Simple Netwroking hardware set up. If you need more netwroking hardware example please see our list below.

We've talked about the connections necessary for connecting two different computers together. What you'll find is that connecting more than two is not much more difficult.

You will need one additional networking hardware equipment. You will need either a Switch or Hub. What is the difference? It's a matter of performance. As you can see below, they both look identical.

Switch	Hub

One of the main differences is the amount of actual data (throughput) they can process for each computer that is connected.

Because a switch gives dedicated bandwidth to each port connection (the connection the computer plugs into), you have greater efficiency for large file transfers. Hubs share the bandwidth amongst all the ports.

The other difference is in the price. Hubs are generally less expensive than switches, however that price difference is becoming less and less. If you are merely connecting the computers together for Games or shared Internet connections, you won't need more than a hub. For greater data transfer such as video, audio, graphics, or databases you will want to choose a Switch.

Switches and Hubs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Depending on the amount of computers you want to connect, you can purchase Switches and Hubs with 5-24 ports (connections for each computer). We recommend buying a switch or hub that allows you to expand in case you purchase more computers.

As with the peer-to-peer connection you will need to have Ethernet Network Interface Cards installed on all of the computers you wish to connect. They will then connect up to the Switch or Hub with Ethernet RJ-45 cables that look like this:

Plug the Ethernet Cables into the Network interface cards as shown below. (Your card might look different than the one shown.)

You will then plug the opposite end of the cable into the Switch or Hub. You will see lights blink on and off if you are successful.

Once the computers are all connected to the Switch or Hub you will then have connectivity between all of your computers.

Networking Hardware Lists are contantly being updated so come back often