How to set up and configure a small network |
|
Key Words:
|
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth. |
|
|
#
|
To set up a small network (of say 5 computers) that can share an internet connection, you would need the following:
|
Examples: |
|
A router will allow you to network all of your devices and share an internet connection. |
|
|
A network interface card will let you connect any wired devices to the router. |
|
|
A firewall is software that protects your device from potential threats on the internet. |
|
|
Anti-virus sorftware will shield your networked devices against viruses. |
|
|
You access the internet by entering your ISP login details into the router. |
|
|
Access the internet through your preferred web browser. |
|
|
And there you have it.... a small network. |
|
|
| If you were trying to set up a larger network, you would need to use more sophisiticated hardware and software than the types we are going to look at. |
|
| |
We will look at all of these and explain where they fit into the network: |
|
What hardware will I need?
|
# |
The hardware that we will need is listed below:
- Computers or devices (laptops, desktop PC, tablets etc.)
- Other network devices (printers scanners etc.)
- A router/modem (so computers on the network can send data to each other)
- Network interface cards (wired or wireless)
- Network cables (so any devices with wired NEC's can plug into the router)
- Telephone line/Cable line (to connect the network to a WAN/internet).
|
|
What software will I need? |
#
|
The software that we will need is listed below:
- A firewall (to help protect against hackers)
- Anti-virus (to help keep the network virus-free)
- A web browser (so computers connected to the network can use the web)
- An email account.
|
|
What is an internet service provider (ISP)? |
# |
An ISP is a company that gives you access to the internet.
|
#
|
Internet service providers will charge you a monthly fee in return for internet access.
|
The amount you pay will vary depending how fast you want your connection to be.
|
|
#
|
Popular ISP's here in Bermuda include Logic and CableVision. |
|
How does all of this fit together? |
# |
Once you have all of the harware/software and an internet service provider, creating the network is very straightforward.
The table below explains how:
|
1. |
Sign up and pay for an account with an internet service provider.
(Your ISP will usually supply you with a router/modem) |
|
2. |
Connect the router/modem to one end of the telephone line or the cable line.
Plug the other end of the line into your telephone/cable box. |
|
3. |
Connect cabled devices to the router using your network cable.
(This network cable will plug into the network interface card on the device and the ports on the router) |
|
4. |
Connect wireless devices to the router using Wi-Fi.
(For ecah device, you will need to configure their settings and enter the password to access the router. Password is supplied by the ISP) |
|
5. |
Install and configure a firewall and anti-virus software on each device that will form the network.
(These will protect your networked devices against hackers and viruses) |
|
6. |
Configure the router with your internet login details supplied by the ISP.
|
|
7. |
Use the web browser installed on each of your networked devices to access the internet. |
|
|
|
|
Click the above task and answer the questions about
how to set up a small network. |
|
|
