After you’ve set up your personal computer, you may decide to buy home Internet access to send and receive emails, browse the Web, stream videos, and much more. You might also want to create your wireless network at home, commonly referred to as WiFi. This way, you can connect several gadgets to the Internet simultaneously.
Selecting the right Internet service provider
If you’re aware of the various kinds of Internet service, you’ll be able to conduct some research to determine which ISPs offer in your region. If you’re struggling to get started, it’s a good idea to talk to your family, friends, and neighbors regarding the ISPs they are using. It will generally give you an idea of the kinds of Internet services available in your local area.
Most ISPs offer a range of services that provide various Internet speeds, which are usually expressed in terms of Mbps (short in megabits/second). If you mainly utilize the Internet to send emails and social media, then a slower connection (around 2-5 Mbps) could be what you require.
DSL Modem
This converts digital signals to analog signals appropriate for sending via a phone line. It is usually integrated into the broadband Internet router and is usually not bought separately.
Firewall and Router for NAT
A firewall works like a router, but it blocks access to the external network following the rules that the user sets.
A firewall can protect your home or small computer network and devices from hackers who can access the Internet.
It acts as a single-way digital gate that blocks access to the network by devices connected to the Internet, however, while permitting devices connected to that network access to those related to the Internet.
Router
It is a type of hardware device that lets you connect multiple computers and other devices to an Internet connection, commonly referred to as the home network. Most routers are wireless, which allows you to build an indoor wireless network, also known as a WiFi network.
There is no required router needed to access the Internet, and it is possible to join your laptop directly the modem via the Ethernet cable. Additionally, many modems have an internal router, meaning you can choose to make a WiFi connection without purchasing any additional hardware.
Home Routers without a Land Line
- Traditionally Internet connections require an internet connection via a landline.
- But most people aren’t connected to a traditional landline phone line, but instead using a mobile phone.
- There are a variety of home routers available that support 3G and 4G mobile networks.
- The initial purpose was to use employees on the move or those on vacation who needed to share an Internet connection.
Configuring your Internet connection
After you’ve selected an ISP and have signed up, the majority of providers will send an engineer to your home to switch on the connection. If not, you’ll be able to follow the instructions given by your ISP — or that came with your modem to establish the Internet connection.
Once everything is done, launch your browser to start using the Internet. If you experience any problems in the performance of your Internet connection, call the technical support line.
Network Bridge
A bridge joins two networks together and acts as a selective repeater. It scrutinizes the MAC address of any traffic it encounters and discovers which network segments have the different MAC addresses.
It uses this information to decide whether to replicate the same traffic on a segment of the network.
A Bridge works at level 2 (data link Level) and can transmit broadcasts.