Computer Networking Basics

The router is one of the key components in any network. It allows you to connect a wide range of devices to the internet. Most modern homes use numerous wireless devices, such as smart TVs, mobile phones, game consoles and laptops, which can be demanding for the average router provided by your internet provider. If you want faster speeds and better performance, be sure to upgrade your router.

USB Wi-Fi adaptors are super-compact products, which can be used on a variety of devices in order to gain access to the internet. Certain older laptops and PCs may not have an integrated network adaptor, which means they can't connect to Wi-Fi, therefore a USB Wi-Fi adaptor is a cheaper alternative than buying a new computer! Eliminate the need to run cables and wires by simply plugging the adaptor into a USB port and gain access to Wi-Fi.

A cloud home hub provides a secure, centralised storage for all of your files. If you've got several devices then the drive will back up all your files, photos and videos from your smartphones and tablets, as well as data and files from your PC or laptop. Be sure to select a hub with a suitable amount of hard drive capacity, so that you're all backed up and secure!

Wireless range extenders help broaden your network coverage enabling you to stay connected to the internet, even when you're a considerable distance from the router. Range extenders help eliminate 'dead zones' in your home or office and ensure you are still receiving fast wireless speeds. Most extenders come with plug and play operation making them dead easy to set up, while they are a great aid for online gaming and HD video streaming.

Wireless Access points (WAPs) are designed to extend a wireless network and help with Wi-Fi dead spots. If your wireless device moves beyond the range of the router or access point, then it will automatically hand over to the nearest access point on that network. Although the term is mostly associated with offices and businesses, consumers have benefited where Wi-Fi dead spots are a problem.

Powerline adaptors essentially turn plug sockets into internet access points. It provides a neat solution to cluttering up your house with Ethernet cables. The adaptor sends the internet signal through the mains electricity in your home, making powerline adaptors perfect for connecting non-wireless devices to the internet, where a cabled connection is more suitable, and for extending the reach of the current network to an area that receives poor coverage.

If you're after changing a USB port into an RJ45 port then you're in the right place as we stock a great range of USB to Ethernet adaptors. Also available are Ethernet Adaptor Cards; ideal for adding network connectivity to a desktop, and Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet adaptors; designed to connect your MacBook to a high speed wired network.

If you need a bit of help to get your network up and running, or you simply need to test or crimp cables, then a tool kit with a wide range of tools and cable testers is just what you need.

It's always wise to check the specification of a faceplate or socket prior to purchasing. Although it's obvious to the eye how many ports there are on a faceplate, it may not be as obvious to see which LAN category they are designed for. Our great range means we should have your needs convered.

NAS drives are great for small businesses as they are simple to use, back up data reliably and are easily accessible for when you need to retrieve data. In terms of a modern day reference you could liken it to a private cloud for your very own office/business. The drives include features that enable you to back up your PC and mobile phone photos, while allowing you remote access, meaning you can work from anywhere at any time.