Since Microsoft released Windows for Workgroups, networking has become quite easy and very commonplace for most home computer users.  Everything that is needed to set up a home network is built right into the computer’s operating system which was installed in the machine.  All you have to do is turn it on and set it up.  If you happen to have Windows 95/98 setting up a network is a snap!

A home network is, simply put, a made up of set of hardware and also a set of software that will allow computers to communicate with each other.  A home network enable File sharing or using the same printer or other input and outputs instead of buying one for each available computer.

A home network functions in almost the exact same way as that used by a private businesses when a LAN or Local Area Network is created.  Designations, or IP addresses, as well as some that are catchy phrases that humans will remember are called host names and they know who everyone is as well as where everything is. Let’s say that 10.1.1.5 or Computer Jack sends a file to 10.1.1.6 or Computer Jill.  The hardware and software must cooperate with each other in order to know where and how to send the file from Jack to Jill.

This idea is much the same as that used by the post office.  There is an address associated with each home.  A letter that is sent from one home is routed to another by using that address.  Putting the return address on the letter is very important so the person knows where to respond. Also, if the letter gets lost, it will be sent back to the return address.  If there is no return address it just goes to the dead letter office.   Home computer networks work in much the same way.

The routing data is also known as ‘an envelope’.  This surrounds the data or the words on the letter. A home network comes in two main types:  cabled and wireless. In a cabled network different wire bundles which are known as Ethernet cables with connectors on each end plug into either a network interface card, or NIC, in the printer, fax, computer or into a switch/router.  Hubs or switches are simplified devices that allow physical connections between the components of a network.

A wireless network operates in much the same way.   The main difference is that there is no need for cables.  Small devices known as transceivers send and retrieve information by radio signals. Let’s say that you want two computers within a home network to both be able to print on the same printer.  Where would you even start to do something like that?  You can make this happen in two possible ways.  In one set up, the printer is physically attached to one of the computers.  The alternate set up connects the printer to the network and not to any individual computer;

With this first arrangement, the printer is called local, but shareable.  It is possible to allow a remote computer to print to the locally attached device.  Computer-Jack then just shares the printer by using software of the hosting system, Computer Jill. In most typical cases nowadays, the printer has its own NIC.  It is then attached to a router or switch by way of Ethernet cables or a wireless transceiver.  Then each computer on the network is able to ‘see’ the printer as a device that the computer can use.

Scanners, fax machines and other computers operate in pretty much the same way.  Every device receives an address and a name.  Software on the device allows it to be configured so that its function is accessible to multiple computers on the same network.




By: Joseph Nyamache

It wasn’t long ago that building a home network was something which was only done by IT professionals and serious geeks. The cost and difficulty made it hard for anyone else to do. But things have changed since then.

Now, the costs of the equipment are far lower. Wireless gear is about the same price as is cabled network equipment; and a length of Cat 5 Ethernet cable costs no more than does an audio cable. Routers were once hundreds of dollars but can now be had for very little money indeed. At the same time, speeds have increased.

Both wireless and cabled networks have gotten better. Wireless was once only something done as an experiment; almost anything could knock out your network and the distance of these networks was quite limited. These networks can now easily provide networking for a three story home (as well as for your neighbors if it isn’t secured).

The best part is that it’s not only the cost which has come down; it’s also easier than ever to set up. The equipment now available has better documentation which makes it easy even for the less than technically skilled to set up a home network. The configuration is far easier and tools to troubleshoot problems are also simpler than they once were.

Your average person also knows a lot more about computers than they did even a few years ago. Everybody uses email now and is aware of a few networking terms (HTTP, ping, etc.). Routers and IP addresses are no longer the sole dominion of nerds.

People are also much more aware of security issues than once was the case. Thousands of pages have been written about fraud and identity theft due to poor computer security, making people better informed about the issue. While they may not follow every security procedure recommended by experts, they are at least aware of the risks. Most of us have had a computer virus by now, so we all know why it’s important to protect our computers and home networks.

