How to Create a Small Network for Home or Office

Networks are a wonderful thing. They allow people to exchange information, share resources such as printer and folders, and access a common Internet connection. They used to be expensive and complicated to setup. But, no longer are networks only for large businesses. They can now be setup within minutes in a small office or home.

A network by definition is two or more computers connected together for the intent to share data. Therefore, each computer has to have a way to receive data and that means is through a network card whether it be wired or wireless. Nowadays, most new computers (desktop or laptop) have network cards built into them. Wireless ones you most likely will not see if already installed as in laptop computers. Wired network cards, however, have a distict plug on the back of the computer, they look like oversized phone jacks.

Now you might wonder, “OK, how do I connect the computers together?” Well, there has to be a point of connection. That connection is through a router. These devices serve two purposes, a hub and gateway to the Internet. Their main purpose is to take the data coming in from one computer and relay it to the receiving computer. The connections to each computer are made with Ethernet cables which are available at most electronics stores.

Once the computers are connected with cables to the switch, some minor configurations have to be made on each computer. Depending on whether you’re using MAC or PC, the concept is the same. Open your network connections window and open the configuration for the Ethernet network connection. Here you want to make sure that your options are set to use DHCP, which allows the computer to automatically get a network address from the router. You also want to make sure that DNS server settings are set to be automatic. The router will issue these settings as well. Repeat these steps on any other computers you wish to include in your network.

If you are opting to create a wireless network, review the instructions provided to you by your router manufacturer as to the installation and configuration of your computers. In general, without any additional configuration of the router, your computer should automatically find the wireless network and connect. (However, it is recommended to improve your security so that outside parties cannot access your personal network.)

At this point, you have created a basic network; your computers now can talk to each other giving each other potential access to files and devices. If you’ve set your router up to the Internet, at this point you should be able to browse the Internet as well from both computers.

To share folders and printers, one needs to setup sharing on the computer. Depending on what type of computer you are using and what version of operating system, the proceedure to setup sharing differs. However, for the most part, it is a matter of creating a “share” name for the folder or device and then connecting to that folder or device from the other computers.

That is how a basic network is created in a small environment. In a larger environment, the equipment is larger and generally more expensive and involved, but the same access proceedures apply.

SAK Information Systems, LLC has installed many small networks in homes and offices for the general purpose of accessing the Internet and sharing files. If you are interested in having a network setup, please contact us via our web site.

Stephen Kriso is President and Owner of SAK Information Systems, LLC which provides solutions in Internet Marketing and Communications.

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How to Create a Small Network for Home or Office

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