Let’s say that 10.1.1.5 or Computer Jack sends a file to 10.1.1.6 or Computer Jill.  There is an address associated with each home.  Home computer networks work in much the same way.

A home network comes in two main types:  cabled and wireless. In a cabled network different wire bundles which are known as Ethernet cables with connectors on each end plug into either a network interface card, or NIC, in the printer, fax, computer or into a switch/router.  Hubs or switches are simplified devices that allow physical connections between the components of a network.

A wireless network operates in much the same way.   The alternate set up connects the printer to the network and not to any individual computer;

Computer-Jack then just shares the printer by using software of the hosting system, Computer Jill. Then each computer on the network is able to ‘see’ the printer as a device that the computer can use.

Every device receives an address and a name.