Home Networking: A Beginner’s Guide
Do you need to get your new home connected? Perhaps your tired out old network needs upgrading? The AA Electrical team has put together a short and simple guide which will help you get started with home networking basics, so you can be online in next to no time. First things first…
Wired or Wireless Home Networking?
The vast majority of people now use wireless networking in their homes. With no need to be connected via cables, users can access the internet virtually anywhere, giving them more flexibility and providing a Wi-Fi connection for smartphones, tablets and any other smart device in the home. Particularly useful as the Internet of Things (IoT) becomes more pervasive.
Wired connections do still have their place, however. In sizeable properties, or locations with more temperamental connections, a wired network offers a more consistent, dependable and strong connection. In many cases, both wireless and wired connections are present in the same home, depending on the devices used and their location.
Positioning Your Router
Whether you’re setting up wired or wireless connections, your router is the most important ingredient in a home networking setup. This is the device that makes an internet connection possible.
Your router plugs directly into the network cable which comes into your home, then (typically) provides the capacity to connect 4 to 6 wired devices via LAN ports (you can add more with a LAN switch or hub), or uses Wi-Fi bandwidth to allow other devices to connect wirelessly.
The placement of your router can make a big difference to its wireless performance and the speed of your connection. Placing it inside metal cabinets, in corners and on shelves, or next to a wireless telephone cradle can all slow your connection down.
Best practice means placing your router out in the open, ideally in a hallway, as close to the centre of your home as possible. If you’re still not getting the coverage you’d like, or if your home has “Wi-Fi deadzones” you may want to explore options like range extenders or powerline adapters.
Security Protocols
Wireless connectivity may be convenient and accessible, but that means it could also be convenient and accessible to others outside your home. To ensure your neighbours don’t nab your connection and that your system is secure make sure you:
- Do not leave your network open
- Change your default password ASAP
- Turn off remote management
