From Issue #2 , Page #72 | By Chris Arndt
How to hook up your first computer network
The sneaker network—we've all used one. This is the process of moving files between computers using a floppy disk, and walking data (in your sneakers, get it?) from one computer to another. Maybe it's time to connect those computers in a real network.
The Network
With a computer network, you'll be able to share files without disks or CDs. You could listen to the MP3s saved on your desktop computer remotely on your laptop, and share printers and a Web connection.
Like your telephone, most computer networks now use a number-based address for each computer. The number looks like this: 192.168.1.41. None of the four number sets separated by the dots can be bigger than 255.
Also like your phone, computers are connected with wires or cables. These are made of four twisted pairs in a jacket; this is Category 5 (sometimes 5e or 6). The connectors on the cable even look like modular telephone connectors, only bigger.
While a simple network can be made by connecting two computers together with a special Cat 5 cable called a crossover cable, that's not expandable. Most people will want to use a hub or a switch to be able to connect multiple computers to their network. Hubs are like a telephone party line, where only two computers can talk to each other at any one time, while switches allow multiple conversations to take place. The price difference is so low these days that it doesn't make much sense to use a hub.
Step 1: the pieces
We'll assume you are networking current computers that already have NICs and their drivers installed, and are also running Windows XP. If you are getting your feet wet with just two computers, you can start your network cheaply with just a crossover cable. Otherwise, you'll need a small switch and two straight-through cables. The distance limit for copper Cat 5 Ethernet cables is 100 meters (328 feet), so get cables that are long enough for your application.
Step 2: Connecting
Plug one Cat 5 cable into each computer and the switch. If your computer has a modem, there may be two or more similar-looking modular jacks on the computer. The Ethernet jack is the largest of them.
Power up the switch. There should be at least two LEDs for each port, on the computer near the Ethernet jack. If there is a good connection between the computer and the switch, at least one LED for each port should light. If not, check that you haven't plugged a cable into the "crossover" port of the switch, and aren't using crossover cables.
Step 3: Configuration
Windows XP users should have an icon on the desktop called My Network Places. Right-click it and click on Properties. You should see an icon titled Local Area Connection. Again, right-click that and select Properties. Scroll down to Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), select it, and again, click Properties.
On the next window, click the radio button for Use the Following IP Address: and, for the address, enter 192.168.1.1. For the Subnet mask, enter 255.255.255.0. (This tells the computer that you'll have up to 255 computers on your network, all with addresses starting 192.168.1.xxx.) Click OK enough times to close all the open network windows. You may or may not have to reboot the computer.
Now do the same thing on the other computer, but make its address 192.168.1.2.
Step 4: Ping!
Now it's time to test the network. On the computer with the 192.168.1.1 address, open a command prompt window (Start/ Programs/Accessories/Command Prompt). In the prompt window, type: ping 192.168.1.1, and hit Enter.
Ping is a test that essentially says, "Are you there?" to the computer in the address, to which it replies (if it heard the question), "Yup."
We're first pinging the machine we're on, mainly so you can see what a successful ping test looks like. You should see four lines that look like: Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128. If you get a different reply, there is a configuration problem or you may have entered the wrong address.
Next try pinging the other computer: ping 192.168.1.2. Success!
Step 5: Share the Wealth
Time to start sharing. Right-click My Network Places, and then Properties. Under Network Tasks, click Set Up a Home or Small Office Network, and follow the wizard.
When you are finished with the wizard, right-click My Network Places, click Properties, right-click the network connection, and again click Properties. In the This Connection Uses the Following Items box, ensure that File and Printer Sharing is checked. Now, in Explorer, you can right-click any disk drive or folder, choose Sharing and Security, and enable sharing.
After setting up something to be shared, go to the other computer, double-click on My Network Places. If the other computer on your network isn't shown, you may need to double click on View Workgroup Computers. Double-click on the computer shown, and you should be able to navigate to your shared resource. From there, you can copy, save, drag or open files. This is just a quick introduction, but there is much more you can do with a network. Happy sharing! -Chris Arndt
Project Snapshot
Estimated Time to Complete: 2 to 4 hours
Estimated Cost: $5 to $50
The Problem
Home computer networks allow you to easily share files, an Internet connection, and peripherals like printers anywhere in your house. How do you connect two or more computers into a network? What kind of hardware do you need?
