This article teaches you how to create a Local Area Network (LAN), which allows connected computers and devices to communicate with each other and access the internet.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Determine Network Needs
Step 1. Count the number of computers that need to be connected by cable
To create a LAN, you need to know how many systems will be connected via Ethernet to the network. From this information you can derive the number of ports needed.
If you don't need to connect more than four computers, you just need a simple router. If the number is higher, you need to get a switch to increase the number of available ports
Step 2. Decide if you want to create a wireless (wireless) network
If you want to allow wireless devices to connect to your network, you need a router that can broadcast the Wi-Fi signal. Almost all commercially available routers have this functionality.
The switches do not transmit the wireless signal and can only be used to connect devices to the network via cable
Step 3. Decide if you want all network devices to have internet access
If the answer is yes, you need a router that can handle the connection. If you don't need to be connected to the internet, you can use a simple switch.
Step 4. Measure the distance between the router and all wired devices
In most homes, distance is not a problem, but network cables cannot cover more than 100 meters. If the computers are out of this range, you need to use switches.
Step 5. Consider your future needs
If your current network occupies all available ports, it may be a good idea to prepare in advance for adding another device.
Part 2 of 3: Creating a Simple LAN
Step 1. Get your network hardware
To create a LAN, you need a router or switch, which will act as a hub. These devices route information to the right computers.
- A router it automatically assigns the IP address to all devices on the network and is required to access the internet. It is strongly recommended to create the network with a router, even if you are not planning to share the internet connection.
- One network switch it is a simpler version of a router. It allows connected devices to connect to each other, but does not automatically assign IP addresses and does not offer internet connection. They are useful for expanding the number of LAN ports available on the network, as they can be connected to the router.
Step 2. Configure the router
It is not very difficult. Just plug it into a power outlet, preferably close to the modem, if you want to use it to share the internet connection between multiple systems.
Step 3. Connect the modem to the router (if needed)
If you want to share the modem's internet connection, plug the cable from it into the router's WAN / INTERNET port. Usually, this door has a different color from the others.
Step 4. Connect the router to the switch (if needed)
If you are using a switch to have more ports available, connect an Ethernet cable between a LAN port on the router and one of the LAN ports on the switch. This allows you to use the other ports on the switch as if they were directly connected to the router.
Step 5. Connect your computers to the LAN ports
Use Ethernet cables to do this. It doesn't matter in which order you connect the devices.
Ethernet cables cannot reliably transfer data more than 100m
Step 6. Configure one of the PCs as a DHCP server if you are only using one switch
If you use a switch as a network hub, this allows you to easily assign IP addresses to all computers on the network.
- You can quickly create a DHCP server on one of your computers by installing a third party program.
- Other computers on the network will get an IP address automatically when the server is running, as long as they are configured in the right way.
Step 7. Check the network connection on all computers
After the systems have received an IP address, they will be able to communicate with each other. If you are using a router to share the internet connection, all devices can browse the web.
Step 8. Set up file and printer sharing
Once the network is up and running, you won't see anything on the other systems if there are no shared files. You can share files, folders, drives, printers and other devices, so that all systems on the network, or just specific users, can see them.
Part 3 of 3: Creating a Wireless Network
Step 1. Configure the router
To set up a wireless router, consider a few things:
- For easier troubleshooting, place the router close to the modem.
- The device should be in the center of the network to allow good signal reception at all points.
- During the configuration operations it is necessary to connect a computer to the router via Ethernet.
Step 2. Connect a computer to one of the router's LAN ports
You will use the system browser to configure the wireless network.
Step 3. Open a browser on your computer
You can use whatever you like.
Step 4. Enter your router's IP address
You will usually find it under the device or in the manual. If you can't find out, try the methods below:
- Windows - click with the right mouse button on Network in the system tray → click Open Network and Sharing Center → click the Ethernet item → click Details → find the Default Gateway item to find out the IP address of the router.
- Mac - click the Apple menu and select System Preferences → click Network → click your Ethernet connection → find the Router item to find out the IP address of the router.
Step 5. Log in with the administrator account
You will be asked for your router login credentials. The default information varies by model, but the username is often "admin" and the password is "admin", "password" or none.
You can find more information about your router model at https://portforward.com/router-password/ and look for the default login credentials
Step 6. Open the Wireless section of the router settings
The exact location of the button and the terms used vary by model.
Step 7. Change the network name in the SSID field
It may also have the title "Network Name". This is the name that appears in the list of available wireless networks.
Step 8. Select WPA2-Personal as the authentication or security option
This is the most secure protocol available on popular routers. Avoid WPA and WEP encryption if they are not explicitly required by older devices and not compatible with the latest technologies.
Step 9. Create a secure password
The password is required to connect to the network. The field can carry the name "Shared key".
Step 10. Make sure the Wi-Fi network is enabled
Depending on the router model, you may need to check a box or click a button at the top of the Wireless menu to enable the network.
Step 11. Click the Save or Apply button
The changes will be saved in your router.
Step 12. Wait for the device to reboot
It will take a few minutes for the network to be active.
Step 13. Connect the wireless devices to the wireless network
Once the network is active, it will appear in the list of available ones, on all wireless systems in range. To connect to the network, users must enter the password you have chosen.
