Modems, routers, cables… LAN, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, broadband, bandwidth… they all (and lots more) relate somewhere in your home network, but can you tell where? Marlon Buchanan’s The Home Network Manual is a great resource/guide to help you learn and (eventually) manage your home network like a pro!

Your home network is gaining crucial importance by the day, as it’s your electronic communication gateway to the almighty Internet. All of your home PCs, mobile devices, smart devices, streaming devices, etc., are constantly using it. And as technology continues its relentless march forward, demands on the home network will certainly increase in the future — and in several dimensions too, not just bandwidth and types of devices it can support, etc.

Your network service company will install your network at some point and show you how to use it, but if you don’t get involved, as time goes by, you’ll find it's an uphill task to keep it running smoothly. Sometimes, your network won’t work at all. At other times, only one part (say, the one on the second floor of your house) may crash. When technology advances, you’ll find one day that your router has outlived its prime, and now it’s making your network slow. In the modern context, with those in your family wanting uninterrupted Internet access, it may be impractical if you decide to rely solely on your network service company to fix the issues each time. Consequently, it’s highly recommended that you get involved, learn about network technology, and eventually manage it by yourself (or as much as you can, without requiring outside help!). This book is an ideal guide toward that goal of self-sufficiency.

What I liked most about this book is the absolute ground-up approach it uses. From a beginner’s level, you’re gradually brought up to speed about the components and devices that comprise a home network. It starts with the most basic questions such as “Why do I need a home network?”, “How much will it cost?”, “What are the challenges I’ll face if I do?”, followed by how to set one up, test and maintain it for best performance, and so on. In a friendly, informal atmosphere, the author shares from experiences setting up his home network and the lessons learned. His approach makes you feel at home so while you read, you may suddenly come to the realization that setting up your home network is easier than you thought before — and decide to take the plunge by yourself! Further, if you buy this book, you'll have the author as your expert companion on your home network journey who can be contacted for help/solutions whenever you get stuck.

I recommend this book to all people who have/will soon have a network installed in their homes. This means almost everyone in developed nations, and smaller populations in less developed ones (i.e., those who are digitally enabled). It’s ready for use in the USA, but if you live in a different country, you may have to look for equivalent products/devices that are available/suit your country.