Building a home network server is a great way to take some time to enjoy. Not only can you learn some new technology, but you can also save money in the process!
Network servers are sites that integrate with your home network to allow you to control your entertainment and technology from one location. These servers are typically set up by a professional, but there are lots of ways to do it yourself.
By working with a professional, you will likely receive assistance in setting up your server, connecting devices to it, and managing it. However, if you have the time and feel comfortable administering your own server, then by all means go for it!
This article will discuss some tips on how to build a home network server. However, before we can can tell you how to build one, we must first discuss what it is not.
Contents:
Buy a computer for your home network
When you have a large household, it is time to buy a computer. The more computers you have, the more network servers you can run.
You can buy a computer for yourself or a school computer system for your home network. There are many online stores where you can purchase a computer and connect it to your home network.
Most of these computers are designed for home use, as people usually do not have very demanding programs and applications that require lots of processing power.
The most important part of the computer is the monitor screen and the keyboard and mousepad with which it is connected.
Install an operating system on your server
An operating system is the software that runs on your server. You can have an all-Windows server, an all-Linux server, or a mix of the two. The main difference is which software runs on it.
Most of the time, these systems are shipped with preinstalled web and desktop applications, as well as other common miscellaneous apps like accounting programs or communication programs.
But if you wish, you can easily install your own applications and web apps on this type of system. It is extremely easy to set up both personal and business accounts on this type of system, making it a great fit for most people.
An added benefit of having the application base installed on your server is being able to remote debug applications if something goes wrong remotely. When app debugging using a remote session, there are sometimes differences in settings and devices that make it difficult to fully determine what caused the bug.
Connect your server to the Internet
Once you have your server up and running, you need to make it easy to connect it to the Internet. This means creating a network name or address that your server can share with other computers on your network.
Most computers have a socket or port where they can connect to the Internet, called their default Internet address or hostname. Many networks use dynamic IP addresses, which is a collection of addresses that is determined by traffic, not necessarily an official one.
If your computer has a dynamic IP address, then it will usually also have a network name or hostname. You can create these by going within the Windows networking program (usually Networking & Accessibility), going into the advanced tab, and clicking add hardware & software.
Or you can use an old fashioned method: Find your computer in the school district central office (LOC) information system (see resources), and go into its configuration interface (see resources).
Connect your computers to the server
Once you have your computer network up, the next step is to connect it to your home network. You can do this by using a cable or wireless router and then connecting it to your home network.
You can also set up a client computer system. A client computer system is a computer you hook up to the network, but it functions as its own person. It can connect to other computers on the network, but not directly.
The person using the second machine functions as its own person, able to send and receive data without the second machine knowing anything about him or her. This way, people can connect their devices together without them needing to be connected through a cable or wire.
How many machines you need depends on how big your home is. If you have many people visiting your house, then you need more machines.
Configure shared files on the server
With the proliferation of online services and apps, it can be hard to determine which ones your app needs to use and how to connect them all.
That is why we want to introduce you to shared files on the server. These files are created by various services on your server, including databases, logos, documents, and more. By creating a network server, you can offer these shared files to users for free.
By offering access to these files on your server, users can find and use your app much easier. They just need to purchase or download your app from their device or website and then they can use it! This is also a great way to promote your app as people can find you through this method.
Network servers are tricky to set up, so do not get too excited if someone says they cannot access it.
Set up shared printers on the server
Networked printers are a great way to increase your productivity and efficiency in the workplace. Most network printers offer you the ability to connect multiple devices– like your college campus printer provides you with a home printer, too.
By using these printers together, you can easily create shared documents or projects and send them out via the Internet or a local computer. This is great for administrative purposes as well as student productivity.
When sending projects out, make sure to include feedback on what type of material they are, what grade they are assigned to them, and any special instructions that need to be included. This will help maintain quality control on the project and make it more meaningful to those who receive it.
Maximize your network utilization
Having a server network is a great way to maximize your network usageheitly. By having another device or person or laptop or phone or e-mail account connected to your network, you can utilize your entire slice of the internet.
It provides you with more options to meet your needs. You can create an account on it and then add additional devices to it through an app, making it very user friendly.
Some devices have built-in networks you can connect directly to, like phones and tablets. Having the ability to easily connect additional devices is helpful in maximizing usageheimly.
Building a server network is not a straight forward process.
Secure your network with a VPN
VPNs are major components of a secure home network. Without a VPN, your entire home network is vulnerable to local security cameras, DVRs, and other devices.
Unfortunately, there are only a few different types of VPNs. You can purchase a simple to use and install VPN app on your smart device or computer. Or you can purchase a more complicated app that connects to many devices using different accounts, making it more difficult to track it.
While both solutions may be secure, the simpler one works better in the beginning. Once you have your network up and running, the more complicated one doesn’t need access to additional hardware or software. You can just keep installing and working with the app!
The key with any technology is using it correctly. If you are not, risk exposure or privacy issues arise! Which is why it is important to research and install a VPN onto your network serverasault objective.