How to Network Computers?
Network computers can include switches or routers to exchange information and transport data to an endpoint. There are many types of computer networks including a personal network, local area network, or wide area network.
Many network systems can be used for general purposes, such as sending files to a printer or accessing the Internet while some networks serve a strategic purpose such as a storage area network or a private enterprise network.
Here are some common networks:
- Personal Area Networks (PAN) - a computer network that is organized around a single building or individual. A personal area network may be located within a private residence or a small office. If multiple individuals use the same network within their residence, it may be referred to as a home network.
- Local Area Network (LAN) - consists of many computer networks at a single location such as an office building. LANs are very useful for sharing resources, such as storage or printers.
- Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) - often consists of many computer networks spread across a city or college campus. Depending on the infrastructure, a MAN can run over several miles.
- Wide Area Network (WAN) – span larger areas than a MAN and can cover an entire country or the world. The Internet is the most obvious example of a WAN.
To set up a computer network, confirm that you have the necessary equipment such as a cable or DSL Internet connection and a wireless router.
- Obtain the router's default user name, or SSID, and password, along with the router’s web address. This information is usually provided when the device is purchased.
- Connect a cable modem to the live cable jack or DSL modem to a live phone line.
- Connect the wireless router to the modem.
- Connect the host computer to the wireless router using a network USB or Ethernet cable.
- Configure the wireless router by opening the web browser and typing in the URL or IP address to access the router’s configuration page.
- Follow the steps on the configuration page including setting up a name for your network and providing a security key or password.
- In order to keep your network secure, select the setting you wish to use such as “WPA” or “WPA 2.”
- Connect your other machines to the same network.
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