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Broadband Internet access is quickly becoming commonplace in many US homes. It is also common to find that each member of the family has his/her own desktop computer or laptop, which means that one Internet connection makes it inconvenient when multiple users are vying for access at the same time.

Networking computers together solves the problem of having multiple users and limited resources. In a computer network, all computers have the ability to share one Internet connection, which ends the conflicts of who gets to use the Internet at any given time. Networks also allow things like printers, files, music, and scanners to be available for anyone on the network to use. As an example, a home network would only need one printer, and everyone on the network can use it as if it were connected to his or her computer.

In days past, all computers were networked together with wired connections. Unfortunately, for many home users, stringing network cable from room to room can be extremely difficult, if not impossible. Today, computer networks can be created wirelessly (without cables) which means that a wireless network can be easily integrated into any home. Wireless also allows portable users to have web access from any location in range, which means that working from the dining room table or kitchen is the same as working from an office or bedroom.

Setting up a wireless network is a relatively simple task, and does not require much knowledge or skill. However, wireless comes with its own disadvantages as well. Access point location and security become issues that cannot be ignored. This guide will aid in these issues as well as all other aspects of designing and implementing a home wireless network.

Identifying Network Hardware

The following terms and their acronyms will be used extensively in this article. Other improtant terms will be define as they are used.

Broadband Modem - The broadband modem is the device used to connect your home to the Internet Service Provider (ISP). The ISP is the company that is providing you with high-speed access. In many cases, the modem is provided by the ISP upon activation of the account.

Access Point (AP) - An access point is the central device that sends and receives wireless signals to or from a remote computer. In some cases, the modem you receive from your internet service provider could have an AP built in, but stand alone units can be purchased if not.

Network Interface Card (NIC) - The NIC is the device that sends and receives network signals to or from the access point. NICs can be purchased to receive signals over wires, or wirelessly (known as wireless NICs).

Ethernet Switch - For simplicity, an Ethernet switch is a wired network device that routes network traffic from the broadband modem to multiple locations such as computers other switches or APs. For example, if a broadband modem has only one Ethernet port, a switch can be used as an intermediate device to allow four (or more) computers to connect to the modem instead of one.

Designing a Network

There are many different ways to design a home network. Oftentimes, home networks have hard-wired and wireless technologies on the same network. If the broadband modem is already located near a computer, the computer can be connected with a wire even though other computers will be wireless.

It's critical to figure out the best location for the access point. APs have a limited range, so a central location is best when trying to get the maximum range. In an all-wireless network, the AP and modem can be located anywhere there is access to the phone, cable, or satellite line (depending on the method of broadband delivery), and does not have to be located near a computer. Moving the AP away from all computers will force all computers to be wirelessly connected.

The key to starting a network design is determining how many Ethernet ports are located on the back of the Ethernet modem. If it has only one Ethernet port, using wired and wireless technologies will not be possible without the purchase of an Ethernet switch. If it has more than one, it is possible to use wired and wireless technologies without any additional hardware.

Determine the APs location, as well as which computers will be wired or wireless. Each networked computer must have an appropriate wired or wireless NIC, depending on whichever method chosen for that computer.

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