Small home/office networks are easier to own and run than you might think. They can be wired, wireless or a combination of both. At the DeRae Design office, we have most of our computers wired to a network, but we also have a wireless node for our portable computers and an isolated network for computers being repaired.

A typical home network may look like the image at the right. The Internet comes into a DSL or Cable or fiber modem, then to a Router/Switch. The Router has a firewall built into it to keep the scum of the Internet out of your network.

From the router you can run network cables to other PC's, a wireless node like in the image at the right, or even to a print server so all of your PC's can print to any printer on the network.

You can purchase a 4 port router with VPN capability for about $35, an 8 port router for around $75.

Wireless access points and routers can cost from $50 to $125, and can cover the floor space area of the average home.

Be aware that the new N protocol wireless routers are using a protocol that is faster than the previous protocol or wireless version, but still works with older devices.

DeRae Designs can design, install and maintain any network configuration you may need for your personal home or small office. Give us a call at (360) 631-2163 and ask for Steve to get a free telephone consultation.