Home Network Configuration Step 4 (Accessories)

• Step 1 - Router/Switch/Hub
• Step 2 - NIC's
• Step 3 - Cables
• Step 4 - Accesories

The last step is to get some nice accessories for your network. Printer server, MP3 audio player, firewall etc.

Printer Server?

If you have a printer to share between multiple computer, you most likely want a printer server. You can share the printer on one computer, but then you need to have that computer turned on even when you just want to print a document from another computer.

MP3 Audio Player?

With all your MP3's on the server computer in your house, you may want to play the music in your living room through your good old music center. But having a computer set up in the living room for just that purpose may not be what you are looking for. Digital audio players solve just that problem and easily hooks onto your network.

Firewall?

If all your computers have public IP addresses, which is the situation if you are not using a router with NAT, then you definitely need some sort of firewall. The IP addresses that your ISP dishes out are always public, so you can be targeted from all over the internet. With a broadband connection, you are an open target 24/7. The simplest solution for a small home network is probably to install a personal firewall software on each computer.

When you are using a router with NAT, this is not strictly required. This is not to say that you can't be hacked through the router. You can. But the chances are much lower, so for casual personal use, I would say you are sufficiently protected.

My Recommendations

Printer Server

MP3 Audio Player

Read about more home digital audio devices on

Firewall

The End!

This concludes the home network shopping and configuration guide. If you have questions and comments, please let me know.