Easy to understand
instructions for the home network user setting up their networking
hardware
Simple
Networking hardware set up. If you need more hardware examples
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.
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 constantly being updated so come back often
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