Get the most from your home internet — reliably and securely.
Home Networking is the complete guide to understanding, optimizing, and securing your home internet connection. From Wi-Fi basics to advanced router settings, from mesh networks to bandwidth management, this book gives you the knowledge to troubleshoot problems, improve coverage, and protect your network without calling tech support.
What This Book Covers
- How Home Internet Works — Modems, routers, switches, and how data flows into and through your home
- Wi-Fi Fundamentals — Bands, channels, standards, and why your signal varies from room to room
- Router Setup and Configuration — Initial setup, admin access, firmware updates, and essential settings
- Improving Wi-Fi Coverage — Extenders, mesh systems, placement tips, and eliminating dead zones
- Network Security — Encryption, guest networks, parental controls, and keeping intruders out
- Bandwidth and Speed — Understanding your internet plan, testing speed, and managing heavy usage
- Wired vs. Wireless — When to use Ethernet, Powerline, MoCA, and hybrid setups
- IoT and Smart Home Devices — Connecting smart devices safely and managing their network access
- Troubleshooting Common Problems — Slow speeds, dropped connections, interference, and step-by-step fixes
Who This Book Is For
- Homeowners and renters who want reliable internet throughout their space
- Parents managing multiple devices and users on one connection
- Remote workers who depend on stable video calls and file transfers
- Smart home enthusiasts connecting dozens of IoT devices
- Anyone tired of buffering, dropped calls, or confusing router settings
What Makes This Book Different
- No networking degree required — Explains protocols and standards in plain language
- Visual and practical — Diagrams, screenshots, and real home layout examples
- Budget-conscious — Recommendations from free tweaks to worthwhile upgrades
- Security-focused — Every setup includes the security settings that matter
- Companion app included — Smart Tech Coach app provides network troubleshooting guides
Release Status
This book is currently in development. This page will be updated with the cover, table of contents, and purchase links once it is available.
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Related Titles
Other titles in the Smart Tech for Real People series:
- Family Internet Safety — Protecting children and managing shared home internet
- Smart Homes — Connecting and automating devices throughout your home
- The Modern Homelab — Advanced home server and networking projects
See the full Smart Tech for Real People series →
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Frequently Asked Questions About Home Networking
What is the difference between a modem and a router?
A modem connects your home to your Internet Service Provider — it translates the signal from the cable, fiber, or phone line into something your devices can use. A router creates your home network, managing traffic between your devices and the internet, assigning local addresses, and providing Wi-Fi. Many ISPs provide combination devices that do both, but understanding the distinction helps you troubleshoot problems and decide whether to use your own equipment.
Should I buy my own modem or rent from my ISP?
Buying your own modem typically pays for itself within 12-18 months compared to monthly rental fees. You also get better performance and more control over your network. The book provides a compatibility checklist to ensure any modem you buy works with your ISP, explains the DOCSIS standards to look for, and helps you calculate the break-even point for your specific situation.
Are mesh Wi-Fi systems worth the money?
Mesh systems are worth considering if you have a larger home, multiple floors, or thick walls that create dead zones with a single router. They use multiple nodes that work together seamlessly, providing consistent coverage throughout your space. The book compares popular mesh systems, explains when a simple extender or access point might suffice, and helps you choose based on your home’s size, layout, and wiring.
When should I use an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi?
Ethernet provides faster, more stable, and more secure connections than Wi-Fi. Use it for devices that need maximum performance or reliability: desktop computers, gaming consoles, streaming devices, and smart TVs. Wi-Fi is fine for mobile devices and casual browsing. The book includes a wiring guide and explains how to run cables neatly without professional installation.
Why does my video call freeze while my roommate streams fine?
Video calls are sensitive to upload speed and latency, while streaming mostly uses download bandwidth. If your upload speed is limited or your router prioritizes streaming traffic, calls can stutter while Netflix remains smooth. The book explains quality of service (QoS) settings that let you prioritize video calls, how to test your actual speeds, and when it is time to upgrade your internet plan.