Home Network Components

In order to set up a home Ethernet or wireless network, you will need the components listed below. All of the components are used in both wired and wireless networks, except Ethernet cable which is only used in wired networks. This section also gives an overview of the components needed to set up different sized home networks.

Network Interface Card (NIC) - The best means of connecting a computer to a network is through a Network Interface Card (NIC). A NIC will allow a computer to send and receive electrical or radio signals in a manner that other computers can understand. Most modern computers come with Ethernet NICs installed by default. Laptops usually even come with wireless NICs. If your computer does not already have a NIC, you can purchase one from your local computer supply store. Before you buy a NIC, make sure you have decided whether you are going to create a wireless or Ethernet network.

Hub - In order to connect more than two computers together, a device that distributes packets, or blocks of data, must be used. A hub is the most basic of these devices. When a computer connected to a network makes a request for data from another computer, that request will be sent to the hub. The hub will then send that request to every computer it is connected to, including the originating computer. Most of the computers on the network will ignore the request. The computer that the request is being sent to will accept the data packet and send out a reply packet. The reply packet will then be sent to every computer by the hub. One problem with hubs is that they often cause collisions between packets. As a result, data is lost in transmission and must be re-sent.

Switch - A switch is a device that distributes packets, or blocks of data, between computers in a network. Switches function in a similar fashion to hubs, but are much more efficient. A switch can send a packet directly to a specific destination, instead of sending it to every computer in a network.

Router - A router is a device that joins two different networks together. Home networks usually employ routers to connect to the Internet. The majority of routers contain a switch within them so that all of the computers on a network can communicate.

Modem - A modem is a device that allows you to connect to your Internet service provider and browse the Internet. Because modems only provide one IP address each, the best way to use a high-speed modem is to share its services among computers.

Ethernet Cable - To set up a wired network, Ethernet cables are needed that allow the transmission of data from one networked device to another. Category 5 (Cat 5) cable is one of the most common types of Ethernet cable. When connecting computers to a network, one end of the Cat 5 cable is plugged into the computer’s NIC and the other is plugged into the hub, switch, or router.

Standard Network Setups

This section contains the basic shopping list you will need to build a home network for several standard setups. We assume that you are using a normal commercial cable/DSL provider, and that you are connecting to the Internet through a WAN (Wide Area Network).

Single Workstation with WAN Connectibility

• Workstation
• Cable/DSL modem*
• Patch cable

Two Workstations without WAN Connectibility

• Two workstations
• Cross-over cable

Two Workstations with WAN Connectibility

• Two workstations
• Cable/DSL modem*
• Router with built-in switch/hub
• Patch cables

Three or More Workstations without WAN Connectibility

• Three or more workstations
• Patch cables
• Switch/hub with adequate ports

Three or More Workstations with WAN Connectibility

• Three or more workstations
• Patch cables
• 1 Router with enough switches/hubs to handle the network
• Cable/DSL Modem*

*Most cable or DSL providers will supply a modem with their hookup package. Alternatively, you can buy your own modem at most electronic stores.