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Home Networking Tutorial

Planning a New Home Network

By Bradley Mitchell, About.com

Before purchasing and installing equipment, determine your needs. The location of your computer(s), printer(s) and other devices you want to connect can affect your network design. Some systems may already contain built-in networking capability while others may not.

Those devices that need network capability added, probably support only certain kinds of network gear. Take care to buy compatible gear.

If you desire shared Internet access, be sure to factor this into your design. Other important factors in network design include reach and speed.

Finally, consider both present and future needs in your plan. How many computers will your network have in the next year or two? A network with just two computers can involve a very different design than a network with five, for example.

Use our interactive network advisor tool to walk you through the factors to consider when designing your home network:

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Wired vs Wireless Networking

The home networker can choose from either wireless or wired designs. Wireless networks provide more mobility to a person in and around their home, and they make especially good sense for laptop networking. Networks with wires or cables, on the other hand, usually cost less than wireless, may perform faster and more reliably, and make good sense for desktop networking. Choosing between wired and wireless options can be difficult, but making an informed decision here can save money and increase one's overall satisfaction with their home network.

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Next > Purchasing Home Network Equipment

Bradley Mitchell
Guide since 1999

Bradley Mitchell
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