Networking Questions and Answers - How Do You Setup An Ethernet Connection?

Husen writes in with a networking question

Question:How do you setup an Ethernet connection?

A. To setup an Ethernet connection you will need to have Ethernet network cards in all of the computers you want to connect to the network. Ethernet is the most common standard in use and most likely your computers will come with Ethernet (RJ45) ports built in.
 
You will also need a hub or a switch as a central point for all the computer to connect together. Most people use switches nowadays because they are faster and have better routing capabilities.
 
To connect the PCs to the switch you will use Cat5 or better network cable. You will need to run this cable from each PC to the switch. Try to keep the cable away from power interference sources such as florescent light fixtures and air conditioning units which will cause signal degradation.
 
Make sure that all the computers are on the same IP subnet and share the same workgroup name so they will be able to see each other. If you have a DHCP device then you should be ok. Otherwise if you are setting it up manually make sure to set the IP addresses so they are on the same subnet.

Finally to share files and printers you will have to setup sharing on each computer so that the others can see their shared resources.

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