Practical number 5

How to Create a Local Area Network (LAN)

• A LAN, or local area network, is a wonderful way for many computers to exchange files and devices. 
• If you have many computers in your house, setting up a network allows you to share an Internet connection, data, printers, and other devices among them - all without the use of wires.
•  Fortunately, the process is straightforward, and by following a few basic steps, you can learn how to set up a LAN in your home.

1. In a network, evaluate your requirements. The devices you employ to set up your network will decide the capabilities of your network. Cost, security, connection speed, dependability (adding more computers or devices later), and distance between computers should all be considered. In general, all computers in the network should be within 100 yards (91 metres) of one another.

Step 1

• Ensure that your computers are equipped with wireless networking cards. Each computer in the network must have a wireless networking card in order to communicate wirelessly with other computers on the network. If your PCs are only a few years old, you almost certainly already have one installed, as this is now a standard feature on all new computers. You may need to purchase and install a networking card if you have an older computer.

Step 2

• Make a connection to the Internet. While LANs can be set up solely to share data between computers without access to the Internet, the cost of cabling the complete network outweighs the benefits. To share an Internet connection between computers, you'll need to set up a broadband Internet connection (such as cable or DSL) on your main computer first. If you don't already have an Internet connection, contact a local Internet service provider (ISP).

Step 3

• Invest in a wireless router. You'll need a router if you want to broadcast your Internet connection wirelessly. When purchasing a router, check sure it is appropriate for the type of connection you have (cable, DSL, etc.). You should also examine the router's signal strength. The package will specify how far the router's signal will be radiated. It must connect to every machine on your network.

Step 4

• Set up the router. To set up the router, connect it to your modem with your main Ethernet wire (the one that connects your primary computer to the Internet). Install any software that comes with the router on each computer in the network after plugging in the router's power connection. When you're done, the router should start wirelessly broadcasting your Internet connection.

Step 5

• Join the wireless network with each PC. Locate the wireless network name that you set during the software installation on each computer. Use the password you created to connect to that network.

Step 6

• Files can be shared through a network. You must mark files on one computer as shared to make them accessible to users on other computers. You may accomplish this on Windows by putting the files in the "Shared Documents" folder or right-clicking each file and selecting "Share this file" from the "Properties" menu. For other operating systems, the procedure will be slightly different.

Step 7

• Connect to any of the network's devices. These gadgets will also need to be able to interact wirelessly in order to connect to devices such as printers and scanners (this feature is not nearly as common on printers as on computers). To connect to a device, look for the device's icon on each computer's network drive. For example, double-clicking on a printer's icon will install the printer and make it available for future usage.