A basic home network diagram consists of a router with a built-in modem and an access point from the Internet Service Provider (ISP). These routers typically allow up to four devices to be connected using a network (UTP) cable. Network design is the practice of planning and designing a communications network, starting with identifying business and technical requirements. The best home networks use both wireless and wired networking methods, with broadband routers being the centerpiece.
To set up a home network, one must evaluate hardware components, compare wired vs. wireless devices, and connect wired client devices. A home network diagram is a schematic drawing of a home network layout that helps plan and determine the best layout for the network. A mesh system consists of multiple router-like devices called nodes, which help create a seamless, unified Wi-Fi network.
To design a network, one must write down network design requirements, choose necessary devices, decide on the type of network topology, and map out the network. A mesh system is a good design for a medium-sized home network, with two switches deep and following a star pattern rather than a cascade one.
In summary, setting up a home network involves understanding hardware components, managing network performance and security, and choosing the right network topology. A home network diagram is a visual representation of a group of computers, devices, and systems interconnected either wirelessly or through a star pattern.
📹 How-to Design and Configure a Home or Small Office Network
This video is the follow-up to my recent ASUS RT-AX89X Internet & Wireless Router router review, and my Tutorial on Subnetting …
How do I create a simple computer network?
A computer network is a collection of interconnected devices, such as computers, servers, routers, and switches, that can communicate and share resources. They can be as small as a few devices at home or as vast as global data centers that power the internet. They facilitate the exchange of data, enable remote access to resources, and support collaborative work. A computer network can be a single location, like a home or office, or a large enterprise.
To establish a robust computer network, connect the modem and router to a power source and turn it on. Connect computers and other devices to the router’s LAN ports using Ethernet cables. Gaining in-depth knowledge through CompTIA training programs offered by Eccentrix is essential for establishing a robust computer network.
How can I create my own network at home?
A home network system is a group of devices connected to a single network and each other, including computers, printers, mobile devices, and game systems. These devices can be connected via cable for wired connections or wirelessly through Wi-Fi. A home network allows simultaneous communication and management of security settings for all networked devices from one place. Each network uses two types of IP addresses: private and public. A private IP address, assigned by the router, allows devices to communicate within the network.
A public IP address, provided by the internet service provider, represents the entire network and is essential for internet connections. The setup process depends on the type of network you want – wired or wireless. Both types typically require a modem, a router, an Ethernet hub or cables, and access points. Each of these elements contributes to the home network, ensuring a secure and efficient communication environment.
How to create a LAN network?
The article provides an 8-step guide on LAN setup and configuration, which includes identifying network services and resources, selecting and preparing networking devices, planning network architecture, configuring IP addressing, cable and connecting devices, initial testing, monitoring and managing, and documenting the network. It emphasizes that setting up a LAN can be a secure and efficient task for anyone, with the right guidance and systematic approach.
It emphasizes the importance of being aware of devices, networking hardware, and network connectivity options, planning the approach beforehand, and ensuring a healthy and secure network before and after setup.
Can I create my own internet network?
You can create your own internet service provider (ISP), especially in rural or remote areas where high-speed internet is scarce. These local or regional ISPs often operate on fixed-wireless networks or close-range satellite systems. Some smaller cities have taken on the responsibility of providing internet service by creating free or subsidized municipal internet networks. To start an ISP, you can create a regional wireless internet service provider (WISP), which uses radio towers and close-range antennas.
WISPs are ideal for providing internet to rural communities at speeds fast enough to accommodate gaming, streaming, and working from home. To advocate for better broadband service, you can consult the community guide to advocating for better broadband service and learn about the best broadband cities in the world.
How to build a good computer network?
The process of designing a network involves identifying the design requirements, choosing necessary devices, deciding on the type of network topology, mapping out network connections, creating a plan for successful implementation, simplifying, securing, and documenting the design. Network design is crucial for organizations as it allows for multiple computers to be connected and exchange data simultaneously.
It is essential for organizations to ensure their network design is suitable for their needs, as it allows for smoother computer tasks and efficient business operations. The five key steps for designing a network include:
- Write down the design requirements.
- Choose necessary devices.
- Decide on the type of network topology.
- Map out network connections.
- Create a plan for successful network design implementation.
In summary, network design is a crucial aspect of IT infrastructure planning and implementation, ensuring smoother computer tasks and efficient business operations.
How to set up a LAN at home?
