We have discussed the most basic home networking components. Here is a brief overview of those most basic components:

A switch is a device which directs information within your set of connections to its intended destinations.

A Router is a device which allows the connection of several computers and devices to your network, allowing them to share and exchange information.

A modem is a device which decodes packets of information sent to and from the Internet, allowing Internet service to be provided to your computer.

Connecting your Internet modem to a router will allow all the devices connected to that router to access a shared Internet connection.

Now we will be introduced to another set of components used commonly in network setups. While these components are not necessary for basic system operation, they can increase the usefulness and efficiency of your home set of connections.

Print Server

A print server can be very useful in order to incorporate a permanent printer into your home network. It is a device which allows a single (or several) printer/s to be shared by the various computers on your set of connections. This means that you can access the printer form the computer in your office, as well as your laptop, with no problems. The value of a printer server is further increased by the fact that it does not require a specific computer to remain on in order to access the printer.

Network Attached Storage (NAS)

This is a device which provides hard drive space to be shared for the entire system of computers. This means that any information stored on the shared hard drive will be accessible from any computer on the network.

There is also a way to accomplish this without the use of an NAS, but it is less efficient. It is possible to store information in a shared folder saved onto one computer in the complex. However, in order to access this information from another connected device, the original computer must be on. Also, any information will take up space on the computers hard drive. The use of Network Attached Storage resolves these problems, by having information accessible at all times, as well as adding more hard drive space to the network.

There are two common types of Network Attached Storage. Some units are available with a built-in hard drive, while others use an external hard drive. In the latter scenario, the hard drive space is easily upgradeable, should more disk space be needed in the future.

These devices should be your first steps to creating a useful, efficient, and modern home computer network.

By: Budda Oliver

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