How do you lan like more than 2 computers?

[majinbuu1023]

is there like a huge hub or something in the middle and you just connect all the network cables to it??

[firestorm]

yup! a hub or router. Use a linksys, they have never failed for me or anyone I know.

[zvez]

You can either use a switch or a hub.
A Router is used to connect 2 or more networks together for example 10.0.0.0 and 11.0.0.0
A home adsl router is a router/switch.

[OulZac]

You will be better off getting a router for a home network, a hub would be a wast, unless you have 10 pcs in your house.

[zvez]

Do you mean a NAT router? They act like a router/switch.
If he was going to share the internet with the 2 or more PCs I would recomend he gets a NAT router, most adsl routers have this function.

If he wanted to just network more then 2 pcs a hub would do for 4 pcs but anything higher I would use a switch.

[Jenny18]

I have 3 computers and a laptop at home.
The computers are always plugged in and the laptop comes and goes.

I have a Netgear router and a cable modem.

Works great and very easy to set up.

[McDaddy]

everything that was said so far is true. but what are you trying to do exactally.
1. do you want 2 computers to share the same internet connection
2. 2 computer to be able to share a printer or scanner
2. 2 computers so be able to share files back and fourth.
4. 2 computers to be able to share files back and fourth and the same internet connection.

if you are trying to get 2 computers to share files back and forth and nothing else then you dont need a router, switch, or hub, you can just use a crossover cable and link the 2 togather. using the lan ports.

if you want only one computer to have access to the internet, you can buy a cheap nic. and connect the internert to one computer and then install the nic and use a crossover cable between the computers as well.

as for sharing a printer of the internet, then you are going to need preferably a router.

[moe88]

Hey,
Two ways you can make a network between more that two computers:
1. A switch, but one of your computers must be a gateway, and usually you will have less trouble if all of the computers ran the same OS.
2. A router, where you can connect a modem to it, and share it equally.

I have taken the liberty to draw you a quick sketch of the different topographies.


On the left, notice it is required for PC 1 to be on at all times for the other computers to Gain Internet access or print sharing capabiliites.
On the right, the router takes care of all of that. An advantage of getting a router is that you will also get a hardware firewall, protecting your network from intruders and hackers a lot better.

-Moe

[Lyte]

Howdy Moe,

Nice schematic!

I don't know 'bout anyone else but I can understand processes a LOT better if there's a visual of some kiind.

Good on ya!

Lyte

[foxylady]

Nice diagram, although thats more for office layouts, not at home with just a few computers.
Generally a router will do just fine, one port for the modem and the rest for attached computers.

I use a Netgear router with 4 ports which is great.

[Mere]

Yup thats what i do, i use a Dlink router, have 3 pcs and a laptop (i don't keep the laptop connected all the time however)

[tanfwc]

I recommand using Linksys 24 port switch, if more computers are coming in, just do a uplink and link up another switch to have double of the network switch.

Careful planning is needed if more computers are expected

[ThaiN]

heheh right now im running 5 computer with a lan router... This is what i have

1) road runner, = internet
2) i have 2 router. 1 connect to the road runner modern and the other connected to the computer.

and the other router is connected to my printer this way when i want to print i dont have to go to the site

[limainfinita]

My expierence:
i have a adsl router, my router has 1 slot to connect adsl cable and 4 slots to conect to computer
ok weeks ago i conect another computer to my router, and what happen, my 2 computer was in lan.