Home Networking - Overview

Back to Home Networking

Many homes have more than one computer. Recognizing this rapid growth in home computing power and observing the challenges that Cary Academy families face trying to provide computer and Internet resources for their children, the Cary Academy Technology Committee decided to undertake the task of educating our community about home networking.  This web site and project was first created in 2000 and since that time there have been amazing advances in the technology that is available for the home user at reasonable prices.  Probably the two most significant advances in the last couple of years have been the increased availability of high speed broadband Internet access (through cable or DSL) and wireless networking.

Why would I want a network?

If you answer YES to any of these questions, you may benefit from having a home network:

1. Do you have more than one computer, but only one scanner, printer, modem, backup device, DVD or CD burner, or broadband Internet access?
    

2. Do you have large files such as photos, videos or music that you would like to move easily between computers?
    

3. Do you have to wait in line to use the Internet?
    

4. Do you want to play multiplayer games with someone outside your home?
    

5. Do you have more than one phone line so you can still make phone calls while someone else is using the Internet?
    

6. Are you frustrated by the time it takes to download web sites and software from the Internet?
    

Home networking technology is exciting and fast paced. There are many hardware and software technologies for you to consider. Our goal is to show you that you can connect two or more computers in your home cheaply, easily and safely. We hope that you will make better use of your home computing technology, have more access to the resources you need, and maybe even save money.

Home networking is also beginning to encompass electronics beyond your computers, like refrigerators, stereos and video equipment. These are great technology advances, but this web site will focus solely on home computer networks.

We will attempt to give you the basics of home networking in this web site. Here you will find the answers to the following questions:

• Why would I need a home network?

• How do I choose the right network for my home?

• What is high speed Internet access and why should I consider it?

• Why is security of a home network important?

We will also show you how other families at Cary Academy built their networks, and what they do with them, provide answers to frequently asked questions, and  provide links to home networking resources.

Do you have Mac equipment?  Visit Mac Corner.

To learn more about technologies and building a home network, go to High Speed Internet.

We welcome your feedback on this site. Please send comments to Dmitry Manakhov, Director of Information Services.