1986 called and they want this motel room back.  My laptop is poised on a tipsy, dark brown Formica table and is plugged into a lamp that is permanently attached.  The bed spread is adorned with a mossy toned paisley pattern and the headboard is mirror black with chrome trim.  This room has truly never been updated since the 1980’s.

I wouldn’t have picked this motel normally but I worked a trade with the owner so I could minimize my travel time while I work in the western part of the state.  Earlier this year I installed a wireless network at another of his establishments and was asked to do the same at this motel.  Though the room looks (and smells a bit) like my prom I’m happy to have a perfect internet connection.

While installing their network I started to think of all the customers who’ve asked me questions about networking.  For most people it’s a simple matter of buying a $40.00 router and connecting it to their internet provider’s (ISP) modem.  Twenty minutes, a bit of cursing, and voila!  Connected.

For a precious few setting up a network isn’t so easy.  Medical, financial institutions, and multi-location offices require very secure connections.  Large buildings like the motel I just completed may require multiple wireless access points.  I could talk for days about various special network requirements and configurations which is perhaps why I can’t seem to keep any women in my life.

No matter a small home network or a large multi-tier network, the principles are basically the same.  The ISP provides a modem which interprets the signal from the provider’s line and creates an Internet Protocol (IP) address.  If more than one computer or device is to be connected to the internet, then a router is needed to create internal addresses.

Each computer or device connected to the network requires a unique IP address so the network doesn’t become confused.  In some cases when more than four wired devices are connected, a switch (or switches) needs to be added to increase the network’s capacity.  In addition, if the building is large and wireless devices are to be used then multiple wireless access points are necessary.

Wireless networks can be finicky if not planned and installed correctly.  Because wireless signals may overlap; naming, addressing IPs, and setting the proper wireless channel are all factors.  One of the goals of the motel install was to give guests one password and allow them to have a constant connection from one end of the building to the other.  This was a unique job requiring a somewhat special router to handle the oddball setup.

Buildings with public access typically facilitate some type of internal firewall to prevent unscrupulous use of their network.  Several years ago I talked about the services provided by OpenDNS.  The company offers a comprehensive suite of cloud based applications which filters unwanted internet traffic at the router level.  For this job I blocked adult content, illegal download sites, and proxy services.  Midhal’s goal is to give his guests convenience without clogging the network.

Although I’ve offered up only a few weird examples, it should have given you an idea that other possibilities are out there.  Networking really isn’t rocket science and even if you’re unsure of your abilities sometimes all it takes is a bit of research and trial and error.  Implementing your idea is something that can be fun and may solve a problem in a small office or your home.  Who knew knowing how to setup networks would land me in such a dazzling motel room?

(Jeromy Patriquin is the President of Laptop & Computer Repair, Inc. located at 509 Main St. in Gardner.  You can text him directly at (978) 413-2840 or visit www.LocalComputerWiz.com.)