With the growing demand for remote and hybrid work arrangements nowadays, having a reliable home network has become more of a necessity than a luxury. A stable internet connection and up-to-date equipment can vastly improve your productivity at home.
Setting up a home network can be tricky, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. Before setting up your network, you first need to know what kind of equipment or devices you should have. So I made this list of some essential pieces of equipment for your home network to ensure a fast and reliable connection.
Let’s get to it!
1. Modem
A modem is responsible for converting the internet signal from your ISP into a form your router can understand. Modems come in various types such as cable, DSL, and fiber optics.
The type of modem you’ll need will depend on the type of internet connection you have. However, you must ensure your modem is compatible with your ISP and conforms to the latest DOCSIS (data over cable service interface specification) or DSL standards.
2. Router
Your router is the most critical component in your home network because it serves as the gateway through which all other devices on your network access the internet. Different types of routers are available on the market but it’s vital to choose one that offers the latest wireless technologies.
A router that supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) allows you to get the fastest, most reliable, and most secure connection. Look for features such as quality of service or QoS, which prioritizes internet traffic based on your particular needs.
3. Network Switch
A network switch can be an invaluable asset if you have numerous wired devices. It expands your network’s capabilities as it enables you to connect more devices and segregate traffic into different sections.
An unmanaged network switch works well if you don’t need a lot of control or segmentation. However, a managed network switch is the way to go if you require greater control over your system.
4. Wireless Extenders
Wireless extenders can be incredibly useful, especially if you live in a large house with a lot of dead zones and if you need to extend your Wi-Fi network’s range. Wireless network extenders receive the Wi-Fi signal from your router and rebroadcast it. This way, you get a broader coverage spectrum.
You can choose from single-band or dual-band wireless extenders, depending on your requirements. Dual-band extenders are an excellent choice since they use both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, providing better coverage.
5. Quality Ethernet Cable
While most devices can be connected to the internet wirelessly, there’s simply no substitute for an Ethernet cable. An Ethernet cable can provide faster data transfer speeds than Wi-Fi, making it ideal for homes with high-bandwidth activities.
If you’re not sure whether a cheap Ethernet cable is okay to use, you should consider whether your home network is affected by interference from other devices. These devices can include microwaves and small Bluetooth devices. Physical barriers like walls and floors can also cause interference.
High-quality cables will offer better protection against these so you’ll get a more stable connection at home.
Create a Robust and Reliable Home Network
A robust and reliable home network ensures smooth remote and hybrid work experiences. From routers to security devices, choosing the right equipment can be daunting but I hope that this post was helpful to you.
With the right approach, you can make informed decisions about the essential equipment you’ll need for your home network. If you have any questions regarding this topic, drop a comment below and I’ll be more than happy to help!
A passion for writing and ongoing research projects gives Catherine an incredibly broad knowledge of all things. She has authored an incredible number of articles and can be found in the wilderness when not attached to technology or listening to podcasts.