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View Full Version : How do you set up a LAN between two computers?

op6
05-26-2005, 6:55 PM
I guess its called a LAN(Local Area Network). I want to set one up so I can test a few things; like sending messages through a network and playing a few LAN games with my friends.

Anyone want to help me?
Neo
05-26-2005, 7:45 PM
Well first question would be do you have a Router/Hub/etc...?

-Neo
op6
05-26-2005, 8:05 PM
No(at the moment), but humor me. :)
Neo
05-26-2005, 8:19 PM
Well then I don't know how well I can help you ;)

Lol, I have a router and I cant even get a LAN setup correctly, but you may want to just google it, since it will be next to impossible for you to set one up without a hub or anything.

Since you can't just connect a nic card in one computer to a nic card in another (I dont know, you might be possible, but I dont believe it works like that)

-Neo
ZeroDarkStar
05-26-2005, 9:34 PM
If you don't have a hub, it's not a LAN, really more of a direct connection. Although you could technically directly connect the computers using crossover Ethernet cable (or is it the other kind? I honestly don't know), a hub would be much easier and would also allow you to share a single broadband connection or share printers.

Take a look at Linksys (www.linksys.com) routers or something. :D
Graeme
05-26-2005, 10:06 PM
Just so you guys know, hubs and routers are completely different things:
http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/webmaster/article.php/3498476

Anyway, routers are 'reasonably' easy to set up. The tricky stuff comes in when you want to configure them, open//close ports, add a DMZ host, etc. etc. If you have Windows XP, however, all you need to do is buy a router (as ZDS mentioned, Linksys has some great && userfriendly ones), connect the router to the cable//DSL modem, connect the computers you want in the LAN to the router. XP will autodetect a connection and you're done ^_^.

From there, you can allow filesharing, set up port redirects in the router config page, add a password to the network (especially important for wireless broadcasting networks!), whatever you want to do :P.

If you're planning on using a wireless card, it's not that much more difficult. The linksys wireless card should come with installation software. Install it onto the computer with the wireless card, config it using the same SSID as the router is broadcasting (if you set up your router with the default settings, it will be 'linksys'), and then restart and you're good to go.
op6
05-26-2005, 10:07 PM
Haha, thank guys. :P

I want to try and create a similar setup to the way my high school has it. I was going to test the message sending, but since tomorrow is the last day of school(yeah!) and we have finals, I can't.

But I'll google it.

Thanks again.

Edit - So thats how? Thanks
Toucan
05-27-2005, 1:22 PM
Should be noted though, that if you intention is to only network 2 machines then you dont need a hub, 2 NIC's will work just fine.

Also if you find your self in a pinch you can fill a computers PCI slots and create software bridges between them, wich will work just like a hub, the hub is the better option though.
op6
05-27-2005, 4:23 PM
Should be noted though, that if you intention is to only network 2 machines then you dont need a hub, 2 NIC's will work just fine.

Also if you find your self in a pinch you can fill a computers PCI slots and create software bridges between them, wich will work just like a hub, the hub is the better option though.

Well my intention was to first try it out with only two computers and then have a LAN Party. And while I'm having the party I was going to screw with my friends, lol. But I have no router/hub at the moment, but when I get one I'll do it.

Thanks for all the help guys.
op6
05-28-2005, 1:38 PM
I just found a good guide (http://www.compmodcentral.net/homenetp1.html) on a website I used to go to a lot. lol.

Even covers wireless networking.