How Do You Set Up A LAN Network?
A local area network, or LAN for short, is a group of interconnected computers that can share data among one another. Almost always, LANs are set up using Ethernet cables connecting Ethernet cards installed on each computer to a hub, switch or router. This joining device must have enough ports on it so that all computers to be connected to the LAN can plug into it. A LAN may, but need not by definition, provide access to the Internet. Step 1 Shut off all computers to be networked. Step 2 Connect all computers to a hub or switch using Ethernet cords. If you plan on connecting the computers to the Internet through a main gateway computer, that computer will need two Ethernet adapters installed: one to receive the incoming signal from a modem and one to connect to the hub. Step 3 Plug in the hub or switch. Step 4 Turn on all of the computers. Step 5 Run the network setup wizard on each computer. To access the wizard, go to the “Start” menu and click on “Network,” or “Network Connections.”
