Networking, but not the kind with parties and people.

 Earlier this week, we talked about the origins of the Internet, where it came from and the steps it took to get there.  Today, I thought we'd expand on it a bit.

Today's Tech Witch Tip: All about networks!    

First, a note:  This stuff is pretty complex.  It's ok if you don't get it the first or 300th time around. It's tricky and be easy on yourself.

What is a "network"?  A network is a group of devices that have a common communication point.  They are used for a myriad of reasons, but the most common use of a home network is giving devices within a particular home the ability to share an internet connection.

Any device that signs onto your internet, wifi or otherwise, is also connected to your home network.

I mean, ANY device.  So your printer, your home assistants, in some cases your appliances and television, all on that same network, also, all of your computers, smartphones, what have you, yep, they're on that network too!  Even that tablet you haven't logged into since 2004 in your closet, if it has the password, it's on your network.

The device you are reading this on, if you are at home, is on your home network.

I know this sounds like a silly place to start, because of course, if the device is on the internet OF COURSE it's on your network, but you'd be surprised.

Ok, so that's pretty easy to understand.  If it's online and in your house, it's on your network, but what do all of those items connect TO?

An example of a Modem/Router Combination box

Now we are asking the real questions!  Your internet service provider or ISP usually provides you a device called an "Access Point"  "Multimedia device" or some other made-up name.  Most commonly, these devices are all-in-one.  It brings the internet in, it divides it up and it just works.  However, that cute little modem/router/robot-looking dude is actually a combination device.

There is a wireless router, and there is a modem, and they do 2 very specific things.

The modem brings the internet to your house, and the wireless router transmits a signal and keeps all the traffic running smoothly.  It also keeps track of the devices that have connected to it and is responsible for providing your devices an IP address.  IP addresses, as we covered are essentially home addresses for your devices.  The modem is the guy that determines when devices have to move to different IP addresses, and generally just makes sure everything continues to work.

Modems are not picky.  If they can get a signal and have some amount of electricity running through them, they'll usually be able to continue getting a signal unless something has happened outside.  Routers, however... They have a brain.  You know what we call devices in IT that have a brain?  We call them computers, usually.

Because your router is a computer of sorts, it has a lot of the same issues and concerns computers do.  For example, brownouts or power surges cause these things to lose their damn minds.  Also, each one has its own sweet spot.  Some routers HAVE to be plugged into a power strip, some will not work if they are plugged into a power strip.  Pay attention to the instruction on your specific devices to keep them working great for years to come!  Also, if you cannot find the instruction manual, you can go to the manufacturer's website and find the information there.  Do it.  Even if you had a technician install the device for you.  They do not always know what their devices prefer, because they deal with a number of different types throughout their days and each device is kind of like a snowflake; very different from one another in spite of looking and acting similarly at a distance.

It's always good to know your particular device's needs.  That little robot works hard for you, give him the food he wants.

Now that we got that out of the way, let's talk about your home network.

One of the most commonly misunderstood ideas in-home IT is that your devices do not speak to one another.  They can!  Some of them are more outgoing and forthcoming than others!  Your phone, for example, typically is really open to speaking to other devices.  Your computer, especially if it's a Windows Machine... Not so much.

Microsoft has built into its machine a kind of "firewall".

Ok, back up what the heck is a firewall?!?!

It's not that deep, take a breath.  A firewall is a physical, or virtual, "Do not cross" line.

If that doesn't make sense, let's do a quick analogy!

We all have a close talker friend.  The friend that wants to be within 2 inches of you when they are speaking at all times.  They talk loud, they don't NEED to be within 2 inches of you, but they just ARE.  

Now, imagine if every time they tried to get within that distance, you had a hoop skirt on, so try as they might, they just can't get close enough to talk to you the way they want to.  They'll be visibly uncomfortable, but they'll keep trying anyway.  

In this analogy, the firewall is a hoopskirt, and since it is a physical barrier it would be considered a "Hardware firewall".

Hoopskirts are Hardware Firewalls, prove me wrong.

Social Distancing is a "software firewall" because there's no physical barrier but we have all been programmed to know that we shouldn't come super physically close to people around us right now.

This is an example of a software firewall.  We've all been told, and we understand the rules!

So when your IT friend starts getting excited about a hardware firewall, now you kind of understand why that's exciting.

Your Windows Machine is practicing social distancing with other machines in the house.  You can tell it that it's safe to communicate with other devices in your house.  Follow the following white sheet to do just that, and if you need help just open a ticket with me!  I can help with that remotely!

Here's how to get your Windows 10 machine to talk to other devices

A note about this.  Your computer will REPEATEDLY tell you this is dangerous, and there's a good reason that it's going to tell you that.

Every device in your home connects to that same modem.  Every. Device.

That means if one of those devices catches a cold, aka, a virus or nasty piece of spyware, it could pass that virus on to every single thing, INCLUDING your router.  This is why your technician friends always remind you to put antivirus on ALL of your devices.  Your router does have a software firewall, so most things won't get through to it, but it COULD.  Your network is only as secure as your LEAST secure device.  Having said that, it's really nice to be able to just boop! Transfer files between computers, and it is worth doing if you have decent antivirus on board.

As far as home assistants, lightbulbs, and other "smart" devices, they too have software firewalls.  This is usually enough to keep them from getting sick.  Make sure they update often to keep them up to date!!  You can check this within the settings of those devices, but its different for EVERY SINGLE ONE.  So, just search google for the make and model and how to find out if it has updated recently.  Your manufacturer is well aware of what risks come with this kind of networking, which means they are a LOT MORE CONCERNED about it than you are.

A word about VPNs

Ok, so Dee, I have been hearing all kinds of stuff about these things called VPNs, what the heck are they and why does every YouTube Personality want me to get one?

Well, first of all, your favorite YouTube Personalities have been paid a decent sum of money to tell you all about VPNs.  That's why they want you to get one.

Secondly, it ISN'T a bad idea.  Here's the breakdown.

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network.  What this does is creates a virtual network for your device, and ONLY your device to log into.  It uses your current internet connection to get out onto the internet, but it changes the way other machines see your device.  Think of it as wearing a costume mask while going out onto the internet. Useful, no?  

Very useful if you don't want other devices knowing what you are up to or where you are while you are doing it.  In a world that has increasing privacy breaches, it's a comfort to know that no one knows it's YOU.

It also allows you to tell the devices around you that you are in another country entirely which is great if you are into Neon Genesis Evangelion with the original soundtrack.  Also great if you like obscure British Television.

If you've got the money, get one.  If not, you aren't in any real danger NOT having one.

And that should do it for today!  See you tomorrow for another Tech Witch Tip!