Networking - Wired Networking

Within most households there is usually more than one computer as more people realise the possibilities of these fantastic multimedia devices. While on their own computers are immensely powerful, having the ability to connect to a network and share information between a series of computers adds another dimension to a computer system.

To network a series of computers, all you have to do is connect to the network using an ethernet cable via the ethernet port on the back of the computer to another port either on a router, network switch or another network port. Once connected up a user can then begin to take advantage of the features that a wired network has to offer.

Increased Power & Performance

By connecting to a network, a computer can share certain aspects with other computer systems on the same network. The aspects that can be shared include files and folders which means that rather than having a collection of the same music MP3s or video footage that exists on two different computers these can exist on one and be shared with everyone on the network.

Shared Internet Access

One of the major benefits of a home network is the fact that you can have one single internet connection, but allow anyone who is on the network access to it.

A router is very important as it will receive requests from all the computers on the network and will be able to action their requests independently and send the correct data back to the PC such as visiting a website on a browser.

Networking opens many possibilities. Whether you are setting one up for the office or home, as with all technology it is ever evolving to ensure that computer users have the advantage whether it be sharing the internet or networking a game over a local area network (LAN) between friends.