To set up a LAN network at home, you need a router and Ethernet cables. Connect all devices to the router using Ethernet cables and configure its settings to enable LAN connectivity. Configure devices to ensure they are set up for LAN connectivity. To ensure network security, change the default login credentials, enable WPA2 encryption, change the default network name and password, disable remote management, use a strong password, regularly update router firmware, avoid connecting to public WiFi networks, and protect devices with antivirus software.
How do I create a personal network?
A personal network is a group of contacts one person has, which can be used to grow in their career. It is essential to maintain a strong and dedicated network, which can lead to new opportunities and mutually beneficial relationships. Regular contact, attending networking events, following up with contacts, offering help, getting connected on social media, collaborating on projects, asking for advice, and choosing the right people are all ways to build and use a personal network.
By nurturing these connections, individuals can create mutually beneficial relationships with those around them, which can lead to new professional opportunities. By focusing on building and using a strong personal network, individuals can find new career opportunities and foster mutually beneficial relationships with those in their network.
How to design a LAN?
This article discusses common LAN design principles and best practices for creating and maintaining an efficient and effective local area network (LAN). These principles include identifying your needs and goals, choosing the right topology and architecture, selecting appropriate devices and technologies, implementing network segmentation and addressing, following network standards and protocols, and monitoring and maintaining your LAN. A well-designed LAN can improve performance, security, reliability, reduce costs, and complexity. The article is collaborative and invites expert contributions to be featured.
How to build a LAN network?
The article provides an 8-step guide on LAN setup and configuration, which includes identifying network services and resources, selecting and preparing networking devices, planning network architecture, configuring IP addressing, cable and connecting devices, initial testing, monitoring and managing, and documenting the network. It emphasizes that setting up a LAN can be a secure and efficient task for anyone, with the right guidance and systematic approach.
It emphasizes the importance of being aware of devices, networking hardware, and network connectivity options, planning the approach beforehand, and ensuring a healthy and secure network before and after setup.
How to set up a home network diagram?
To create a network diagram, select a template, name the diagram, remove unnecessary elements, add components, name items, draw connections, add a title, and share the diagram. Use Lucidchart’s online tool to create a digital version of the diagram, which includes all necessary icons and images. If the template doesn’t match your design, you can easily delete existing elements. To create a network diagram, log in to your account or sign up for a free trial.
Select a network diagram template in the Documents section by clicking on the orange +Document button. Double-click on the Network Diagram template.
Name the diagram by typing the name in the text box and clicking OK. The name of your diagram will appear in the top left corner of the screen.
What is the best topology for a home network?
Star topology is a prevalent network topology system in which each node is connected to a central network device, such as a hub, switch, or computer. This centralized configuration is conducive to user-friendliness, reliability, and straightforward management. However, the system is highly dependent on the hub, as a failure could result in the failure of all connected devices.
📹 Home Network For Beginners – What You NEED And How To Hook It ALL Up | E01
This is a new series focusing on setting up a home network for people that aren’t very techy. We’ll run through the options of cable …
Laying is out on a table like this really helps with the visual of what is taking place. I saw a Canadian fellow’s tutorial on wiring a 3-way switch done the same way on a upright fake wall, so all the wiring was exposed giving an example of what is going on and how the wiring works. Very, very helpful from both of you!!!
Wow, finally a series that speaks my language! As someone who’s always been a bit intimidated by the tech jargon, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this. Your step-by-step approach is exactly what I need to set up my home network without feeling lost. Looking forward to learning more and maximizing my setup. Keep up the great work!
Steve, really nice break down of getting an initial network working, along with keywords that you explained very well. Looking forward to your ongoing coverage. I’m looking at getting a T Mobile setup, if the service ever arrives where I line, but they mention that port forwarding may be an issue. Does this hinder home automation in anyway? Thanks
I’m back, hey bud if you remember i was the guy who said this last week (as soon as you opened up the door with all types of internet wires etc i knew this article wasn’t for me). Lol i find myself right back to looking at your articles, this time you did excellent bro i appreciate this article, youeven showed us how to connect the devices to the service coming in from your at&t modem correct. Now my question is is that a fiber connection because i have a fiber system coming into the house which connects to their l8ke 9 inch grey router. Thats my concern. Because I didn’t hear you mention a fiber system you have. I’m highly interested in purchasing the 2 pack Deco AXE54000 like you have, but adding a third mesh later. Actually i have a Deco AC12000 old mesh i might add for now until i ca. Get a better model. I was looking at the axe49000. But let me know about your fiber connection if you do have one please & how i can connect to it with a Deco Mesh Router like yours. Thanks again.
