lan Network?

Question

How do I create a lan network? Do I use a switch or a router (i heard the router divides the IP so more computers use the connection) However if there is a simple way tio connect 3 pcs to a 2 pc connection pls tell me!! So... what do i buy etc.
And how do you create a network once you have everything? by the way, one pc is vista and the other xp.

The main thing is to connect in a cheaper way the 2 pc´s to play in a lan network etc. The ther pc is opcional.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Just connecting two PC's is easy, using a piece of crossover RJ45 cable. Doing more than that, buy a switch. Hubs are fantastic ways to make a mess with networking. (Packet Collision)

Windows Vista and Windows XP don't work great alongside each other I've found, but for a pretty simple network, you shouldn't have any problems. (I get a lot of problems since I'm running Linux as well)

Some of the networking features (like network mapping) on Vista won't work alongside XP, but filesharing and basic TCP/IP do their job, so long as everyone is in the same workgroup, and has the right permissions, etc.

Solar Granulation · Answer

The router is for connecting to the internet and providing the IP addresses for computers, yes.  Many routers now come with switches built in, but if yours does not you may connect it to an Ethernet switch or (less efficient) an Ethernet hub.

I just want to point out that "LAN network" is a tautology as LAN stands for Local Area Network.  Either Ethernet or WiFi (or even Token Ring) are types of LAN.

Anonymous · Answer

To connect TWO pc's on a LAN all you need is a CROSS Over cable.  Both Computers need a Network Card (NIC).

The cross over cable is a CAT 5 Ethernet cable with RJ-45 Plugs at each end.

To connect THREE or more computers to a LAN you need a Router.

ercferret18 · Answer

if u want a wired network, buy an ethernet hub

lan Network?

4 Answers