This wikiHow teaches you how to set up a LAN (Local Area Network) to connect multiple Windows-based computers.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Setting up LAN
Step 1. Determine the number of computers you want to connect to
The number of computers will determine the type of network device you need.
- If you are connecting less than 4 computers, you will only need one router (router). Use a switch if you don't need to connect the computers to the internet.
- If you are going to connect more than 4 computers, you will need a router and a switch. If you don't need to connect those computers to the internet, you don't need to buy a router.
Step 2. Determine the network layout
Before setting up a permanent LAN network, calculate the required cable length. CAT5 ethernet cable has a maximum length of about 75 meters. Use multiple switches or CAT6 cables for longer distances.
Prepare one ethernet cable for each computer you want to connect to the LAN, as well as an ethernet cable to connect the router to the switch if needed
Step 3. Purchase networking equipment
To create a LAN, you will need to purchase a router and/or other network device. This device will connect all computers in the network.
- The easiest way to build a LAN network with an internet connection is to use a router. If the router you purchased doesn't have enough ports, add a switch. The router will automatically assign an IP address to each connected computer.
- Switches function the same as routers, but they cannot automatically assign IP addresses. Generally, switches provide more ethernet ports than routers.
Step 4. Connect your modem to the WAN port on the router to provide internet access to every computer on the LAN
This port may be labeled "INTERNET".
- Skip this step if you want to build a LAN network without internet.
- Actually, to create a LAN, you don't need to buy a router. However, the router will make it easier for you to configure the network. If you're only using the switch to build your network, you'll need to provide IP addresses for each computer you want to connect to.
Step 5. If you are using the switch to add an available network port, connect the switch to the LAN port on the router
You can use any port on the switch to connect the computer to the network. Once connected, the router will assign an IP address to each connected computer.
Method 2 of 3: Connecting the Computer
Step 1. Find the ethernet port on your computer
The port may be on the back of the computer, or on the edge/back of the laptop.
Some types of laptops do not provide an ethernet port. To connect the laptop to the network, you will need to use a USB ethernet adapter, or use a wireless network
Step 2. Connect one end of the ethernet cable to the computer
Make sure you connect the cable to the RJ45 port, not the telephone port (RJ11).
Step 3. Connect the other end of the cable to an empty LAN port on your router or switch, depending on the shape of your network
Step 4. Test your network (if using a router)
The router will assign an IP address to each connected computer automatically, and the computer will appear on the network immediately. If you create a network to play the game, you can start the game right away and connect every computer to the game.
If your network does not use a router, you must assign IP addresses to each computer connected to the network
Step 5. Enable file and printer sharing features
If both features are not enabled, you cannot access resources from other computers. However, when enabled, you can share certain files, folders, drives, and printers for use on the network.
Method 3 of 3: Providing IP Address for Network Without Router
Step 1. Right click on your network connection in the system bar
If you connect computers to a network without using a router, you must assign each computer an IP address. However, if you use a router, an IP address will be assigned automatically so you don't have to do it yourself.
IP addresses are similar to mailing addresses. Every computer on a network needs an IP address for information sent to that computer to arrive at the right destination
Step 2. Click Open Network and Sharing Center
Step 3. Click the Ethernet link at the top of the window
This link is next to Connections.
Step 4. Click Properties
Step 5. Click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
Make sure you don't uncheck the box.
Step 6. Click Properties
Step 7. Click the Use the following IP address button
Step 8. Enter 192.168.1.50 in the IP address field.
Step 9. Enter 255.255.0.0 in the Subnet mask field.
Step 10. Enter 192.168.0.0 in the Default gateway field.
Step 11. Click OK to save the network settings
Now, the computer is set up to log on to the network with a unique IP address.
Step 12. Open the Internet Protocol Version 4 option on another computer with the steps listed above
Step 13. Click the Use the following IP address button
Step 14. Enter 192.168.1.51 in the IP Address field on the second computer
The IP address used must be different.
Step 15. Enter the same number as the first computer for the Subnet mask and Default gateway fields on the second computer, namely (255.255.0.0 and 192.168.0.0)
Step 16. Assign a different IP address to each computer connected to the network following the above guide
Add 1 to the end of the IP number, up to 255. Use the same Subnet Mask and Default Gateway for each computer.
