Networking is something that always conjures up fear. If you've been putting off the job, or you have a sort of semi-network that semi works and can't face the hassle of sorting it out, this article is for you.

Most networks these days are wireless, based on the 802.11b, g or n Wi-Fi standards. The heart of your network is the router, a box that's wired to your internet connection (and perhaps to a desktop Mac) and transmits a wireless signal around your home.

Generally, if you get ADSL broadband over a phone line you use one box that acts as both a modem (to connect to the internet) and a router (to share this connection with your devices). Your ISP may supply one, but you can use any standard modem router.

If you have cable, on the other hand - from a company like Virgin Media - you need to stick with the modem supplied, and add a separate router. This is usually any router that doesn't include a modem. Apple's Wi-Fi routers lack a built-in modem.

If you want to use an Apple product with ADSL broadband, but already have a modem supplied by your ISP with a built-in router, that's OK – you can disable the modem's router, but check your ISP's documentation. Better still, choose a modem router from another manufacturer.

Set up your network

Whichever router you choose, the various 802.11 Wi-Fi standards – b, g and n – are inter-compatible, so you should be able to connect most Wi-Fi devices, though you will take a performance hit.

There's no problem using components from different manufacturers, but if you're buying a router and one or more Wi-Fi adaptors at the same time, it makes sense to get matching units from the same brand. In almost all cases this will mean better performance.

If you're shopping for a used AirPort base station, note that earlier models, along with the AirPort chips in pre-Intel Macs, were 802.11g rather than 802.11n.

Routers with identical specifications on paper aren't created equal; reviews from magazines and websites can help identify which models perform best. Don't pay too much attention to user comments, which often reflect nonreproducible problems such as poor reception.