Home Computer Network

One of the most important machines today is the computer. Computers are widely used in almost all human activities--whether at work, at school or at home. Nowadays, many people have a computer at home, some even have more than one. Those who have more than one computer at home should consider installing a home computer network.

Wikipedia defines a home network as a residential local area network that is used to connect multiple devices within the home. The simplest home networks allows two or more computers to share files and documents; printers, print servers and scanners; game systems; and an Internet connection.

The basic components of a home network are: a broadband modem for connection to the Internet (DSL or cable modem), a residential gateway or router, computers, a wireless access point, entertainment peripherals, Internet phones (VoIP), a network bridge, a network hub/switch, a network attached storage device and a print server.

Two of the most popular home network types are wireless and Ethernet networks. The router does most of the work in both types of home network by directing traffic between the connected devices. Connecting a router to a DSL or cable modem will allow multiple computers to share one connection to the Internet.