All your devices will plug into this one--the router. It's how they'll talk.
The heart of the network
To connect all of these devices, we need a network router. Why this instead of a switch? Ease-of-use--routers have DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) built-in, meaning they will set up the Internet Protocol addresses (IP) of all connected devices automatically. A switch, however, requires manual setting, and can be a hassle to manage.For the not-so-au fait with the lingua franca of networking, it basically means an idiot-proof plug-and-play experience. A very good chance the equipment will be able to get on the network without further fiddling.
Network router choice
In terms of router choice, you may want to buy a combined Internet modem/router to get Web access as well. You could also go wireless as long as you've a good signal coverage and standard-definition video playback in mind--for optimum setup, make sure you get one with 802.11n. It also neatly eliminates cabling which could be a potential trip hazard or eyesore if your spouse can't abide the unsightly blue, red, yellow or grey network cables strung all over the place.If you're planning on hi-def content, though (or simply want reliable throughput), a wired connection is where it's at. HDTV content can stream up to 25 Megabits per second (Mbps) and Blu-ray at 54Mbps--so you can get away with an affordable 100Mbit wired router for all your transfers. If you're going to be doing file transfers to other computers, a gigabit model is highly recommended and always a nice bit of future-proofing.
How do I connect to a router?
In terms of cabling it's quite easy. Your local computer store will sell perfectly fine network cable (otherwise known as Cat5 or Ethernet cable) in variable lengths, which will handle gigabit transfer speeds fine. Pretty much everything on the home network we're talking about will have an Ethernet, RJ45 or network port, so this is our universal connector, of sorts. You plug one end into your device, the other into the router. Easy!Routers do differ from model to model, though (as do media streamers), so we suggest you consult the manual that came with your devices in order to get all them successfully hooked up to each other.
