We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Networking

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Connect Home Network Computers?

By Dorothy Distefano
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 14,459
Share

So much work today is done online that it is not unusual to find multiple computers being used in one household. This situation is making it necessary to home network computers. If you are installing a wired network, you will need a router and Ethernet cables to connect devices. Once you have these components, the software that is provided with the router will help you establish your home network.

Some people may be confused about what it means to home network computers. Put simply, all of the computers in the home are able to communicate with each other. This allows them to share an Internet connection as well as files, music, and other media. A network also allows the computers to share devices such as printers and scanners.

The most essential piece of equipment necessary to home network computers is a router. A router is used link the devices connected to the network so that they can share information and equipment. By connecting the modem to the router, the Internet becomes accessible through the router as well.

There are two main types of home networks, wired or wireless. Ethernet networks are hard-wired to each computer, while wireless networks use radio waves to transmit information. Wired networks tend to be more secure and faster than wireless ones, but have the disadvantage of requiring Ethernet wiring. Wireless networks are more flexible and convenient, but are less secure.

In a wired network, Ethernet cable is required to connect each computer, printer, or device. Network interface cards (NIC) and an Ethernet router may also be needed. Routers generally come with software to walk you through setting up the network.

A wireless network requires a wireless router. When making your router purchase, note the range indicated. Most routers provide signals for around 100 feet (30.5 meters) using a 802.11g wireless network. This is designed for fast data transmission. It is worth noting that a router will not increase your internet speed.

In order to home network computers in this way, each computer will need a wireless adapter. This is standard in most new laptops, but it is critical to make sure that it is present. If it is not, an adapter must be added in order to connect to the network.

Wireless networks are vulnerable to people intent on stealing an Internet connection. A security option such as Wired Equivalency Privacy (WEP), WiFi Protected Access (WPA) or Media Access Control (MAC) may be utilized to prevent neighbors from highjacking your connection. Your router should include instructions on setting up network security.

If you choose to home network computers, the benefits may be immediately noticeable. Accessing the Internet from your laptop and sending files, wirelessly, to the printer are just some of the conveniences of a home network. Once it is in place, sharing settings can be established and altered to allow users access to items on the network from any of the connected computers.

Share
EasyTechJunkie is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon118033 — On Oct 12, 2010

I need to transfer files (music, pictures, documents) from one computer to another. I have a router and the old computer has a network card, while the new one has in-built wi-fi.

I decided to use Windows Easy Transfer and to start with,things looked promising and a connection was established,but just after it started searching for updates,the connection was lost - on my old computer and I could not re-connect to resume transfer. The only way was to restart the computer, and I had lost the transfer anyway. What can you suggest? --dantalian

By distefano — On Apr 21, 2010

Hi, tin-can: Solutions depend on your operating system, router, and network settings. Double check firewalls on the other computers as well as sharing settings. D

By anon76904 — On Apr 12, 2010

Unable to connect to "Other" computers on the home network?

Have tried entering IP's of "Other" computers via run command but, nada? It had worked in past! Forgot how using alternate methods!

Thanks, tin-can

Share
https://www.easytechjunkie.com/how-do-i-connect-home-network-computers.htm
Copy this link
EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.