Networking Hardware

In order for your computers to communicate with each other, they must be connected to each other. In order to connect them together, each computer must have a network card, a cable (unless you will be going wireless), and a switch or a hub.

Network Card
Most of today's computer come with network cards built onto the motherboard. You can take a look at the back of your computer to find out if you arleady have a network card installed. The port will look like an oversized phone jack (RJ45). If your computer came with a network adapter built onto the motherboard, you may have to turn it on inside of the system bios. If you will be making a wireless network, you will need to install a wireless network card into each computer. Current speeds run at 10Mbps, 100Mbps, and 1000Mbps (gigabit). We recommend 100Mbps (100baseT). Gigabit speeds are still a bit too expensive for most uses in a workgroup.

Network Cable
You will also need to have one network cable per computer. The safest bet is to go with pre-made cables. Measure the lenght between each computer and the hub or switch that they will be connecting to, and give yourself room to move the computer in and out as needed. If you will be making a wireless network then you will not need these cables.

Signal Distributor
The next thing that you will need is a signal distributor. The signal distributor can be a switch or a hub. The main difference between a switch and a hub is that a switch is more intelligent. A hub causes a lot of noise on a network. When a hub receives a packet, it forwards it to all of the computers on the network, and then each computer on the network has to respond back. A switch knows which port to send the packet to in order to get it to the right computer, therefore it creates a lot less traffic. Switches cost a little bit more money, but it is definately worth the price. The Switch or Hub will have a certain number of ports. You can connect one computer to each port. Be sure to buy a Switch or Hub that has enough ports. It is also a good idea to buy one that has extra ports that will be left available for future upgrades.

Introduction to Networking
Buying the Network Hardware
Connecting the Computers
Installing the Network Card(s)
Configuring the TCP/IP Protocol
Setting the Computer Names and the Workgroup Name
Sharing Folders
Sharing a Printer