Today, almost every small business and home have a local network and an internet connection. The small area network allows several devices to connect to each other and also connect to the internet.
There are numerous ways you can set up your network, for example, a router and modem or an all-in-one router and modem.
This tutorial will cover how you can set up your network, the advantages and disadvantages of wired and wireless networks and home network security.
If you want to stay connected to the internet while away from home, then you need a reliable home network. You may not always have access to Wi-Fi hotspots, and even if you do, they are often expensive. If you don't have a home network, then you won't be able to stream movies, play games online, or download music. Instead, you will have to rely on your mobile phone data plan, which can get expensive over time.
A home network provides security for your devices. It gives you the option to control what devices can connect to your network, and it prevents unauthorized users from accessing your personal information. When you use a public Wi-Fi hotspot, you give others access to your device. Even if you pay for the service, you still have no guarantee that someone else isn't going to steal your information.
Consider this your step-by-step guide to set up your network, whether at home or office.
Find Your Internet Service Provider(ISP)
To access the internet in your place, you must find a reliable ISP. in most places, you usually have few options, but often only one company is available for each option. But this may not be the case in metro locations where there is more competition.
Below are the types of ISPs you can select from.
| ISP type | Description |
| Wireless | Cellular phone companies typically offer them. |
| Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) | It's provided through your local phone service company. |
| Fibre Optic Broadband | It's offered by your cable company and other local internet providers. |
| Dedicated Leased Line | It's a fixed bandwidth connection dedicated exclusively to your internet connection. Typically quite costly and used by larger companies for their office internet connections. |
| Satellite | It is provided by satellite cable or internet companies such as DISH or local internet service providers. |
| Cable Broadband | Usually provided through the local cable company. |
TIP: Once you decide which type you need, call the IP and order the service.
Install and Set Up Your Router/ Modem
The router you receive may differ slightly depending on the internet service provider you choose. Although the device is referred to as a “router,” it's technically called a “modem.” Router technologies employed in DSL modems include ADSL or VDSL, simply data transfer technologies operating over phone lines.
Therefore, the input port on these modems will feature a phone connector that you plug into the phone socket in your home. The modem will come with GPON data transfer technology if you've signed up for a fiber optic internet connection.
Cable modems feature coaxial input ports that you connect to the broadband cable jack in your home. Satellite modems usually have several antennas that allow communication between overhead satellites. Some ISPs allow you to buy your modem and avoid a monthly rental fee. Others may require you to use their specific modem brand and include its monthly rental fee.
Once you receive your modem, setting it up is very easy.
Connect Your WiFi Router to the Modem
Now that you have an internet modem connected to the internet, the remaining task is to connect all your device to that internet connection. There are several ways depending on the type of your modem. If your modem supports WiFi, it also functions as a WiFi router, producing an internal WiFi network to which you may connect with devices in your office or home.
If it doesn't, you'll be required to buy a secondary WiFi router to connect to your modem. Connecting everything is super easy. Follow these steps below to connect the modem to the router to enable your WiFi network.
Now your network is ready.
Connect Your Devices to the Internet
There are two main ways to connect each device to your internet connection. You can connect directly to your router using an ethernet cable, or you can connect to the WiFi wireless network.
How To Make Wireless Connection
Click the wireless icon in the lower right corner of the taskbar to connect your new WiFi network with a windows10 PC or laptop. This will display all the available WiFi networks to connect to. Select connect and enter the network password.
To connect to a WiFi network with a Mac, click the WiFi icon in the menu bar, click “turn WiFi on,” and choose the WiFi network you want to join. On an Android device, open settings, choose connections, select WiFi, and click the network you want to connect to. On iPhone, open settings, select WiFi, turn on WiFi and click the network you want to connect to.
Advantages of Wireless Network
No cables to run
Allows easy access to mobile devices, tablets, and smartphones
Easy to set up from an end-user perspective.
Disadvantages of Wireless Network
It is not as reliable as a wired network
It's not as fast as a wired network
It's not as safe as a wired network with no proper configuration, and easy to set up insecurely.
How To Make a Wired Connection
To connect using an ethernet cable, plug one end of the cable into the ethernet port on your computer or laptop. Plug the other end into one of the network ports on the back of your router.
How do you determine the port on your router's back to connect? Usually, these network ports are highlighted in yellow. Also, they are typically numbered. Don't plug into the port labeled “internet,” as it should only be connected to your internet modem.
Once connected through ethernet, your laptop or computer will have instant internet access.
Advantages of Wired Network
Safe and reliable.
Fast usually 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps.
Disadvantages of Wired Network
Not easy for guests and mobile devices to connect to.
Not easy and fast to configure because it needs running cables. But instead, you can use powerline and HomePlug adapters.
It does not work with devices that don't have an Ethernet port, like smartphones and tablets.
After setting up your network, you need to consider its security and the devices on it. You can protect your network by:
Updating the Firmware of Your Network Appliances Regularly
You should regularly update your network appliances, access points, smart devices, routers, switches, and printers to keep them safe. The firmware updates can resolve security flaws while improving the performance of your network device.
Therefore, after two or so months, you should check for the latest updates and apply them to the devices.
Changing The Default Network Name (SSID)
New routers and access points feature a default WiFi network name and password. Always change this right away after connecting everything. Hackers can guess the password depending on the access point or router's manufacturer.
Create an SSID name that doesn't reveal sensitive information, such as your address or family name.
Setting up a network may look complicated at first, but once you've everything needed, it's straightforward.
For network setup and other network-related services, feel free to contact our support team for assistance.
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