A computer network is any set of computers or devices connected to each other with the ability to exchange data. Examples of networks are:
- Local area network (LAN), which is usually a small network constrained to a small geographic area.
- Wide area network (WAN) that is usually a larger network that covers a large geographic area.
- Wireless LANs and WANs (WLAN & WWAN) is the wireless equivalent of the LAN and WAN.
These days, it’s common in a household to have more than one computer. In such a scenario, you may wish you could access the other computer to retrieve a file, use the printer attached to the other PC, or most importantly share your broadband Internet access such as cable or DSL modem with the other PC.
To have such a system, you need to configure Home Network. There are several ways of doing this with the main difference being cost, security, and reliability.
Currently, your cable/DSL modem plugs straight into the computer. The computer is exposed to the public Internet. There is no connection for more than one computer. You only have one IP address from your ISP.
Option 1: Have multiple IP addresses
You need to install a network card in your second computer, buy a hub, and plug both PCs and the cable/DSL modem into the hub. Once this is done, you need to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and request for a second IP address.
Option 2: Internet Connection Sharing using Software
In this case, both computers should have a network card installed, and connect both the computers using a CAT5 cable. Further, you need to configure the connection between PC 1 and PC 2 as a private network, then install and configure Internet Connection Sharing software (ICS) on PC 1, lastly configure PC 2 to access the Internet via PC 1.
Option 3: Using a hardware router/gateway/firewall device
In such a scenario, you need to install a hardware router/gateway/firewall device, connect the public side to the cable/DSL modem, connect the private side to a hub, connect all PCs to the hub, and configure all PCs for your private network.
This is the most desirable solution because it gives you a protected private network, it is a very stable solution, it is easily and extremely expandable, and it gives you the most features.
Our Remote Computer Geek can help you configure and connect a home network for you!
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