A home network is the network in the residential area designed for communication between digital network devices that are used in the home in terms of personal computers. It includes printers and other computer devices. The most significant function of home computer networking is internet access and other resources sharing.

There are two methods for home computer networking: wireless connection and LAN cable. While establishing a home network infrastructure via a LAN cable, you need to physically connect two or more personal computers. It helps you to share the internet connection and information without being manually connected to a specific network. The major limitation of a LAN cable network is that it requires a lot of cables for a connection. A wireless connection only needs a wireless router and a wireless card for a network connection.

To set up a home computer network you require a few things:

• A switch or router (wireless router for wireless connection)
• LAN Wires together with RJ-45 adapters
• Network plugs or adapters on each computer system you wish to link

There are a few things you must know to set up a home computer network. If doing a LAN cable setup, you need to measure the cable length starting from the router to the computers.  You must use these cables as short as you can because the cable length has a great influence on the strength of your signal.

Mapping the Layout

 A common type of home computer network is the Ethernet wired network. For this network setup, you are required to map the physical layout of the home network devices you want to use in your network. These include cables, computers, routers or switches. First, you should ensure that your printers, computers, and other gadgets are in close proximity. Secondly, you need to pick a convenient location for both your modem and router. While installing the cable between devices, no to lay your cable over the room floor, thus allowing for an accident or other hazard to happen.  Try to keep your cable off the floor, but if it must be on the floor, make sure it is away from high traffic areas where a person can trip on the cable.

Purchasing the Router

When you search for home internet modems make sure that you check all options which are compatible to your home PCs and other network gadgets you have at home. Many network routers only support three or four devices or computers. If you have a large system, you should buy a router that supports all these devices. You can also buy a network hub to connect multiple computers to one network.

Network Connections

Ensure that you obtain RJ-45 Ethernet wires in accurate length for your home network setup. You will require one wire for each computer to connect to a network router and one cable for router connection to the modem.  

When all devices are attached, you need to run the network setup wizard. It is easy to find this wizard in a Windows operating system.  It is located in-network section> control panel. By running the network wizard, you can make a workgroup wherein your can share different resources like printers, files and applications over your home network software.  Additionally, you will be able to share records throughout your own home circle.