A home network, also known as a LAN (Local Area Network), is quick to set up and usually establishes an Internet connection for the participating devices. But even without the Internet, a home network is very useful, as it takes on many functions and makes cumbersome activities more convenient and easier. Here you will find the most important information about the home network and recommended access techniques, as well as which devices you can connect in the home network.
- But the home network can do much more than just network printers and wireless speakers with all computers.
- A home network can be operated using various access technologies.
- In order for the data exchange in the home network to actually take place, it is necessary to determine the releases.
Sales figures confirm the relevance of the home network
According to estimates by the Society for Entertainment and Communication Electronics (gfu), around 46 million devices that can be networked were sold in Germany in 2014. Smartphones, tablets, music systems and computers have become an integral part of households in recent years and can communicate with each other in the home network. Whether TV, WLAN printer, radio or telephone system – they can all send and receive data, which means that the home network plays a key role and simplifies the use of a large number of devices.
But the home network can do much more than just network printers and WLAN speakers with all computers: The focus is often not only on data transmission between the devices, but also on the Internet access of the respective products. Depending on the type of home network, there are different access technologies, each with their advantages and disadvantages.
Ethernet cable, WiFi or the power grid?
Short for HN by abbreviationfinder, a home network can be operated using various access technologies. In most cases, this is now done via WLAN , which scores with simple setup and wireless operation. Unfortunately, due to thick walls and long distances, the signal can be too weak to guarantee adequate data transfer rates. The Ethernet cable offers higher transfer rates: it can transfer up to 1000 Mbit / s , although the cables that are laid often become a tripping hazard. Powerline combines the advantages of both access technologies. The power grid already laid in the household acts as a carrier medium and can be tapped individually at each socket.
Define home network shares for folders
In order for the data exchange in the home network to actually take place, it is necessary to determine the releases. These determine which files and folders you want to share with other participants in the network so that they can be accessed. This is particularly important for networks in which several people exchange or edit files. Since the shares are the biggest sources of error after setting up the home network, it is advisable to create a homegroup that all participants can join. A preselection of approvals is automatically confirmed. Individual folders can then be released or blocked for the home network at a later date.
Central storage space in the home network
Should access to large amounts of data be made possible for all devices in addition to Internet access? In this case, a central data store is worthwhile. With this, videos, films, photos and music can be stored centrally and made available to all clients at any time. This data storage device is usually a so-called Network Attached Storage (NAS), which is a combination of an independent computer and hard drive. A central data store can also be very useful for system backups and backups. However, these devices are often not cheap. If you want it cheaper, you can achieve the same – albeit slower – effect by connecting a hard drive to the router via a USB interface.