I don’t know about other companies but I like TP-Link and there tether app makes setting everything up very easy. Very nice app like I already know everything there is to know about the internet and home networks but I thought there app was really nice easy to use and good for beginners. You can also program the routers and extenders and update them from the app as well.
I don’t have cable. I get internet through my phone. I have a “mango” router that repeats my phone’s hotspot. I have an ethernet cable running to a switch. From the switch are two ethernet cables running to two Linux computers. The WiFi on the router covers the whole house. It is a pretty simple setup and my internet is only $25 a month.
Steve, What Fiber modem do you have? I have AT&T Fiber and have the only thing they claimed that they provided, a BGW320-500 Gateway. Anyway I had to put it into IP Passthrough mode and they connected it to my Netgear Nighthawk Mesh system. I have used the Passthrough mode before but it is somewhat easier with a modem instead of a Gateway. You claim you have the modem and was wondering what model number that is and that if AT&T provided it. Thanks
It helped me help to understand how the basic network system works. I want to ask if there is any way of ‘prioritising’ or having QoS enabled for gaming? I am looking buy a proper modem for my fibre network – then router that can connect mesh system + switch (ethernet separately) I am looking to use ethernet for two devices and mainly for gaming; ps5 and pc is there any way I can proritise these devices or it is down to the router I choose? at my current setup I have high speeeds but other devices are ‘stealing’ it so while I am gaming I tend to have low ping but the game isn’t smooth, I have drops it looks like the packets are lost.. what can I do I don’t wanna fall into trap of buying ‘gaming router’
Overall the article was good, however that At&t box is a RG (Residential Gateway) which a Router, Wireless Access Point, and Switch built into one device. Some RG’s also have DSL and/or Cable modem build into them. At&t uses either DSL or a Fiber connection and not cable. FYI – your At&t RG already has firewall, dhcp and wireless access point built in. Please make sure you flat bridge your At&T RG by turn off the dhp server and wireless access point to avoid dhcp conflicts on your network and unnecessary wireless interference from having two wireless access point’s running at the same time.
So you don’t use the cable modem/router from AT&T to do any heavy lifting routing, instead having the Deco and extended switch to power everything? or you use both? because I can see you have things (security device?) plugged into the AT&T router as well as the using the massive switch too. Would that be too much signal hopping between two routers?
These articles are GREAT, I currently have a network setup and running and I’m pretty happy with it, But I would like to know your feelings on Static IP address’s. I have several computers around the house and my work shop and I need to be able to share files and printers. My problem is that occasionally the IP’s get rest or drop and then I have to hunt down the IP and reset the shortcut I have for each workstation.
Is it possible to have a closed, private home wifi without internet service? To still have phone access to view wifi cameras, control wifi outlets, etc. on the property. When: 1. Lakhouse/camping/RVing without internet. 2. Have internet but it’s down. Like Wifi-Direct? I don’t care about accessing the internet, just my home wifi items. I have solar IP cameras that don’t hit servers.
I’m about to set up a network with Ethernet cables from a switch coming off our router. My question is…Do I add additional switches in each room and have one main cable from the router to that room or run multiple cables to each room? If additional switches can be used are they the same as the original with fewer ports? Thank you for your help!
Australia, with our glass fibre network nationwide. My ISP (TPG) fire several years provided the latest router modem, which connects to Federal government’s glass fibre network. The ISP router modem had fast obvious WiFi, allows UpTo four extra RJ14 cable devices, plus one USB cable device. This USB cable device could be an externally 5v powered hub, with portable USB drives, to be shared on the home network. This two bedroom unit can be faster sometimes with another modern router, cable connected to the ISP modem router. However all the three modem routers never inbuilt WiFi network links. The government’s router only had slow and limited 4G WiFi. The other two modem routers offer also the much faster 5G WiFi networks.
Higher bandwidth is better as WIFI would reduce as speed as distance from modem increases, even with mesh network speed reduces due to thick walls. More mesh devices leads to increased switching among mesh devices which leads to dropped calls with wifi calling and internet app calling. Only way is to properly design ethernet connectivity across the home.
I have Giga fiber with AT&T and get free HBO Max all for 79.99 and more then happy with there speed. I also set-up my home network with wired cat 6 expanded thru-out my home. I am using a Ubiquiti Unifi pro. I am not a network novice but found you because I am trying to setup my pc to be able to share photos, files, and articles on with my wife’s pc as well as my iPad. This is my weak area of networking and hopefully perusal your content will help me.
