This is an introductory chapter in a series of videos on networking things together. In this first part I will discuss the broad function of the basic network elements such as switches, routers, and modems. In future chapters, I will discuss IP addressing, MAC addresses, VPNs, routing tables, and common command line tools for troubleshooting. In reference to the all in one device I discuss in this video, I have taken to using this home router for my quick and dirty installs because the price is solid, but in testing we got very impressive speed results out to the Internet with this one: I hope you will share your unique devices in the comments, the breadth and depth of the form factors for all of this is a lot for new students to take in.