Home Networking for the Average PersonIf you're come here to learn about implementing a computer network within your home, then this is a relevant site and perhaps I'll be able to share something useful with you about how to consider, configure, and use a home networking system. Read on! The Master: You or the Technology?
We live in a funny time. There is a tremendous amount of technology available to us and the desire to have it all is sometimes too alluring to many of us. Using the technology wisely, to benefit you, is harder to accomplish. The problem is that hardware is so, er, uhm, intoxicating: The blinking lights of the latest router, the pounding of big disks in a RAID, the magic of unique little devices with interesting displays scattered throughout out homes. This is cool stuff. But... does it somehow improve your living conditions? And if you think it will, what is the easiest way to implement the right technology? My hope is that this site will help you decide.
Change has made Home Networking a RealityMoore's law has reduced the costs of technology to the point where many "normal folks" now have the ability to implement a computer network within their home. The "connected home" of the twenty first century has truly arrived in the form of affordable and easy to set up network components that, combined, can provide many technologies useful to everyday living. Home computer networking is not as complicated as it once was... You can implement a computer network in your home, have fun, and gain access to new services and capabilities. The age of the DIY network is upon us and nearly anyone can configure their own system. I've done it. So can you.
Networking Home Computers: An ExampleIn my own home I have:
Just now, as I look at these components of my own home computer network (in my own home!), it actually does look a little daunting. It's not. Each piece is configured one at a time. And, your requirements might suggest a completely different type of home network. Maybe your needs are for simple network storage? Maybe you only wish to share files on two computers? Perhaps you only want to share a printer? Maybe reliable Email is your biggest concern. That's all great! We'll go into that inside. Or, perhaps, your desires are bigger... you want to setup a home office with web and email hosting. We will explore those network issues, also. Easy Home Networking Guide = "Networking 101"I hope this site will become a type of "networking 101" and "DIY tutorials" site in which you can find a series of pages providing the information you need to:
My vision for the site is very large and will include pages on computer networking, home automation, integration with a home theater, home security systems, etc. I'm hopeful that you may come here looking for information on one thing and leave with that knowledge as well as exposure to other ideas: Perhaps you've arrived looking for configuration information for the Linksys WRT54g but stumbled upon enough information so you can wire up your basement in true enthusiast DIY network fashion. My desire is that this will occur for you, and you'll also learn to discern discern between technolog for it's own sake and technology that truly helps you solve a problem and increase your quality of life. I'm sharing my knowledge about home networking, one based on over thirty years of building, programming, and using computers to help you develop whatever solution is necessary to meet your needs. But I don't know it all... I don't have the ability to create ever tutorial that may be required, or the ability to test every configuration or device setup that is available. Over time I hope that others, perhaps you, will contribute your own knowledge to this site. I look forward to sharing my own exploration of smart homes and am interested in hearing about yours. There are several places within this site you can contribute to discussion that will benefit all the visitors, and I encourage you to do so. Or, if you like, feel free to open up a dialogue directly with me about your own smart home and DIY network endeavors by writing me.
Below are short cuts to important pages. Stop in often and share your progress!
Below are fast links that jump you quickly into a page of potential interest...
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