Before you get started, make sure you’ve connected to the Internet either through a DSL connection or a cable connection. Click here if you need to learn How to Connect to the Internet. You will also need to purchase some equipment to make this happen.
Here’s a list of things you’ll need to purchase:
- A Router. We usually recommend Cisco/Linksys EtherFast® 10/100 Broadband Routers, which we have had success with both personally and professionally. Linksys is also now owned by Cisco, the guys who make networking equipment for big organizations. Regardless, this router will cost about $60 – $70. Make sure you get a Broadband router, no matter which manufacturer you choose. The router is the device through which you’ll be able to connect your computers to your Internet connection.
- Ethernet cable. Look for either CAT5E or CAT6 Snagless Cable (CAT 6 is supposed to be the latest, greatest, and fastest, and that’s what we really recommend.). This is the cable that looks like a fatter version of a phone cord with clear plastic clips on each end. These come in lengths of 3 feet to hundreds of feet. Before you purchase the cable, measure the distance from your DSL or Cable modem to the computers and printers you want to connect. Make a note of each length and how many devices you want to connect to the network. Tape this note to your forehead so you don’t forget it (…unless you’re driving, of course.). You’ll need it when you purchase the cable either online or at a store.
Usually, when you purchase a router, it comes with a CD with set up instructions. If not, here’s how to set up a basic network:
- Unpack the router and make sure it’s plugged in because it needs electricity.
- Unpack one Ethernet cable.
- Make sure the cable or DSL modem is plugged in and working.
- Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the back of the cable/DSL modem where it says “Ethernet.”
- Plug the other end of the same Ethernet cable into the back of the router where it (usually) says “Uplink.”
- Unpack another Ethernet cable. This is the first one you’re going to connect to one of your computers.
- Plug one end of this Ethernet cable into the back of the router, in any of the available openings (better know as “ports”).
- Connect the other end of this same Ethernet cable into one of your computers. If you have a desktop, this cable should go into the Ethernet port that’s on the back of your desktop. If you have a laptop, the Ethernet port is most likely on one of the sides of your laptop.
- Turn your computer on, if you haven’t already. It may take a few extra minutes for your computer to start up because it’s found the new connection and checking it out.
- If your computer has been on, re-start it so your computer will recognize the new Internet connection.
- To connect other computers or printers to the network, simply unpack the corresponding Ethernet cables. Insert one end of these cables into the remaining open ports on the router. Insert the other end into the Ethernet port on the other computers or printers.
This may sound a bit too short and sweet to be true, but setting up a network usually is fairly simple, especially if you have the CD that comes with the router. If you have questions or suggestions, please let us know.
Copyright 2011 KoolKomputer LLC. All Rights Reserved.