The most advanced networking I’ve done is building a fully air gapped network between my Retro gaming machines in my room and setup in my retro gaming space in the basement, slash setting up a usb 3 HDD as a network shared drive for file sharing and so I don’t have to copy all my Game discs ISOs to each machine.
Thank you… I bought 2 – w3600 (2-x18) for $38 so wiring into a switch as you explained will help me extend through my house wired…. I have been using a regular router and have 2 other routers added to it… they work great but I find having to change the network a pain PLUS I have dead spots…. I do have a few 2.4g devices only so hopefully that will all save me from checking to see which WAP has the best strength…. LAST question, can these daisy chain together… if I am 25′ out can I plug into the unit and extend to another unit?
Hi all General question I work from home and have 2 remote jobs One work, provided an aruba router (I believe they use this for their VPN service for me to connect to). I also need a split ethernet connection to the other work laptop, for this i’m using an ethernet dongle adapter. My wall connection is a direct line to my att box, so it’s a single line and I’m splitting it. However, my laptop isnt’ getting ethernet connection. I have a feeling it has a IP interference since the split connection is coming from an aruba router / AP. Am I in the right ballpark? Would an actual switch ( not a dual port splitter) work better to avoid an IP conflict? Thanks!
I would like to know what is the best mesh system for a small cottage, but I would like to use a satellite device in our garage that is about 50 ‘ away. It is about 800 sqaure feet cottage and not alot of devices, I just have a couple hue lights, an echo one tv that we stream using FUBO and I’d like to add a camera or two
My thoughts… hard wired internet to devices is typically always better than wireless. Wireless isn’t the end all superior device, it’s just easy and gets people excited. This is good to note to viewers. Hardwire whenever possible! At least for today’s tech anyway. It’s also more secure. Hard to hack when you have to plug in. Also, you describe “cable” modem. I think of cable as being coax, but a cable can be many different things. Cat wire, copper, fiber and others can be hard wired means of getting internet. Internet comes to our home in 2 ways, wireless or wired. These are obvious but I can give you a list of noobs that don’t understand any of this. Thanks for the article
Great article as I just bought a eero 6+ system! However I could not get my other LAN port from existing modem to work once the eero is connected via LAN port. I see that you not only connecting your wifi mesh via LAN on modem but also other stuffs has connected directly to the modem via LAN?. Just wondering once the modem is connected to a wifi mesh, does the rest of the LAN port still works? I was hoping to connect my pc directly to modem and then wifi mesh to modem at the same time if that works.
I noticed you have additional connections running to your cable modem. How do you connect a second router to your cable router and configure it (a seperate home network not dependent on the primary router))? I want to try and experiment upgrading to a Ubiquity dream router while maintaining my existing WIFI router setup as I do considering I have more than 30 devices connected to my home network at any given moment and switching over in one day is not on the table.
Thanks for the very detailed article, I’m just about to start up a proper home network and this has really pointed me in the right direction, I do have one question, I have to use my ISP all in one modem, router and 4 port switch, what I’m wanting to do is go into it and disable the wifi bands go out fro the ISP all in one into a wireless router then out from the aftermarket wireless router into a switch for my cabled devices it looks like you have done something similar
This is definitely not how I would explain a home network for a beginner. A beginners goal is just to have internet connectivity that covers their home. This most likey means wireless. Talking about switches and running cable is a more intermediate level. The first step for a beginner is finding out what sort of a device the ISP provides. Do they provide just a modem. Do they provide a router. In many cases the ISP will provide a combination device that functions as a modem and a router. After a beginner determines what the isp provides. They may or may not need to buy router. The next step is to find out how coverage your wireless network covers of your home. A beginner can do this by connecting their cell phone to the wireless network and walking around their home. If you need more signal strength. The ISP may have extenders/boosters available. If not one of the many wireless nest network kits will work. Thats all a beginner needs. A lot of what is brought up in the article is the next step after someone is a little more familiar with networking.
Excellent, absolutely the best home network vids on Youtube, very clear, easy to follow, and easy to understand direction and information. You’re spot-on with giving names and meanings to everything. Your articles met me right where I am – ground zero! Many other well-intended folks start right out the gate rattling off names of equipment and processes that leave me behind since I don’t have a long exhaustive terminology list established to begin working from. Thx, BK
This is a great tutorial on setting up a home network. I don’t know a lot about networks, but this helps clear the fog. I’m currently trying to set up a PLEX and general file sharing server. I have a Cisco C240 M4 server with 120TB but that’s way overkill for my needs so instead I’m using a Lenovo SFF computer with a 6TB HDD and running Win10. Maybe in the future I’ll add a simple RAID setup.
