How to Set Up a Home or Office Network

Networks prevail in more places than the average person realizes. Schools systems have massive networks, while small cafes have miniature WiFi networks for just a few customers on laptops. But can the average person install such a network without an advanced degree (or without calling Geek Squad)? Yes, you can.

Networks are valuable because they allow several computers to share a broadband or DSL internet connection. They also allow network computers to communicate and share resources, like printers or scanners. Files can be shared between two or more linked PCs. So, a home or office network is often crucial for organizations with more than one computer.

Hardware
If you want your computers to share the internet (a functioning high-speed internet hookup is a prerequisite), you need a router. A router is a hardware peripheral that splits an internet connection between several computers, while also serving as a hub, which is a tool for allowing PCs to communicate with other network PCs. Routers come in many variations, from the vanilla router to wireless routers that add wireless internet functionality besides the normal features.

If you do not require internet sharing, you can still create a network to share resources using a hub or switch. These devices allow two or more computers to parlay information between them, enable file sharing, share hardware like printers, and more.

Regardless of the product you choose (whether a router or a switch), you will need ethernet cords to bridge the gap between the hardware and the PCs. You will need one cord each for every PC, and one to connect the router to the modem (if you choose to purchase a router). If you have a wireless router, you will not need ethernet cords for the wireless computers, only the appropriate device for giving your laptop wireless capability.

Installation
Before connecting any wires or turning on your router or switch, you want to install the product's CD first. The device CDs will carry the software drivers and programs necessary to create a network. So, put in the disc and follow instructions. When you come to the portion of the instructions where it asks if you was to use security (like WAP), it is recommended that you take the time to utilize the security parameters if you are installing a wireless router, because anyone with a wireless-enabled laptop can steal your signal and get free internet. WAP will allow you to password protect your network.

Once the installation is complete, you will usually be prompted to connect the hardware. Don't be intimidated by the plethora of cordage and high-tech-looking equipment. This is actually the easiest part of creating a network. Before actually connecting anything, you must realize the hierarchy that takes place. The internet modem is at the top of the hardware strata (assuming you will be installing a router, if not then ignore this step.) You must connect the ethernet cord that leaves the modem into the internet port on the router, which will usually be labeled WAN for Wide Area Network. So far, the modem is at the top, and then the router or switch, and next comes the computers. From the router or switch, run an ethernet cable from one of the open ports on the back of the device to each non-wireless PC on the network. Finally, plug in the power for the router and you should be up and running.

Troubleshooting
My sole difficulty in establishing networks is not with hooking up the cords, that is actually the easiest if you know the right order, as described above. Instead, the trouble comes after you turn on your expensive new router and find that there is not internet connection. The easiest way to diagnose this problem is to open up your browser and try to go to Google. If it says "Page cannot be displayed" or a similar message, your network is failing. Faulty hardware setups are sometimes the source of problems, but predominantly it is software-based trouble.

To correct the problem, first try unplugging the power cords from the backs of the router and of the modem and wait thirty seconds. It seems strange, but the lack of power will cause each device to reset its caches. After thirty seconds, plug in only the modem. When the modem has completed initializing (which is usually shown by an end of the patterns of light on the front), then you plug in the router again. Test your internet again.

If this fails, restart your computer. Test internet. If this fails (annoying isn't it?) then you should try going to Start>My Network Places. From there, on the left bar choose "View Network Connections". Right click on 'Local Area Connection' and choose Repair. This resolves any IP conflicts the network computers are having. Do the browser test again.

If this fails, you are in tech support territory. Usually routers or switches will come with free tech support for a time, so use it! The nice Indian phone operators will guide you through more advanced techniques for troubleshooting.

Best of luck, and happy networking!