How to network a home
Historically home broadband was accessed from a single device, usually a desktop PC shared by the whole family and located close to the broadband router. Broadband has become an integral part of our daily lives and the way in which we interact with our internet connections has changed. Wireless, or WiFi, has become the preferred method of connectivity with a myriad of popular devices now replacing the desktop PC. Broadband providers are ever advancing technology to keep up with demand from homes with multiple users and multiple devices. Whilst broadband routers have become more complex offering improved wireless connectivity there are limitations that need to be overcome with additional local networking within the home.
In this article we will provide top tips for home networking and offer insight into the various methods to network a home. We will also discuss combining technologies to overcome the individual challenges that are presented by the essential differences that our homes may have.
1) WIRELESS ROUTER
Every network must have a gateway which provides access to the internet and for most this will be their broadband router. Whilst the latest broadband routers have been improved to offer enhanced wireless connectivity and performance, they may not integrate well with other home networking equipment and in some cases may not include wireless at all. If your broadband router includes WiFi, you will need to do some research to find out if it is robust and utilises the latest iteration of wireless for best signal propagation and stability. Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will encourage their users to use the broadband router that they supply and for some this may be wise as most providers will typically only support the equipment that they supply. However, it can be hugely beneficial to replace your ISPs broadband router with something more capable or for a device that can be integrated with other networking devices more easily. Whilst your ISP will encourage you to only use their equipment, they will be able to advise which type of router you will need to purchase. Beyond wireless functionality there are two main types of routers, DSL (which has an RJ11/ phone connector WAN port) and cable (which has an RJ45/ethernet connector WAN port).
2) LAY OF THE LAND
Before committing to a particular home networking solution, it is recommended that you review the number of rooms that you wish to provide connectivity to and any obstacles that you will need to overcome. The number of rooms and the size of your property will largely dictate your approach and the type of technology you implement. Common obstacles to consider are the number of floors in your property and the construct of dividing walls. Most assume that traditional homes with brick or stone walls are the most difficult to network but modern homes with plasterboard walls can also present an issue. Modern homes are designed to be energy efficient and one way that this is achieved is the use of plasterboard with a foil backing that reflects heat back into a room, this foil backing can severely impact or completely block wireless signals. Other obstacles to consider are additional rooms or buildings that are not part of your main property such as detached garages, offices, or summer rooms. Most obstacles can be overcome but planning is essential.
3) HARD WIRED & WIRELESS
It is common for people to use a combination of wired & wireless connectivity within a home network. When we mention wires or wired networking, we are referring to Ethernet cables, there being two main types in use today, Cat5 and Cat6. Cat5 is more widely used but is being phased out in favour of Cat6. Cat5 ethernet cables can handle up to 1Gbps of bandwidth whereas Cat6 can handle up to 10Gbps, so if you are looking to future proof wired elements of your home network opt for Cat6. Wires are often used to connect wireless access points and range extenders, which is often necessary to bypass obstacles such as thick walls or to overcome long distances. Some people may wish to use wires to connect specific devices to their home network to avoid connection dropouts or to avoid any wireless interference. There is nothing wrong with using wires to supplement a wireless network and in some cases, it can be more reliable.
4) BUYING YOUR HOME NETWORKING KIT
By now you should have a good idea of the number of rooms, size of your property and the potential challenges and obstacles that you will need to overcome. With all of this in mind you should now start to research home networking equipment. Manufacturers will have detailed product overviews and specifications that you can overlay with your requirements to find a solution that best meets your requirements. Whilst it is not absolutely necessary, it is recommended that you stick to one manufacturer as this will improve compatibility and interoperability of the various elements of your home network. This may not be possible as some manufacturers have limited product ranges and you will potentially need to supplement with devices from another manufacturer. Always consider the support you will receive from manufacturers, sticking to well-known brands usually ensures quality support for the life cycle of the devices you purchase.
5) BUILDING YOUR HOME NETWORK
Now that you have everything you need to build your home network you will need to devise a plan for installation. It is recommended that you start with the elements of your home network nearest to your broadband router. You may wish to start by installing the wired elements, as whilst they can be the most time consuming to install, they will likely be the most reliable portions of your home network. Wireless devices can be quick to deploy but will require an element of trial and error to ensure that you optimally position them for best signal quality. Wireless range extenders in particular should be deployed with care. If you install a range extender too far from the original wireless signal or it simply does not have good coverage from the main wireless signal, you will end up with a bottle neck and poor performance or instability. Once you have fully deployed your home network it is recommended that you test connectivity and performance in each room as you may need to make some small adjustments for best results. With any plan, you may find that you require additional devices to improve your overall home network or to overcome any additional challenges or obstacles that present themselves during its deployment.
6) IS THERE AN EASIER WAY?
If you feel that home networking is overly complicated or if you are not tech savvy you can always find professionals or companies that specialise in home networking. When employing an individual or company be sure to discuss your full requirements and have a budget in mind. You can always add to a home network and so if your budget is limited you can always start with the key areas of your home and extend your network later. Alternatively, you may wish to consider mesh technology which is referred to as whole home networking and effectively creates a seamless wireless network throughout your home. To find out more about whole home networking mesh solutions, read our dedicated article here.
Whilst Freedomsat does not offer home networking solutions we are always happy to discuss your requirements and make recommendations. Existing Freedomsat customers are advised to reach out to either our sales or support teams to discuss further.