Examples of a wired LAN setup.

1. LAN setup # 1 – without internet connection

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• You can attach all your computers to an Ethernet switch using straight-through Category 5e (Cat 5e) Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables.
• If you have a printer and wanted to print from any of your computers, first select a computer where you will install/attach your printer and then configure printer-sharing on your selected computer. This computer will serve as your print server. Alternatively, you may opt to use a dedicated device as your print server.
• You may install software applications/games on one of your computers that will serve as your application/game server. You can also “centralize” your files by enabling file-sharing on one of your computers that will serve as your file server.

2. LAN setup # 2 – connecting only two computers

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• You can “network” two computers without an Ethernet switch by using a cross-over Cat 5e UTP cable. This simple wired network setup can be up to 100 meters apart.
• You can enable printer- and file-sharing on one or on both computers. Also, it/both can be configured as an application or game server.

3. LAN setup # 3 – with internet connection

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• Same as LAN setup # 1 except for the addition of a router and a modem.
• Your Ethernet switch is connected to your router, your router is connected to your modem and your modem is connected to your phone line or cable all the way to your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• You might not need an Ethernet switch because you may connect your computers and other devices directly to your router depending on the number of PCs and the number of LAN ports on your router.

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How to build a Home Network/Small-Office Home-Office (SOHO) Computer Network series:

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