A Beginner’s Guide to Computer Network Setups

One of the most important tasks in setting up a computer is connecting it to a network. While engaging a computer support company to do this for you is an option, setting up a network is in fact a relatively easy task because many networks are built to accommodate the acquisition and setup of network addresses. More often than not, the process of configuring a network, whether it is wireless or wired is automatic. If it isn’t, it only takes a few minutes to set up networking on a computer.

Why Should I Connect My Computer to a Network?

Just a few years ago, most families either didn’t need or couldn’t afford more than one computer. Today, people use computers for emails, schoolwork, shopping, downloading music and videos, playing games, etc. Gone are the days where one computer for the family was enough. A household that has multiple computers needs a home network as it allows computers to communicate with one another. A network lets computers share files, documents, an Internet connection, printers, print servers, scanners, stereos, TVs, games systems and even CD burners.

There are two popular types of home networks, wireless and Ethernet or wired networks. In these two types, the router does most of the work by directing traffic between connected devices.

Computer Network Setup Made Easy

Step #1 Make Sure you have the Essential Components

  1. You will need more than one computer in order to set up a network.
  2. Hardware:
    • Wired: For a wired network, you will need an Ethernet card for each computer as well as a hub or router or switch if you are not plugging the computer into an existing network. If you do need to share a broadband Internet connection, a router is required.
    • Wireless: A wireless card for each computer as well as a wireless router and modem are required.
  3. Software: This is either built into the operating system or a separate application. The software coordinates the exchange of information.

Step #2 Setting Up the Network

  • Wired:

    • If you are connecting your computer to the network with an Ethernet cable, put one end of the cable into the computer’s Ethernet port and the other end into a port on the network switch or hub. Once both ends of the cable are connected, switch on the wired connection on the computer. In some cases, the remaining network settings needed for connection will be configured automatically by the computer and the network. Try to access the network once it has been activated. If the computer cannot access the network, it needs addresses to be configured manually.

    To do this, get the IP address, subnet netmask, default gateway address and DNS server address for the network. All this information can be obtained from the person or organisation that administers the network. Put the information into the Ethernet or wired network’s TCP/IP settings for the computer and enable the wired network.

  • Wireless:

    • You will need a wireless SSID card to get onto a wireless network. This is the name of the wireless network. In some cases, a passkey may be needed as well. If you need a passkey, find out which security protocol is used, for instance WEP or WPA. This information can be obtained from the person or organisation that administers the network. Put all the information into the computer’s wireless setting and try to make a connection to the wireless SSID. The computer and the wireless network should be able to automatically set up the network addresses that are needed and once this is done, you will be able to use the computer to browse the Internet.

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