What is a device network connection?

The network segment is formed by attaching connectivity devices to network cables. Data are not filtered by the hub. The data packets are transmitted again to all the parts through the hub. Nowadays the computers are connected to networks using a hub or switch.

Before setting up a wireless network, we should know about the devices that help in network connections.

Network connection devices

Broadband internet connection and modem

The best internet connection with high-speed internet is broadband internet connections. Examples of broadband internet connections are digital subscriber lines (DSL) and cable. Internet service provider (ISP) provides DSL and cable. Telephone companies use DSL. Television companies use cable. ISP also provides a broadband modem. Modem and wireless routers are also provided by ISP.

Wireless router 

Information is sent between the internet and the network through a router. Despite wires, radio signals are used to connect computers to network with a wireless router. Few examples of wireless networks (wi-fi) are offered by technologies like 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax. 

Wireless network adapter

Computers are connected to wireless networks using a wireless network adapter. Laptops or computers with wireless network adapters can be connected to wireless networks (wi-fi). Nowadays all the computers and laptops come up with already installed with the wireless network adapter.

To check whether your PC has a wireless network adapter:

• Select Start -> device manager and select device manager.
• Select network adapters and expand them.
• In network adapters look for the wireless network (wi-fi).

Modem and Internet connection setup

After having all the devices now set up the modem and internet connection. We need to follow the instructions to connect computers with the internet suppose the modem is not already set up by the ISP. The modem is connected to a phone jack if you are using DSL. The modem is connected cable jacket if you are using a cable.

Wireless router positioning

Now place the wireless router where it can receive a strong signal with at least a small amount of interference.

Steps for setting up wireless router are:

Place your wireless router in a central location

To get continuous increased strengthened wireless signal for the whole home the router should be placed at the center of the house.

Position the wireless router 

The wireless router should be placed away from the metal objects and the floor. These physical obstructions can reduce the strength of the signal of the router.

Reduce interference

The radiofrequency of 2.4 gigahertz(GHz) is used by some network devices. Cordless phones and microwaves use this frequency. If you are on a microwave or make calls on a cordless phone using 2.4 GHz the signal can be interrupted temporarily. To avoid this issue you should use cordless phones and microwaves with a higher frequency of 5.8 GHz.

Configuring router

The next step is to configure the computer for default router settings. Here, we need to set a name and password that is unique for the wireless network.

• With the help of the web browser enter the Internet protocol address (IP) in the address bar and press enter. The instruction of the router has the address that is common such as 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, and 192.168.2.1.
• Press enter to open up a sign-in page for the router. Fill the sign-in page with the username and password.
• After the sign in process, the setup page of the router appears. Select the network name setting and enter the unique network name.
• After entering the unique name for the network, select the network password setting and choose the encryption option. Use the WPA2 (Wi-Fi) encryption option though there are many other options. WPA2 (Wi-Fi) encryption is very secure.
• After selecting the encryption, enter the unique password that is strong and ensures security.
• Select the save button and save the settings.

Securing your wireless network

In a wireless network (Wi-Fi), security is always important because the signal of the network can broadcast outside. If your network is not secure, it can be accessed by anyone.

To have secured network (WI-FI):

Change the default user name and password

Changing the username and password periodically helps in protecting the devices connected to the router. Many routers have the default password and username given by the manufacturers which should be changed to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. 

Set up a security key (password) for your network 

To protect your data from unauthorized access in the wireless network (Wi-Fi) there are some network security keys. If your computers or laptops support wi-fi protected access 3 (WPA3 WI-FI) it can be used to protect the devices. Suppose the device does not support WAP3 (WI-FI), check the router settings to know the supported protection. Some of the router devices support WPS (WIFI protected setup). Below are the steps to set up the network security key for the routers supporting WPS(WI-FI). 

• Open Control Panel on the system and then click on Network and Internet.
• Open network and sharing center.
• From network and sharing center select set up a new connection or network.
• After selecting a new setup choose next. 
• Now you will be able to create your security password and username.
• Save the security username and password in a USB flash drive.

Context and Applications

This topic is important for postgraduate and undergraduate courses, particularly for,

• Bachelors in computer science engineering.
• Associate of science in computer science.

Practice Problems

Question 1: The attachment between more than one interconnected network is called ____.

1. LAN
2. WAN
3. ISP
4. Internetwork

Answer: Option D is correct.

Explanation: A network or internetwork is formed when two LANs are interconnected or two WANs are connected or a LAN and a WAN are connected.

Question 2: Which of the following network covers a small area such as a building?

1. LAN
2. MAN
3. WAN
4. DSL

Answer: Option A is correct.

Explanation: LAN was created to cover the small site areas. It can cover a single building, campus up to a few kilometers. Other options cover larger sites.

Question 3: The telephone network is a ____.

1. Half-duplex
2. Simplex
3. Full duplex
4. None of these

Answer: Option C is correct.

Explanation: The telephone is the device that is used to communicate between two persons at the same time. Full-duplex provides this service that both can listen and speak at one time.

Question 4: Expand ISP? 

1. Internet service provider
2. INT service provider
3. Internet sub provider
4. None of these

Answer: Option A is correct.

Explanation: Internet service provider (ISP) is a broadband network connection that provides the modem, wireless routers, DSL, and cables.

Question 5: What is another name for nodes in the network?

1. Links
2. Devices
3. Modes
4. None of these

Answer: Option B is correct.

Explanation: Devices that are interconnected in the network are also called nodes. Any device that transmits and receives data from other devices in the network is also called a node.