Steve, I might just be your newest subscriber and biggest fan. I am definitely not a tech guy, so I appreciate you brother. Thanks for your website. Quick question: Can this be done better or differently? I have Verizon 5G internet service to my house. The receiver has been opened up to disable its router function and allow it to act as a pass through (Verizon’s words, not mine). So I have the Verizon’s receiver Ethernet out plugged into a router with a network name. Let’s say the name of the network is RockyAir. Then I have an older Google WiFi puck plugged into the router and I also named that network RockyAir. I have two other pucks placed around the house. Into one of those, I have an 8 port switch and into that I have plugged one Google Nest WiFi pod. And that network is also named RockyAir. Then I have three additional Google Nest pods (from a four pack) placed throughout my home. Mostly to get WiFi to the extreme ends of the house where I have Ring motion light cams setup outside those corners. Is having the same network name on all my WiFi devices a good or bad idea or does that not matter. Honestly, I just want my devices to connect automatically to one network name. PS – everything is working fine and I have no connectivity issues. Just want to know if there’s a better way to do this. Thanks in advance brother.
I just did a speed test on my phone and got just over 500mb/s on 5G (just data). I pay £12/month for unlimited everything. If i stuck my SIM in an LTE router, I’m sure it would go even higher💀 Think it’s time to get myself a very affordable LTE wi-fi setup. (If you’re wondering, I’m in the UK and use Smarty as my provider, which I think is 02 or Vodaphone). Either way, you can’t go wring with these virtual providers.
Helpful article but some things confused me. The described system surely will have 2 different wi-fi addresses, one from the AT&T modem/router and one from the mesh system. Is that correct. Also you describe expanding the wired network by adding a switch to the mesh primary unit. What is the difference between doing this or just expanding, with a switch, the ports on modem which I notice aleady has things connected. Thanks David
I am moving to a new house and currently own one “TP-Link Talon AD7200 Multi-Band Wi-Fi Router” as well as 3 “Linksys WHW0101 Velop Whole Home Mesh WiFi System”. The house is quite big and was wondering if i connect the 3 Velops via ethernet cables to the TP link, will it be one connection across the whole house and nodes being used as extenders??? Is setting it up easy?? Sorry if question sounds dumb and thanks in advance guys
I can’t find the answer anywhere so fingers crossed someone knows and can tell me. I’m Australian soo we have NBN just to make things fun. My set up is NBN to TP-Link Archer AX3000. From there I have a TP-Link Deco S7, a switch and my security cameras. From the Deco S7 I have another one wired to it that’s in my shed (30 metres away, not always the most stable connection but it usually works). From the switch I’ve got a 3rd Deco S7 and the TV. This article makes me think I need to move the switch to the NBN box or, possibly, move everything from the AX3000 to the switch. And should I have the Deco set up as AP mode because it still shows the one (which I selected during set up) as the main one which is direct connected to the AX3000, the Tether app doesn’t show the Deco as satellite devices and the Deco app seems to think it’s the only player here even though it’s currently set up in AP mode or doesn’t it show the router it’s connected to in that mode? I think my brain just exploded.
honestly i got 3 4K TV’s running Netflix and youtube on 2 computers 4K + run a server for a couple of games up to 10 players on at once on 60mbps down and 10mbps up you really don’t need much, no issues i did just upgrade to 1gbps mostly because i actually saved $10 a month to get more so why not. only bummer is the router they give you barely does 1gigabit or 940mbps so i probably have to go buy one.
Excellent introduction to hime wifi!! Thanks. I get everything youre talkingvabout but wondering the mesh devices. I already have a ca le modem with built-in wifiDHCP etc. With your experience with the nesh devices, given that i already have wifi, could i just get away with two devices wirelessly connected? In other eords, thryde essentially be wifi extenders. They wouldnt lijeky have dny thing plugged into them anyway, not that that matters Tx.
Alsk i have none of that stuff you setup in your place, yes I’m the guy you can say is a Full beginner for real. But I’m interested in buying a good system because i do have multiple cameras and tv’s 3 laptops & a house alarm, no gaming or Alexa’s or smart lighting, plain normal Rural home living. Some say i don’t need an expensive or strong system like that, but i believe i do though, I just want to make sure my system is updating correctly and up to date with the years changing systems. Whats your take Steve.
