then turn on your router.




Finally, turn on the computer/laptop(s) and check the connectivity. The most common error when installing a router/home network is following an incorrect start-up sequence.














The cable modem or set top box must be turned on first and time given to connect properly to youre broadband before turning on the router, then the computer(s).


Tips:

You should approach the manufacturer of your equipment if you have trouble. However, here are some common settings and problems that you should be aware of.

• You must first register your cable modem or set top box before setting up a Home Network.


• You can connect as many computers to your router as specified by your router manufacturer.