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Hardware Requirements to Create a Basic Ethernet Network

Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Related Tags: network | computers | ethernet | router | wireless
 

Instructions

Computers

  • Step 1:
    You'll need at least two computers--not necessarily with the same operating system--to create a network.

Network Interface Card

  • Step 1:
    Each computer you wish to connect to the network needs a network interface card (NIC), sometimes referred to as a LAN card.

Ethernet Cable

  • Step 1:
    Ethernet Cable - Copyright © 2007 David MonniauxIf you are creating a wired LAN, you will need an Ethernet cable, which can be used to connect two computers to one another or to a router.

Network Router, Hub or Switch

  • Step 1:
    4-port Network HubThe network router acts as a relay for communication between the computers on the network, or to additional hardware that is network compatible, such as printers, scanners and cable/DSL modems.

Networking Software

  • Step 1:
    The operating system on most new computers contains the software and drivers to create a basic local area network.

Wireless Networking

  • Step 1:
    Wireless networks are possible if all the computers have wireless network cards and you have a wireless router.

Resources


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