Home Networking

FAQ's

Want to know how to set up a home network?

Being able to share your Internet, files and printers is the goal of setting up your home network. While the kids are playing the latest online game, you can be emailing your boss - or your customers. A successfully configured home network can dramatically increase your productivity, and give you more free time.

How do I share my Internet connection?

For most of you with a broadband cable or DSL connection, your home network will start with a broadband router. The job of the router is to deliver the web to all of your computers, so they can be online at the same time. There are a few major brands, and they all have browser-based configuration. Since they all need to connect to a typical cable or DSL connection, any setup differences will be merely cosmetic.

What about dial up?

For those of you on dial up, you won't be getting a router. Instead, you'll be using the built-in capability of Windows to share out your dial up connection. This feature is called ICS (Internet Connection Sharing). If you have just 2 computers, you'll need a crossover CAT5 Ethernet cable to run directly between your computers. For 3 or more, you can use a hub and regular CAT5.

What about wireless?

With wireless home networks, you'll need a wireless home router. It's best to buy a router that has the capability of serving wired and wireless computers, as this has the most flexibility. These "combo" routers are only a bit more expensive than their wireless-only counterparts. The important thing to look out for is the standard at which your wireless router operates. You'll need to be aware of the 4 wireless standards that are available, not all are compatible with each other:

Wireless N: The newest standard touting longer range and faster speeds. Compatible with G and B, but not A.
Wireless G: Operates at 2.4GHz, which is the same frequency as microwave ovens and some cordless phones. Any time you have two electronic devices running at the same frequency, you get interference - this includes your next door neighbor's router. Also known as "802.11g".
Wireless B: Operates at the same frequency as G, 2.4GHz. The only difference is that B is slower than G, although B will not slow your broadband Internet. Since G is available at nearly the same cost, this standard is slowly disappearing. G and B are compatible, you can mix and match on the same wireless network. Also known as "802.11b".
Wireless A: Operates at a higher frequency of 5 GHz. It has less range than G/B, but is far less susceptible to interference. Be aware that A is not compatible with N, G or B, but if you have issues (like an apartment with wireless next door), wireless A is the way to go. Also known as "802.11a".

In theory, your neighbor may be able to surf the web on your connection. Configuring security protocols at the router and at your computers can help prevent intrusion.

How do I share my printer?

There are two ways to do this: You can simply share out the printer from the host PC, or you can get a print server. A print server is a small network device that connects your printer to your router. In effect, your printer will be "on the network"; not physically connected to any PC. Print servers can be wired, wireless, or both. Be aware that "multifunction" or "all in one" fax/scanner/printers are not compatible with print servers, but you can share them out from a host PC.

How do I share my files?

No matter which version of Windows your computers run, they all can share files on your home network. You'll need to change settings at each of your computers to take advantage of their built-in sharing capability.

At right is a common way to access other computers - by "seeing" them from your PC. This is a portion of Windows Vista's "Network Map" feature.

How can I troubleshoot my home network?

Most home networking problems that occur fall under two categories:

Connectivity: Things have to be connected and configured. This means all wireless and other network settings must be correct. Firewalls, although quite necessary in today's world, will totally prevent file sharing unless they are properly configured. A bit of knowledge about TCP/IP - the language of all networks - will help you tremendously in all aspects of home network troubleshooting.
Permissions: When trying to access a shared item on Windows Vista, XP Pro or 2000, you may get a "permission denied" or "access denied" message. This is because the other PC does not know who you are. There are a few ways to get the other PC to "let you in".