How to Setup Home Network

In this blog, you will learn simple steps to set up a home network to connect all your home devices using your internet connection. Setting up a home network is very useful; it provides enough speed to let your home devices operate to their fullest.

You don’t have to be technical to set up a home network; all you need is hardware equipment and the internet. Once you set up your home network, you can easily access the devices anywhere in your home, transfer files and folders at high speed, and stay protected from outside threats with the latest network protections.

One important thing is to plan your home network accordingly. For example, you have to decide whether you want a wired home network set up or a wireless home network set up.

A wired home network is good for online gaming and streaming activities. Whereas a wireless connection is helpful to connect multiple devices over Wi-Fi.

How To Setup a Wireless Home Network

Keep the following things in your mind when setup the home network:

• Place your Wireless router in the right place

In the first step, you need to place your wireless router at a central location with no obstruction. There should be no Windows or walls near your wireless router. Otherwise, it will affect the signals and connectivity.

• Switch off the modem

Before connecting your hardware, switch off your modem from the internet service provider.

• Connect your router with a modem

Now, you should use an Ethernet cable that usually comes with your router. Insert one end of your Ethernet cable into the router’s WAN port, and connect the other end of the cable with the modem.

• Connect your laptop/PC with the router

Use another Ethernet cable and connect one end of the cable with a router LAN port (you can also insert the cable in any other port). Connect another end of the Ethernet cable to the laptop’s Ethernet port. You can remove this wiring once your network is established.

• Switch on your router, modem, and laptop/PC

At this stage, you have to turn on all three devices together. First, switch on your modem, then power on your router. When your router is on, then turn on your laptop/PC.

• Access your router’s administration page

Now, on your laptop or computer, you have to launch a browser and enter your router IP address. This will redirect you to the router administration page, where you have to log in using the credentials mentioned in your router’s manual.

• Change router username and password

Check your router panel and head to the administration page. Change the default password and username of your router. Ensure using a strong password that cannot be cracked.

• Select WPA2 Security for your router

You have to set up WPA2 security for your router. You must check your router administration page and head to wireless security settings to apply changes. From the wireless security section, select your encryption type, and enter a strong password that contains at least eight characters.

Keep in mind that WPA2 is generally considered more secure than WEP. If you’re using an older router model, you can use the combination of WPA/WPA2. For the latest routers, you can use WPA3.

• Change your (SSID) wireless network name

Changing your SSID (Service Set Identifier) will help you select a more recognizable name. To change your SSID, head to the router administration page, then the wireless network information section, and change the SSID.

• Set up the wireless adapter on your Laptop/PC

Once you’re done with router configuration settings, disconnect the Ethernet cable from your laptop and router. Now, connect a USB or wireless adapter to your laptop (If your laptop is not supporting a built-in wireless adapter). Your laptop will automatically install the drivers, or you could use the setup CD that came with the adapter.

•  Connect with the new wireless network

You can find your newly set up network on your laptop connect all your wireless- devices to this network.

How To Setup a Wired Home Network

When you set up a home network (Wired), you have to hardwire your devices to the router. In this way, all the connected devices receive an internet connection.

Devices you want to connect to your network must have Ethernet ports to be easily connected with the router via an Ethernet cable.

However, this process will not work for tablets, smartphones, and the latest laptop models. Nevertheless, you can connect your wireless devices to the network by plugging in a wireless access point or switching to your router to connect wireless devices.

1. Place your router at a central location of your home.
2. Plug your Ethernet hub into the electrical socket. You can wire up to eight devices simultaneously. The devices should have Ethernet ports to be connected.
3. Login to your router administration page and make the following changes:
   • Change the default password and SSID name.
   • Activate WEP security.
   • Turn on Firewall.
4. Use the Ethernet cable to connect the access point to the router. Plug one side of the cable in the router’s LAN port and insert the other side of the cable into the Ethernet port on the access point.
5. Now, you can connect your devices using the Ethernet cable. The cable will help you tether a device to the router and supply the internet connection to that device.

How To Protect Your Devices

The best way to protect your home network is to connect iProVPN to your router. With iProVPN, you will enjoy seamless network-wide protection. All your connected devices will be protected under VPN security.

Conclusion

Setting up a home network is the best way to enhance your network connectivity. You can follow our blog on setting up a home network to create your local wired and wireless connection hassle-free. Don’t forget to connect iProVPN for all-around device security for internet access.