Helpful article! A specific question for my set up…Im in Australia. I’ve got a modem with one UNID port receiving internet that I pay for. Outside of the modem there are 5 Ethernet ports as well as ports all over the apartment. My question is how can I know which Ethernet ports match up? Are the ports doing the same job as a switch would have done, in that they’re all connected together, or is it one for one?
I was hacked via Bluetooth deauth packets and this is so overwhelming lol. I’ve spent 2 weeks researching networking and upgraded my modem to a docsis 3.1 and Asus rt ax3000. I’ve setup everything but have been worried about connecting smart lights, Alexa dots, blink cameras etc. I was told to set up a guest Network for my iot devices but still don’t trust my knowledge yet. I’m on a budget but will buy a switch or pfsense hardware.
I have fiber optic Internet and pay for 1000 MBPS through frontier, and my line speed is a bit over 900 MBPS when I do a Speedtest and that’s where the router and the First eero Pod is, I have three more of those eero pods throughout my small house and each area is drastically lower when I do a speed test. I’ve heard that the router should be bridged and everything should be meshed together, even though the speed that I’m getting in the other rooms is sufficient for what I’m perusal on TV. I’m just curious if the pods were meshed together will my speed increase because this is what I’m paying for? Any advice would really be appreciated, thank you! Also, I called Frontier, and when I questioned them about bridging and meshing the pods they had no answer for me. All they wanted to do was Sell me an all home Wi-Fi system..
Hello, I like your article, basic step’s. I have a friend who doesn’t want internet in his home but still wants to use a Wi-Fi system only. Mostly for a home article system. I think it can be done with a simple Wi-Fi Router with a Base 250GB usb stick but that take a bit more thought with out internet. Do you have more information on the subject…
I thought the router can act as a modem, my deco mesh router plugs straight into the ONT optical network termination which is provided by the telecommunications lines company not my ISP. My ISP has offered to send me a free modem/ router, But if you Go through the settings on the deco it has 100s of network configurations for different countries including the new Zealand chorus fibre network, i click this setting and the internet starts working.
Hi I am in Australia is like to extend my wi fi to my garage I have a modern router supplied by our provider, I spend a lot of time in my garage and green house at back of our yard, f from our internet to garage is about 30 metres and my green house is about few metres from garage. How can I extend my Wi Fi to the garage to I can connect Wi Fi when I am in the green house, planning to install 240v power supply in the green house as well. Any help will be appreciated. Cheers from Oz.
I am quite supprised you are promoting mash networks.Especialy since you have ethernet running to every room of your house.Why dont you wire the access points ? Performance would be so much better.. Most houses i know can manage quite well with with a single AP. Guess you save some battery life on devices if you have multiple AP’s but speed is not better as you I am using UNIFI, when using mash network the network was very unstable. Since wired rock solid. Thanks for the article, always intressting to hear other ideas and to have some ideas for my own network
My system, we have our Modem, plugedd into that is a16 port switch. From that switch, I ran 1 wire to my computer room, one to the bedroom. One wire goes to MY 4K TV, and all the TV boxes from provider need a wire. I have another 3 devices on my TV that need internet, they have wires going to them. also my Home phone is wired in there
I dont have admin access to my providers cable modem and so I have issue with IPs with Home Assistant, it drops every day for my mobile devices on wifi which is a bit frustrating. Not sure the best way is to buy own modem and setup providers router (turn off wifi antenas -> lan cable -> my router with wifi) or would that mess the network..
Clearly, you based this article on cable set ups. You did mention the coaxial arrangement very briefly. Unfortunately where I live the only delivery system from the I SP is DSL. The ISP provided a DSL combo modem/router. I have the Orbi Wi-Fi 6 mesh hardware, which means I would have to turn off the router portion of the DSL modem/router. I want to minimize the use of cables and have everything connected via Wi-Fi. Maybe you can do a future article talking specifically about DSL set ups. Are used to have a giga blast with the fastest speed available where I live now is 40 Mb per second down. What a huge difference in the speed!
Nice! I am a semi tech nerd who has come to the retirement phase of my life which means cable cutting, and streaming is in m y future. So all I really need is the basic and I think what I’ve seen here will do just that! I am sure there will be bumps along the way but nothing I can’t overcome. Thanks for the information Steve! I hope I can drive some traffic your way!
