Computer networking tips for your home based business

Our latest guest blog offers some computer networking tips for your home based business.

Are you thinking about expanding your household’s IT systems for your company? If so, you will need to be on top of what is needed when setting up these sorts of corporate computer networks.

There are many reasons for connecting your laptops and peripherals at home, some of which include sharing data through a secured connection and having easy access to a shared printer. As you can see, a network gives you plenty of abilities within the home office.

Wireless Vs Non Wireless

The first step will be to figure out whether to choose a network setup that is based on wired or wireless technology. Wireless devices will give you a more flexible layout where you can place your computers and accessories anywhere you wish without worrying about sockets or cables. This will also make your office safer as there aren’t any wires to trip over. However, wireless is less reliable than wired, especially when it comes to networks. Anything from brick walls to the weather can disrupt the signals causing a slower connection.

Telecom Equipment

Once you have made a decision, it will then be time to buy everything that you need. A typical home office computer network requires the following components:

–A computer with an up-to-date operating system installed. This software will ensure that network setup is merely a process of plug and play.
–The right length of CAT cables. These will connect your computers together as well as any additional peripherals that you require within the office.
–A wired or wireless router. If you need to connect more than two laptops, this will act as the gateway between each machine and the internet.
–Broadband splitter. If you choose to use a standard ADSL connection, this will allow you to browse the Web and still use your landline for calls.

One further gadget that you may need is a smartphone that allows you to create a wireless hotspot. Both regular and prepaid mobile phones give you these abilities as long as they are the correct model. Also, double check the data plans to make sure that you can actually access the net through your phone without being charged a fortune. You can make your computer network cost effective, which is good news for any small business owner.

Protecting Your Assets

Now it will be time to think about network security. This can be done in several different ways. First, the software in your router and computers should have some level of network protection. All that you need to do is adjust the options, placing in the appropriate passwords and access permissions. If you are using a wireless network, you should also make sure to encrypt the signal through a WEP code. This will make sure that only people who know the password can actually access the network and the information contained within.

You can also place in Windows and network logins so that only those permitted can actually access the physical computers within your home office. Remember that your network links up every device that is connected to it.

As your computers are considered entry points, you should make sure that no one can log onto them without the right password. For higher safety, you can even think about additional devices such as fingerprint scanners, security passkey devices and hard disk encryption packages.

By following the above steps, you will then be left with a home office computer network that is operational and secure. After this, you can then go about your daily tasks safe in the knowledge that only you and those you authorised have access to important commercial information through the network you have just established.

About the Author: This posting was written by Nicole McLean on behalf of Telecom, a provider who offers telephone plans with low daily rates and additional international calling or broadband for easier communication with anyone from around the globe.