In the recent times, technological advancements such as self-configuring switches and a new breed of operating systems have made it a whole lot easier for one to go ahead and set a small home or office network. But then such facets alone won’t do it. At the end of the day, the size and scope of the network to be built is also dependent on factors such as environment and budget. So, all said and done one needs to be extremely careful of the expected outcome before going ahead and laying down the foundation for a computer network.
I. Essential steps to set up a Wired Network
1. Determine the Size of Network
One should acquire the necessary equipment only after giving due consideration to the available infrastructure. For those choosing to install a wired network larger than 15 to 20 devices, the requirement demands the hiring of a consultant for all wiring and installation based issues. However, in the case of installation of a wireless network, the need would be to have one or more wireless access points. But then again be it either type of infrastructure, the requirement would be to possess round-the-clock Internet connectivity through the chosen Internet Service Provider.
2. Select the Network
The need in this case is to identify the IP addressing scheme and then progressively assign IP addresses to servers on the network. Servers with static IP addresses are easy to find on the network using DNS services. Please pay attention private networks typically use a "192.168.0.n" range, wherein "n" is considered as the host address for each individual device. Once done, assign a subnet mask of "255.255.255.0" for this range. Please note Windows Vista and Windows 7 provide automatic IP addressing scheme for each device automatically, all based on the fact what the OS determines via the prevailing network discovery processes.
3. Selection of the Workgroup :
Select a workgroup name and assign it to each computer on the network. For doing so:- Click Start
- Right-click ‘Computer’ and click ‘Properties’
- Click the ‘Change Settings’ button and change the workgroup name.
- Once done, you can leave the default workgroup name, which would be ‘MSHOME’ on Windows Vista and Windows 7, but then in case if you have Windows XP or an older OS on your PC, the default should be changed to ‘WORKGROUP’ or ‘MSHOME’.
4. Verify the Connectivity:
For verifying the network connectivity:- Click Start
- Computer and expand the Network link to see other available devices on the network. If you can see all the other attached computers and printers, you are done.
- If otherwise, check the network interface configuration, make all necessary corrections and retest.
II. Essential Steps to setup a Wireless network
1. Name the Network
- Assign a broadcast SSID, or network name, to your wireless router- Scan for available networks.
- Choose a name which is obscure and not associated with your home or business. Please take note the specific instructions for this step and the next one differ according to the specific wireless router being used.
2. Choose the Encryption Type
- Assign an encryption type to your network- Choose WPA2-Enterprise or WPA2-Personal for the highest security available
- In the next step; assign a passphrase of at least eight alphanumeric characters for the encryption algorithm.
- For doing so, please note the router would need to be restarted to make any configuration changes effective.
3. Verifying the Network Connectivity
To verify connectivity of your wireless network:- Click Start
- Computer and expand the ‘Network’ link to see other devices located the network.
- In case, if other attached devices such as computers and printers are found, you are finished.
- If you cannot see other computers, check the network interface configuration, make the necessary corrections and retest.
