How Does It Work?

A home network is a group of two or more computers linked together. Networking your computers and other devices allows you to connect to the Internet from both computers at the same time, and also allows the sharing of files and computer devices, such as a printer. A network also makes it easy to move information from one computer to another (especially very large files that don't fit on a USB flash drive).

A home network is started by first connecting your cable modem to a cable outlet in your home. Then a router connects to your cable modem and distributes the signal to multiple devices to share the connection, files, printers and/or Internet-ready game consoles. The router also acts as a firewall to protect your home network and files from outsiders – for additional security we recommend that virus and firewall software be installed on any computer connected to the Internet.
 

	Advantages Disadvantages Wireless Your computers and other devices are connected to the network router by wireless adapters. This works well when the devices you want to connect are portable, such as a laptop or game console, in different rooms of your home and/or not near a cable outlet. It’s convenient to be able to use your laptop from your sofa, kitchen table or patio, rather than being confined to a room near the modem and cable outlet.    Portability: wireless range up to 300ft from the network router. 1   Simplicity: Place the cable modem and router anywhere in your home near an active cable outlet.  No additional cables are necessary.   Security: Though wireless security methods are improving, a wired solution provides a more secure network.   Speed: while download and upload  speeds from the Internet are the same, communication from PC to PC is slower when compared to a wired solution.   Wired Your computers and other devices are connected to the network router with wires (called CAT5 or Ethernet cables). This does not facilitate moving the devices frequently, although they could be moved to another room with a cable outlet at some future point if desired (installation fees would be applicable).   Economical: and effective if your computers/ devices are in the same room and near a cable outlet. 2   Security: a wired network behind a properly configured router/firewall cannot be seen by anyone outside the wired network within your home.   Stationary: Does not facilitate moving the devices frequently   Cables: A wired network with 4 computers will require 4 separate Ethernet cables running along or inside the walls of your home.

Whether you choose a wired or wireless Home Network from Cox, you will have the ability to network up to 4 computers or other devices.