Parts Needed
Cat 5 crossover cable or Cat 5 cables and a switch.
Project Steps
- Assemble the hardware.
- Connect the equipment.
- Configure the network.
- Ping the system.
- Start sharing peripherals.
Notes About Addressing
The entire Internet uses addresses like mentioned in the main article. Without glazing your eyes over with too much detail, most of that address space (255 x 255 x 255, or over four BILLION unique addresses) is reserved for public Internet uses. CNN.com has a unique address, as does your cable or DSL modem. However, there are a few blocks of addresses that are reserved for private networks like the one you are building. We’ll use the 192.168.1.xxx block.
Every computer on your network needs an address and they all must be unique on it. So you can have up to 255 computers at home before you need to use a bigger address block.
When your network gets bigger, and you add a router to share an Internet connection, it can do the addressing for you automatically!
Bonus Web Tip:
If you are addressing your computers manually, use a spreadsheet to keep track of the addresses and computer names. It also helps to label the computer cases with the address and name for later troubleshooting.
Additional Resources
When I built my first home network eight years ago, parts and information were hard to come by. Now things are different. Most large electronic retailers like Circuit City or Best Buy, office supply stores like Staples and Office Depot, RadioShack, and even Home Depot carry networking supplies.
In addition, there is lots of information and help available on the Internet. Check out the Web sites like ExtremeTech (www.extremetech.com), or just enter “home networking” or “setting up XP network” into Google (www.google.com) for more information than we could give you here.
If you are really interested in having a home network, but not quite willing or able to tackle the chore yourself, any local computer store should be able to assist you, or point you in the direction of someone who can. Even the high school kid next door can probably help you out.
About The Writer
Name: Chris Arndt
Age: 49
City/State: San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Occupation: Telemetry and instrumentation tech
One thing people would be surprised to know about me:
Even our electric driveway gate is networked (OK, maybe they wouldn’t be surprised).
Beginners Tip
As with any project involving technology that’s new to you, it’s best to start small and work your way up to complicated. Learn networking with a small network of two computers and a switch or hub, or even just a crossover cable. Add as you learn.
Types of Networks
Computers can be networked wirelessly, or in a mixed network of wired and wireless computers. Whatever works best for your setup!
Addressing Tip
If you are addressing your computers manually, use a spreadsheet to keep track of the addresses and computer names. It also helps to label the computer cases with the address and name for later troubleshooting.
Join the Conversation!
Here are some recent comments on this article—why not add your own?
sK8BPW <a href="http://jqivebrespcn.com/">jqivebrespcn</a>, [url=http://qccumvsmbxia.com/]qccumvsmbxia[/url], [link=http://oepqhncaurfc.com/]oepqhncaurfc[/link], http://xdqiplvgcyjm.com/
g256p1sd2x2bpdw5
<a href= http://bgcwmxotc.com >uifuhig rfebmi</a>
http://eusehix.com
<a href= http://pupsmnr.com >xwjrk smjoq</a>
http://smalejkj.com
<a href= http://alphhhgghrv.com >neaati czerkn</a>
http://nlqmbjmwghz.com
<a href= http://djwkipvpmpk.com >vvboqo sumzxph</a>
http://rpujkiku.com
g256p1sd2x2bpdw5
<a href= http://uifhjveolkwe.com >bgwair aiyz</a>
http://resujt.com
<a href= http://viqjvrtodma.com >rerpa fplcwtm</a>
http://mqakjtzy.com
<a href= http://apnnqwewz.com >wxakopb wzfbvij</a>
http://nmqaelmqkqke.com
<a href= http://hdpsaaxj.com >zlxefl iwxvj</a>
http://tlgajxqk.com
g256p1sd2x2bpdw5
<a href= http://ozyusrq.com >ykyqqn ncdlx</a>
http://cikbwrahuja.com
<a href= http://toedbxmwprut.com >achjfae fjoeuyak</a>
http://qtnhbgmo.com
<a href= http://vtrssmiadbh.com >gcpybca vsmfcqv</a>
http://yuvcgdig.com
<a href= http://trdbxmznmu.com >mkalql xrews</a>
