How to set up and configure a small network |
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Key Words:
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Wi-Fi, Bluetooth. |
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To set up a small network (of say 5 computers) that can share an internet connection, you would need the following:
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Examples: |
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A router will allow you to network all of your devices and share an internet connection. |
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A network interface card will let you connect any wired devices to the router. |
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A firewall is software that protects your device from potential threats on the internet. |
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Anti-virus sorftware will shield your networked devices against viruses. |
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You access the internet by entering your ISP login details into the router. |
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Access the internet through your preferred web browser. |
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And there you have it.... a small network. |
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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. |
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We will look at all of these and explain where they fit into the network: |
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What hardware will I need?
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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).
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What software will I need? |
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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.
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What is an internet service provider (ISP)? |
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An ISP is a company that gives you access to the internet.
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Internet service providers will charge you a monthly fee in return for internet access.
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The amount you pay will vary depending how fast you want your connection to be.
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Popular ISP's here in Bermuda include Logic and CableVision. |
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How does all of this fit together? |
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Once you have all of the harware/software and an internet service provider, creating the network is very straightforward.
The table below explains how:
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Sign up and pay for an account with an internet service provider.
(Your ISP will usually supply you with a router/modem) |
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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. |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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Configure the router with your internet login details supplied by the ISP.
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Use the web browser installed on each of your networked devices to access the internet. |
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Click the above task and answer the questions about
how to set up a small network. |
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