Home networks

Home networks

1. Local area network

   • To create a home network you need to set up a local area network or LAN. This connects all the computers in the house so that resources can be shared.
   • Benefits:
     • sharing the internet connection
     • sharing files, including backing up files
     • sharing peripherals such as printers

2. You need a network interface card (NIC) to connect the computers to the network unless you are using WI-FI dongles

3. Routers

   • Connecting to the internet from a home network requires a router. The router connects all of the computers to the modem by giving them an internal IP address so that it 'knows' where to send the data.

4. Types of network

   • Cable connection
     • Setting up = cables have to be run from the router to all rooms in the house :-((
     • Cost = installation is expensive :-((
     • Bandwidth = very fast :-))
     • Security = good - a user would need to plug their computer into the network :-))
     • Interference = shouldn't experience any :-))
     • Mobility = cannot connect in a room without a socket. You have to unplug and reconnect if you want to move to a different room :-((
   • Wireless connection
     • Setting up = all you need is a wireless router :-))
     • Cost = cheaper - only the cost of the router :-))
     • Bandwidth = slower :-((
     • Security = poor - anyone in range can use it unless kept secure with a security password or key :-((
     • Interference= can be affected by walls, distance from router and a number of computers connected :-((
     • Mobility = you can access the network from anywhere in the house and you can stay connected moving from room to room :-))