Would you like to set up a home network? You should know that beforehand!

Almost every household today needs a good internet connection. The presence of several connected devices such as computers, smartphones, Smartwatches, It makes tablets, televisions, and game consoles practically mandatory. So now you have to set up your own home network, but that seems very complicated at first glance. But it doesn’t have to be like that! In today’s article, we’re going to introduce you to the basics of home networking and the different types of internet connections.

Setting up a home network is easier than you think

But first, you need to make a decision about what type of internet connection is best for you

What types of home network connections are there?

After signing a contract, your chosen Internet provider offers you access to the World Wide Web and a main network device – usually a router. From there, you’ll need to hook up any other devices you own to it yourself. Then comes the tricky question: what type of home network is best for your household’s needs? Cable network (LAN), wireless network (WLAN) or powerline? All three options have their own advantages and disadvantages, which we will also focus on in the next few lines. Just read on!

LAN vs WLAN vs PowerLAN: What do you choose?

Set up your home network via cable LAN

LAN (Local Area Network) basically describes a group of devices that are connected to one another via network cables and the LAN ports of a router. However, to be able to connect to the Internet, you need another port – WAN. On each router, that particular port is separated from the others and often marked with a different color. It is used to actually connect the router to the internet and share that connection with all devices connected to it.

Advantages and disadvantages: The classic LAN connection is reliable and fast. The network cables are shielded and less susceptible to interference, which can reduce the quality of the transmitted signal. However, many modern mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and some laptops no longer support this internet connection. Another disadvantage, of course, is that the cables are not particularly aesthetically pleasing. To hide them completely, you will have to route them into the walls, which will leave unsightly holes and will not be an option for renters. This is one of the main reasons why offices mainly use LAN connection.

For most modern devices and gadgets, a LAN connection is no longer an option

However, almost all office computers still have LAN ports

Set up a wireless home network

WLAN is very similar to the LAN type of home network, but with one big difference. No cables are required to connect devices between devices. Instead, so-called 802.11 network standards are used, which are typically referred to as Wi-Fi.

Wireless devices have no connectors, just antennas, which are often hidden inside the housing. To a wireless wifi connection a base station and a Wi-Fi client are required. The base station, or wireless access point, is the central device that sends a radio signal that Wi-Fi clients can connect to. The Wi-Fi client is a device that can recognize the signal output from the base station. All modern devices already have built-in wireless adapters for this.

With a good Wi-Fi connection, you can surf the Internet even from the garden

Advantages and disadvantages: The wireless network uses radio waves and does not require cables. While this sounds great at first, wireless networks often suffer from limited range due to structural elements of the building and interference from other devices.

The good news is that many of these problems can be resolved by careful planning while setting up the network. It is a good idea to place the router as centrally as possible in your home. It should be about the same distance from any room in which you want to use wireless internet. Also consider adding something called an extender or booster to your home network. These are small and relatively inexpensive devices that capture and amplify your router’s signal, thereby improving the range of the connection.

When setting up a home Wi-Fi network, placement is essential

Test the speed at various points in the house using the app

Set up a home network via powerline

A home powerline network, also known as PowerLAN, uses the power line to carry the signal. All you need is a powerline adapter that you connect to the power outlet and connect to the devices using a network cable. No additional adjustments or assemblies are required. The best part is that you don’t have to run any extra cables into the walls.

However, the Powerline home network is not without its disadvantages. For example, if you have multiple devices in different rooms that need an internet connection, you will also need additional adapters. The good ones are not particularly cheap. They also don’t work really well when plugged into a power strip.

Ideal for small apartments, student rooms and on the go

Carefully consider the different types of home network connections and choose the right one for your household, depending on your needs and available devices.

So you can take your home network with you wherever you go