When you have several computers, it can be convenient to connect them to each other to create a local area network (LAN). Setting up such a network costs very little, contrary to what people may think.
Here are a few advantages you could enjoy by setting up a local area network:
- File transfers;
- Sharing of resources (internet connection sharing, printer sharing, shared disks, etc.);
- Mobility (in the case of a wireless network);
- Discussion (mainly when the computers are remote);
- Network games.
The two types of local area networks
There are two main types of local network architecture:
- Wired networks, based on theEthernet technology, which represent almost all local area networks. Given that Ethernet networks generally use RJ45 cables, people often talk of RJ45 networks;
- Wireless networks, which generally use theWiFi
Necessary hardware
To create an RJ45 local area network in Windows, you will need:
- Several computers running Windows (computers running two different versions of Windows can be part of the same network);
- Ethernetcards on a PCI or ISA port (with an RJ45 plug) or built into the motherboard. When applicable, make sure the diodes on the back of the network card light up when the computer is on and that a cable is plugged in! There are also network adapters for USB ports, particularly in the case of wireless network adapters;
- RJ45cables in the case of wired networks;
- Ahub, a device you can connect the RJ45 cables from the network’s various computers to, which are fairly inexpensive (expect to pay around €50), or a switch, or, as an alternative option, a crossover cable if you want to connect just two computers.
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