The biggest problem for many people is simply familiarizing themselves with the technical terms involved in networking; NICs, protocols and so on. Once that barrier is overcome, it’s pretty easy to do the rest. Internet connection sharing, once a difficult task is a simple matter today – there is a little research, maybe a little troubleshooting and you’re good to go.

So if you’re interested in building a home network, then get going and start connecting all of those computers in your home together. You’ll easily be able to set up file and print sharing. You won’t need to pass files in your household via email and CDs. You’ll have better security and you’ll be able to do all the stuff which only the pros could do a few years ago; that’s the best part of all.

 




By: Joseph Nyamache

Drive up and down any neighborhood with a Laptop and wireless network card and chances are very good there is an unprotected wireless network waiting for anyone to connect. Imagine the hacker or your neighbor who has been using your connection and possibly capturing all data being transmitted over the Network. Your Email, Bank and Credit Card account information vulnerable and out in the open for anyone to steal.

If this sounds like your home wireless network, it’s time you put security in place and lock out unwanted guest. Beyond the oblivious security measures, changing and disabling SSID broadcast, turning off your wireless router when not is use, these 5 tips will secure a home wireless network in layers, and give the boot to even the most seasoned professional.

Tip #1 – Do Not Use DHCP – Using DHCP is very convenient, especially for intruders. DHCP automatically hands out IP addresses to any who successfully connects to your Network. When disabled, every computer or device must be manually assigned an IP address. All computers, printers and devices on your network will need to be manually configured with static IP addresses. The threat of just handing out access is eliminated and you gain more control over who can connect to the network.

Also consider changing the router local IP address to something other than 192.168.1.1 that most wireless routers are configured by default. Use an address of 10.0.0.x for the router and for assigning IP addresses to devices on your network. Changes to the defaults set by the router manufacture will help keep intruders guessing and keep them off the network.

Tip #2 – Change The Router Default Password – While this may seems like the most logical task when setting up a wireless router, many people ignore changing the password. You will be surprised how many people think just using encryption on their wireless network will prevent someone from gaining access to your router.

With router vendors using well known default passwords such as admin for Linksys, Dlink and Netgear, encryption will not stop intruder access to the administration interface and gaining access to more than just your Network.

Best practice is to change your password using a complex password. If your name is Joseph, you can easily mix alpha, numeric, and special characters to make a password you will never forget such as J0s3ph!r0ut3r*

Tip #3 – Implement The Strongest Form Of Encryption – This can potentially be the weak point of your Network, since wireless signals transmit over the airways. A hacker does not need to be connected to the Network to steal data. Use the highest encryption available. such as WPA-Personal or WPA2 with a long pass phrase mixed with alpha,

numeric and special characters. Ignore anyone who advises you to at least use WEP, which is a very weak form of encryption.

WEP (wireless encryption protocol) is one of the earliest form of encryption and the easiest to break. You will be at risk by not upgrading to a better wireless router, that offers newer encryption technology. If you run a home business, or use online banking, there is no excuse to protect your self by making a small investment for security.

Tip #4 Enable MAC Filtering: A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique identifier, similar to fingerprints for people. MAC’s are assigned during the manufacturing of a network device, such as a network card or Wireless adapter. Enabling MAC Filter allows you to control which wireless-equipped Computers may or may not communicate with the Router depending on their MAC addresses and not allow any Computers that have not been added to the list.

Tip #5 – Secure Your Computer – Gaining access to your home network from your router is not the only entry point that exists. The sites you visit and protocols used, if not trusted, can be an invitation to theft of identity.

What do I mean by protocol? An example of a protocol is HTTP, HTTPs, FTP, etc. When creating username and passwords on websites such as financial related sites should always use HTTPS. These sites may need to install Java applets or ActiveX controls which could contain malicious code that can create a backdoor into your network remotely.

Make sure the site is authentic by verifying the certificate used and never respond to emails that claim account information is needed. Avoid being tricked into thinking it is your financial institute or site where you made a credit card purchases. Antivirus and Spyware software should always be up to date as well as making sure your Computer has the latest patches installed.

Protecting your home today involves more than just deadbolts and alarms. With technology creeping into your house in the form of wires, cables and airways, securing your personal data today involves, information, knowledge and good common sense.




By: Mike Boyd