If you only have one PC and a broadband modem (cable or BT), there is no
need for a network.

But if you purchased or received a wireless router as part of your new broadband
package, you can effectively create a Local Area Network(LAN) even if it is only a
wireless one.  A LAN allows more than 1 PC to use the internet and allows the
addition of other network ready equipment (for example network printers) to the
network.

LANs can be wired or wireless or a combination of both. This allows the flexibility of
internet access from anywhere in your office or home (wireless) and faster speeds as
required for any items connected via a cable.  With each new version of wireless
network protocols comes faster wireless speeds so this becomes less important.

Setting Up

Cabled Network
This is a physical connection network and therefore setting this up is attaching cables to
computer equipment. As with all LANs, the heart of the network is the router which
will be connected to the broadband connection. Expanding a cabled network usually
consists of adding network hubs as required.

As only equipment connected via cables to the router can access the LAN, no further
security is required!

Wireless Network
A wireless network is set up by identifying the ID of the network and enforcing some
form of security through encryption. There are various types and if you need more details
click here. The type that should be adopted is dependent on what the router will support.

But you should always adopt one type of wireless security!!

Problem Solving

Or hints and tips to resolve network issues.  The real reason for looking at this page!
In all cases, problem solving involves looking at the end to end process to work out
what is not working on the network. The list below provides examples of issues and
questions that should be asked!!

No Internet Access
Is it specific to one PC or the entire network?
Can the affected machines access the other equipment connected to the LAN?

No Network Access
Is is specific to one PC or to all of them?
Check internet access?
Check cable connections from the PC to the router.
Repair the network connection in Windows.
Switch off and on any hubs.
If there is no internet access, switch the router off and on again.

No Network Printing
Is it specific to one PC or the entire network?
Check that the printer is switched on and that the network cable is attached.
Switch the printer off and on again.  It may be an IP address issue.

How can FPC help?

We can provide the following services:

Wireless network set up including enabling wireless security.
Problem solving network issues.