Set up Ethernet
An Ethernet connection allows more than 1 computer to be hooked up together to share data between them. Ethernet can be used in schools, offices or homes so that the same information can be accessed by more than 1 computer and user. You can set up Ethernet on your own. Here are the steps you should follow when you want to know how to set up Ethernet.
Steps
Router Network
- Install a Network Interface Card or NIC per computer you want to connect.
- A NIC is a like a modem for your computer but it is used for a local area network (LAN). You do not have to get an expensive network card; as long as it has 100 Mbps it will work fine.
- To install it you must first unplug your computer and remove the cover plate. Align the NIC over the slot that has the jack that is facing toward the outside of the computer. Put the NIC into the slot and press down firmly to secure. Replace the cover and plug the computer back in.
- Your NIC should come with a disk that will instruct you how to complete the software installation for the appropriate drivers. Follow the instructions to finish the installation of the NIC.
- Connect Ethernet cables to the central location.
- You also need 1 Ethernet patch cable per computer. These Ethernet cables are blue cables that look like they have phone line plugs at the end. They will have 4 pairs of plugs rather than 2. Make sure that the cables that you purchase are long enough to reach from the central location to the other computers. The central location is where all the cables will go to access the same information and will probably be where your Internet feed is. The cables will plug into each NIC.
- Plug all the Ethernet cables to the router.
- A router will make all the computers connected to be part of the same network. You will need a router that is at least 100 Mbps. If you want to be able to access the Internet from all computers, you will need to have your Internet connection plugged in the router's uplink port or WAN port.
Hub Network
- Use a crossover cable to connect 2 computer's Ethernet ports.
- In a hub network, you are merely connecting each device to the main hub via a crossover cable. Since there is no router involved in this Ethernet set up, the other computer is not connected to the Internet. It can share files and documents from the main computer and print from the same printer.