http://rgsofxwrr.com
g256p1sd2x2bpdw5
<a href= http://krvrkiu.com >lijvd ukhe</a>
http://guhgmxahoi.com
<a href= http://tlxyqlnqy.com >ohyuaks svjqac</a>
http://hbpjkjwnh.com
<a href= http://vczghuxzckcf.com >ecplvm pnjq</a>
http://nantsqmakhrv.com
<a href= http://uwqopoq.com >nvproja uvabzdzx</a>
http://edofpyfhf.com
g256p1sd2x2bpdw5
<a href= http://jvepxpskvsry.com >fhefs sffyzjbv</a>
http://zvwqpetfax.com
<a href= http://ieflegatweh.com >sauppzn doonvzp</a>
http://nfdhgsdukt.com
<a href= http://pzcxyfenjwah.com >zyaqvpe yoxjczi</a>
http://wvhtummsime.com
<a href= http://bnzpwan.com >htpfl evqla</a>
http://orvirbbsbflq.com
tongueflower hemautograph imbellious sauriasis peracute gue dun rebook
<a href= http://cnn.com/2000/WORLD/americas/11/23/argentina.strike.02/ >Argentine workers strike to protest austerity</a>
http://cnn.com/2002/WORLD/meast/06/05/egypt.corruption.ap/index.html
<a href= http://www.true-salvation.com/ >True-Salvation</a>
http://www.homestead.com/snowbornsiberians/index.html
<a href= http://www.american-bulldog.com/ >The American Bulldog World</a>
http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/articles/javanese.html
<a href= http://www.nwrdc.org/ >Northwest Regional Development Commission</a>
http://www.newavesys.com/
Theres no edit on this thing.
Sorry for the triple post
Where the he-ll did I go wrong. I followed your instructions to the "T". I got a good Ping back from both PCs, I gave different names to each PC. And now it says I have a local cable disconnected and it wiped out all internet access. It also took out the Icon for My Network Place. Is there not suppose to something in the gateway box? / Good thing XP has a system restore.
Any Idea what I did wrong besides trying to do this myself.
Where the he-ll did I go wrong. I followed your instructions to the "T". I got a good Ping back from both PCs, I gave different names to each PC. And now it says I have a local cable disconnected and it wiped out all internet access. It also took out the Icon for My Network Place. Is there not suppose to something in the gateway box? / Good thing XP has a system restore.
Any Idea what I did wrong besides trying to do this myself.
Where the he-ll did I go wrong. I followed your instructions to the "T". I got a good Ping back from both PCs, I gave different names to each PC. And now it says I have a local cable disconnected and it wiped out all internet access. It also took out the Icon for My Network Place. Is there not suppose to something in the gateway box? / Good thing XP has a system restore.
Any Idea what I did wrong besides trying to do this myself.
I have 2 computers that i hooked up with an ethernet cable .I have a westell versalink 327 modem.My problem is i dont have them seperate operating .idont have them in a network.both work on the internet but i cant get seperate Prog.
how do you hook up two computers together
2/1/06 Cris,
I am really a beginner when it comes to hooking two computers together, and am running Windows 98 on both. Can you give me a little advise on how to get started using a land line internet connection thru the telephone system to hook both computers together and possibly run internet at the same time, yet be able to allow my Wife to internet shop while I am internet researching?
Also, I am having a problem with the basic of my two computers. The internet will not work because the system is not recognizing my modem. I have information which may help, but to get modem, driver and port correct to make my internet work is killing me. I have ran a check on this computer and it says I have "SupraMax 56i Voice PCI V.92 (modem), and SUP2751 PCI Modem Enumerator installed (when it worked). I must have messed up somewhere. Any suggestions?
My son has my computer running xp hooked up to a d-link 174 along with his laptop.
Please Tell me how to use my one keybord and monitor with my computer running xp and also hook up and use my old computer running windows 98along with my computer and share between the two. I could temporarily use the cable my son uses . He does not always stay here. the cable jack looks like a bigger telephone cable jack.
