Networking is what brings it all together. Most inter-device communication is done with IP addresses over Ethernet — whether it is hard-wired or wireless. Typical components of a network start with the inbound connection from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). The device they provide is commonly referred to as the "modem", and it may be described as DSL, cable, satellite, fiber optic, or telephony. This modem grants your location with an IP address, and in the cases of telephony modems, a phone line or two. A simple network may just have a computer plugged into the modem, but usually a router is connected or the modem may have this functionality built-in. This router provides its own internal IP addresses to the devices on the network: computers, printers, portable devices, DVR's, game consoles, etc.

The proper configuration of the router is crucial to everything being able to communicate with each other and the Internet. Wireless networks should be secured with a WPA2 passphrase. Newer wireless devices offer a wi-fi protected setup (WPS) button to connect devices. Routers can be configured to optimize video streaming or voice over IP (VoIP) phones. A wireless router should be configured to use a channel that does not conflict with other nearby wireless networks. A unique service set identifier (SSID) needs to be established to name the wireless network.

Rules can be configured to allow or disallow certain devices to access other devices or Internet resources, log events such as bandwidth usage or attacks. Depending on the router's software capabilities, restrictions can be placed on websites visited, time of day the wireless is on, or other customizations.

I can help tailor your network to your needs in terms of security, flexibiliity, and optimization.