What are the basic components of wired LAN?

1. More than one computer
2. Ethernet Switch
3. UTP cable
4. Software

Figure 1: Basic Components of a Wired LAN

Click image to expand.

The computer here may mean a PC, laptop, printer, IP camera, home entertainment system or any device that has a network card in it. The network card will allow a device to be connected to the LAN.

The network hub or switch will provide the central connection point for all the computers participating in the LAN.

The UTP cable will provide the path for the information to travel from one computer to another. Use straight-through cable to connect the computers to the switch. If you only need to connect two computers, you may use a cross-over cable to connect the two computers together.

The software, network adapter drivers and protocol suites, if installed properly will allow the computers to communicate with each other. Operating systems such as Windows XP, Vista, MAC OS X and Linux distributions already come with network interface card drivers and TCP/IP suite. All you have to do is configure it to work for your local area network.


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

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