A computer network is a system of interconnected computing devices like servers, computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones that share an Internet connection. They communicate with each other to share information and data. These devices can connect through physical cables like Ethernet cables and fibre optic cables or Wi-Fi. Common types of networks include Local Area Networks (LAN) that cover a small area like a home or office and Wide Area Networks (WAN) that cover a large area like cities and countries.

A wired network is one where the devices are connected using physical cables. Most wired networks are connected using Ethernet cables or fibre optic cables. Wireless networks use radio waves to connect devices. The most common connection types are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Wireless networks are more versatile option for homes and offices because you don’t have to find a cable to connect your desktop PC, MacBook, Windows laptop, Chromebook or Copilot+ PC.

It’s important to upgrade your networking hardware regularly to maintain optimal speed, security and performance. You should consider upgrading hardware like routers, access points and Ethernet switches when you start to notice a drop in performance. Some key signs to look for include slow Internet speeds, dead zones, frequent reboots, lack of security updates or if the hardware can’t support new devices.

Choosing the right networking device starts by identifying your specific needs. You need to determine whether you want to improve Internet speed, coverage area, device load and usage type. For Internet speed, make sure your modem or router can handle the speed of your Internet service. For coverage, consider a mesh network or a range extender to make sure there’s a connection across your home or office. When it comes to device load, look for a router that can support multiple devices at once, especially if you have smart home devices like smart alarms, smart doorbells, smart lighting and smart speakers. Lastly, if you have heavy Internet usage for streaming or playing video games, consider routers like tri-band or quad-band routers for better traffic management.