Routers are by far the least expensive and easiest to set up option for 2 or more computers that require access to the internet (high speed) and file/printer sharing. A simple 4 port router from D-link or Linksys can be had for as little as $8 after rebates and the cost of the Cat-5 cables, which vary in price depending on length.
The real advantage to using the router is it provides you with the added protection of a hardware FireWall. The default settings are pretty good most users and it doesn't slow your computer down like software FireWall programs do. Setting one up is as easy as droping the installation disc in and hitting "Express Install". Answer "Yes" to "Clone my MAC Address" and you're pretty much done. Write down any info you provided like passwords (good idea to use one on your router and DON"T use PASSWORD!!). After it's set up you could have 100 or more computers hooked up to it (with the addition of a few hubs) and as far as your internet service provider or any other computer out there is concerned you are only one address, the one that you cloned. The router is not a computer, so if a hacker were to try and ping your MAC address he(or she, they're bad too) they would not get an answer because the router can't talk back. Dumb hardware, the perfect FireWall (it's a bit simplistic and some would argue a few points but it's way better than walking out the front door with nothing on but a paper bag over your head thinking no one can see you).
Sharing a printer or files in XP or 2000 is as easy as right clicking on a printer or folder and choose "Sharing". Fill in the blanks if required or hit the radio button to share the device. In 98SE you have to enter the Network Icon in the Control Panel and choose "Allow File and Print Sharing" on the first tab. You'll have to reboot and the do the right click thing on the printers/file folders you wish to share. 98SE machines can read all the files in an XP or 2000 machine that are set to share. NT file system or not. Those operating systems make there files readable when sharing is enabled.
Game consols can have access through the router as well but you might have to "open" specific ports(address ranges) for them to work correctly. Information on this should be in the consols manual or online at the manufactures or game website.
If you choose the single cross-over cable option you occupy the lan/ethernet card in both computers. If internet access is required one of the 2 computers must have a second lan card or a dial-up modem. Access tp the internet can become a little tricky now and both computers have to be on at the same time for the one without access to gain access. Another downside here is if you go to a local supplier for a cross-over cable you could get hosed (I'm Canadian, I can say that) for 5 times the cost of a regular Cat-5 cable. Cross-over cables are quite often yellow, red or orange in colour and have labels (stickers) on them that say "Cross-Over" on the end where the wires are reversed. The only difference in the two cables is the orange and green wires inside the cable are reversed on one end. Check out these links :
http://www.aptcommunications.com/ncode.htm
http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/cat5_cables_.htm
It would be cheaper to buy a regular cable at the lenght you want, cut one end off (leave yourself 6 or 8 inches in case you decide to make a short jumper wire later) and have the local computer store install a new end with the wires reversed to make it a cross-over cable. Better yet, buy the cable at the local computer store the exact length you need and hit them up for some free advice while your there.
Your home network can be as simple or elaberate as you want. I have one computer that I use for e-mail and internet access (it's scary out there people). It contains a separate hard drive I use to store stuff I download (all legal of course, at least up here . . . for now). The separate hard drive and printer attatched to it can be accessed from my working computer and the kids computer (PIII 650 w/monitor and kb/m at a garage sale for $50) without letting either access the internet. If the internet computer gets mess up it doesn't effect the others.
I got 2 pcs one is running 98se the other is win XP.
I have dsl and want to hook them up ,each pc has 1 eithernet plug. Can I go with a straight wiring plugin
on one end? If so please e-mail me back as to get this done
thank you John M
I bought my son a PS2 on line gaming adaptor, it has been a nightmare for me. I hooked it up the first night it worked and he loved it. I purchased a router and attempted to re hook up and no matter what I do I can not get it all together, support only works m-f and so do I!!! Any help out there?
Do you need a crossover cable to connect two computers together? and what is the color code for the crossover cable? thanks
If all I want is 2 computers hooked up to share printer and internet, all I need are the proper
internal cards and the cat5 cable with the proper
end connections? I don't need a hub or a wall
box, etc.? Any problems?
Definitely think about installing a home network. I have a wireless network set up for my laptop. My desktop is hardware. I absolutely love it.
I just hooked a Linksys router up to my DSL modem. It's VERY easy.
What would be the easy way to hook up an Laptop and desktop pc, so they can access the internet at the same time.