Hi Steve, I like your article which showed clearly regarding internet set up for low tech people like me. I have spectrum modem and spectrum wifi 6 router. This WiFi doesn’t offer guest WiFi, so I want to buy a mesh WiFi in order to set up guest WiFi. I would like to know if I could connect mesh WiFi router directly to spectrum wifi router or do I have to connect to the modem only, and return the rental WiFi router back to spectrum? Also, do you have any recommendations for highly secure mesh with reasonable price? Thanks
Forgive me if this was explained already, but if you have one of the units that is too far to be supported with wifi in the mesh network, but you hardwire it to the main hub with an Ethernet cable via a switch then it should work as it’s own router and expand the wifi range to that dead zone, right? That’s how I’m picturing it but I know nothing
I’ve subbed and I’ll have to check the other articles. I’ve already got the mesh system set up. My question is what to do with older devices, IoT devices how to set up the network to get the full speed of the internet connection. Different options like trying to segregate devices on different networks, etc
One question, I’ve finally got round to wiring the whole house, but I read somewhere that it’s best to use the LAN output to connect to the switch. I currently have a similar set up to you where I have a switch connected to the ethernet port at the back of my router plus other devices connected to the remaining 3 ports at the back of my router. Will this cause issues and is it really the best method or should every cable ideally go through the switch?
I have a wireless router and I have laptops and smart tvs and smart phones on it.I want to set up a small network separate from my home wifi.I want to do this because I want to learn networking I plan on getting into the IT field.I wanted to know if I can use my home wifi router to bring my separate network to another part of the house.I have 2 pcs and 3 laptops to set up a small network.I want to install windows server from a virtual machine and put active directory on it.I would like to install a plex server to add music that I could naybe connect to away from home play songs on my mp3 player at work.I have a 8 port linksys workgroup switch would I have to purchase another router or use the mesh router you talk about in the article?
Steve, My husband and I are both retired on a fixed income. WIFI and Cable are through roof, we just can’t afford any longer. Are simply looking for internet & TV Streaming. We have ROKU, which allows us to have YouTube TV, Prime etc. Nothing major here, but do not know where to begin and be secure. Would Love to have your feedback. Thanks, L. Stocking
Use Hackers to do User-interface to sell products. Engineers failed the muster. Proposal = buy a bunch of products, put them all close-together, power all up, press the UPnP(haha) buttons, get the portable-computer to (“bluetooth”-pair all using 2.4ghz antennae). = unplug all, put them wherever you want, let the portable-computer(one intelligient processor instead of many), do signal-testing, signal-shaping, website-selection, frequency-selection(low-power 5ghz for home-backbone) over 3 days = find missing device by portable-computer tell you to walk in-between places to buy more… Alternative = Cheap uncertified(a lot cheaper) low-power(prevent signal-collision wifi relay lightbulbs.?
I just purchased a fast (3.5Gbs) SSD M2 2280 with 2Tb which works brilliantly in its Beikell Caddy! However, I just could not get it to network without host pc. Tried a USB powered connection and a dongle to adapt USB3=>Ethernet… needles say nada. Is there a cost effective way to add this storage to a home network WITHOUT PC?? Basically, once SDD is loaded up with apps etc., I’m looking to access the 2Tb data across all devices at home (Windows, Mac and Samsung)
Thank you, I appreciate your content. I want to learn all about networking. First, I want to begin by setting up and securing my home network. Next, I will like to work with hardware and software tools, troubleshooting the network; this too seems interesting and fun. Do you have a full complete network course, that will cover this information? I came across yourvideos (HNWB) playlist tonight. Again amazing, excellent job. Looking forward completing tomorrow.
So currently i am renting a Verizon Unlimited plan from the library here in my Township and i enjoy it alot is it possible to use a Ethernet compatible Hotspot device with a Router straight i plan on using Roku 2’s in the kitchen bedrooms bathroom and living room even the basement i like older CRT tv’s and would like to use this technique. so i can watch Netflix on My Shower article Monitor and my Other TV’s Good Luck i Like this idea 😄
I am new to setting up a Home Network, and still trying to figure out how everything works. My question…like some many folks I cut the cable….is how do I connect local digital broadcast (I use an antenna to receive these local websites), and internet (that I use to stream…like NetFlix)? Right now I use my TV remote to select which to view…the local websites (connected by the antenna) are connected to the TV thru the RG6 connection and then the streaming services are connected through the HDMI input. Do I have to use 2 different switches? One for streaming services, and another one for local digital broadcast websites? Or how would I connect both of these through one switch, if so how would I choose between streaming or local broadcast?
