Setting Up A Home Network: What Youll Need

Introduction

Having a home network can make life so much easier. Being able to access files and printers from any computer in your house, stream movies and music, and even control smart home devices are just a few of the benefits. But before you can start enjoying everything a home network has to offer, you need to set it up properly. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything I needed to set up my home network from start to finish.

Router

The core of your home network is a wireless router. This allows multiple devices to connect to the same network and access the internet. When choosing a router, look for the following features:

• Dual-band support – This allows connections on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. 5GHz offers faster speeds but less range, so dual-band gives you the best of both worlds.

• MU-MIMO technology – This allows a router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, improving overall speed. Look for at least 2×2 MU-MIMO.

• Gigabit ports – For fast wired connections, you’ll want Ethernet ports that support gigabit speeds. The more ports the better.

• Guest network support – This allows you to create a separate Wi-Fi network for guests that keeps them off your main network.

I went with the Netgear Nighthawk AX4 AX3000 for its fast WiFi 6 support, 4 gigabit ports, and ease of use. But any router that meets the above criteria should work well.

Modem

Your router needs a modem to connect to the internet. This converts the signal from your ISP into something your network devices can use. I opted for a stand-alone modem instead of a modem/router combo to give me more control. The Motorola MB7621 DOCSIS 3.0 model is a good budget option if your internet speed is below 600 Mbps. Otherwise, look for a DOCSIS 3.1 modem.

Ethernet Cables

To connect desktop PCs and other devices directly to your router, you’ll need Ethernet cables. Make sure to get Cat 5e cables or higher that support gigabit speeds. For most home uses, Cat 5e is fine, but Cat 6 offers more headroom for future upgrades. I recommend getting cables in a variety of lengths like 3 ft, 6 ft, and 10 ft.

Network Switch

If your router doesn’t have enough Ethernet ports for all your wired devices, add a network switch. This expands your available ports. An unmanaged gigabit switch with 5-8 ports is ideal for most homes. The TP-Link TL-SG108 is an affordable and reliable option.

WiFi Extender (Optional)

If your home is large or has dead zones, consider a WiFi extender. This picks up the signal from your main router and rebroadcasts it to expand the coverage. A mesh WiFi system is best for whole home coverage, but a simple single-band range extender like the TP-Link RE200 can help in problem areas.

Key Steps for Setup

Once you have the gear, follow these steps to set up your network:

1. Position your router centrally in your home for optimal coverage. Elevate it if possible.

2. Connect your modem to the router’s WAN/internet port.

3. Use Ethernet cables to connect stationary devices like desktop PCs and home theater components to the router.

4. Configure your router’s settings through its web interface. Set up your WiFi name, password, security, and guest network if desired.

5. Connect WiFi devices like laptops and phones to your main wireless network.

6. If needed, plug in WiFi extenders and connect them to your primary wireless network.

7. Set up router features like port forwarding, parental controls, and QoS as desired.

8. Perform speed tests to confirm your network is running correctly.

And that covers the key steps for getting your home network up and running! Let me know if you have any other questions.