The Museum Learn Tools Blog

Home Networking

The home network explained — routers and Wi-Fi, modems and switches, Ethernet and fibre, broadband and access points, and how it all connects.

Wireless router

Wireless router

Router

Network interface controller

Network interface controller

Modem

Modem

Ethernet

Optical fiber

Optical fiber

Internet access

Internet access

Category 6 cable

Category 6 cable

Computer network

Computer network

Wireless access point

Wireless access point

Cable modem

BOXYTECH

Set up your smart home the smart way — free calculators for Wi-Fi coverage, smart-home running costs, TV sizing, storage, internet speed, and battery life, plus plain-English guides to home networking, streaming, and the gadgets that run your house.

Get new guides by emailOccasional emails. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

InformationAbout Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Service Disclaimer Affiliate Disclosure Cookie Policy

Every museum entry, image, and fact is drawn from Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons, used under public-domain and Creative Commons licenses. No content is AI-generated.

© 2026 BoxyTechMade for the connected home — smart-home gadgets, home networking, streaming, and consumer tech