Hi Steve I have a question, I will be connecting my NVR to my provider wifi modem/router through a tp link switch and will be configuring my wifi camera on this network, but I need to place the wifi camera in a remote area outside where the signal is weak, what device should i use to boost the signal? I have seen that if I add a range extender this will create a different SSID and create its own network therefore my camera with the IP configured on the main wifi router would not be seen by the range extender as it is conffigured on the main network. How do you suggest I solve this problem?
Awesome article and very informative. I just had a question related to this. I have a Mac mini with a 2.5 gbps Ethernet dongle. I also have a 2.5gbps switch and also a 2.5gbps NAS. I will be receiving an upgraded internet connection soon that is 3gbps. I know that you will not get the full 3gbs But I’d love to get the 3gbs connection to my switch. Most of the mesh routers and regular routers have just one 2.5 port. I assume that you’d be plugging the internet into that but how would you then get that to the switch? Are there Wi-Fi routers with a 2.5 and and also an out? I’ve been looking, but it’s confusing. 😅
I’ve got my home network working fine as far as internet access, but I’d like to share files between computers in my network. It seems like every version of Windows that comes out makes it harder to share files across the home network. Sometimes it works for awhile, then it stops working after a few days. Maybe you could cover that in a future article.
I’m in the UK. My new home has CAT 5 wired throughout the house but is not connected up to anything apart from the wall sockets. The wiring terminates one floor up from the ground floor, and my service provider internet modem connection into the house is on the ground floor. What do I need to get and do to connect up everything without moving the modem?
Why do you keep calling it a cable modem? I thought you said you had fiber so that part was a little confusing. I don’t see any coax cable going to that modem. I see RJ11 phone wire which is either DSL or fiber to the house, converted to Ethernet, and then Ethernet to the modem. I’m an installation tech for AT&T and that looks nothing like the fiber ONTs we use in my market. It’s a white modem with a fiber cable plugging directly into the back
Question. I just moved to a new place. Ive been wanting to get fiber internet but apparently its not available at my new location yet till maybe the end of this year perhaps. If I want to purchase my own modem, should I get one thats compatible with 500mbit only which is around the best i can get right now, or can I get a 1gig moden and use that for now with the 500mbit service and then use that same one if I switch over to fiber?
So, my cable modem from my ISP has an integrated Wifi and Router. My internet covers my office, but not my house. From what I’m hearing, I should the ISP’s modem in bridge mode, buy a router and connect it to the router, then connect via ethernet to the house Access Point to my router. Do I have that right?
I got that deco x20 and it absolutely flies(i got gigabit fiber) specially compared to the router my ISP gave me(a tenda nova cheap ass router which didn’t even have good wall penetration) and now my whole house is covered and the minimum i get is like 100mbps in the neighbors sidewalk which is like 80-90 feet from the second node and there’s a thick concrete wall in the way as well
Great article thank you. I’m interested in learning more about the back hall concept. It looks like my house has a very similar set up like yours in the laundry room. I have a box in the wall and I added a switch like you did. But I’m interested in cleaning up my network further, and adding some back up here at the house. I bought a device called. Amber asked that I haven’t set up yet it’s supposed to back up everything off your phones and all that stuff automatically. Looking forward to perusal your other articles.
Thank you for this vid! It’s been years since I’ve had to set up something myself. We just moved into our new apartment, will definitely be playing and replaying these articles of yours for reference as I start building up our new home network!! Totally new to mesh network systems so thank you so much for making these articles!
VERY informative and your timing is perfect as I’ve just started the “journey” of setting up my own home network. Coincidentally, just yesterday, I purchased my first Mesh system and it happens to be the same line you had in your vid above (TP Link Deco), tho mine is the W2400 two pack, but look identical. And you were absolutely correct on the ease of setup…I did it yesterday (before seeing this article of yours) and I was AMAZED how easy it was. I kinda had a basic understanding of networks, but didn’t really know how to set one up…the TP Link was a “piece of cake” (now if their smart plugs were as easy…Am returning a 4 pack that 3 of 4 wouldn’t pair and going with ones that are “Matter” protocol. Will def be following your playlist on the Home Network subject. Thanks!
Under 9 minutes in and you’re still talking about what products you have and whatnot, that’s almost halfway through the article. I stopped perusal just to write this comment and suggest that in the near future maybe you can literally just get to the point of the article and less about unnecessary things. I’m sure you have a ton of informative material and yadda yadda yadda