A Small Typical Home Ethernet LAN

The Ethernt LAN may use a single Ethernet cable or multiple cables and a network hub/router.

It is becoming frequently common for households to contain more than one computer. Members of these households may rely on a small, home Ethernet local area network to share resources.

Configuration

A home local area network (LAN) may consist of two computers and either a crossover Ethernet cable or two regular (straight-through) Ethernet cables connected by a crossover adapter. Alternatively, many home Ethernet networks rely on a network switch that connects to the computers with multiple Ethernet cables. Modern routers frequently serve as both a network hub and switch in these situations.

Benefits

An Ethernet LAN allows multiple computers to share data and files. These networks also provide the ability for multiple computers to share resources such as a single printer or an Internet connection. A small home network allows users to watch movies on one computer from another, and every computer in the household can connect to the Internet simultaneously.

Considerations

Although consumers only need to purchase a crossover Ethernet cable for the simplest of LANs, this solution allows only two computers to connect. Users who wish to connect more than two computers or non-computer devices such as video game consoles to the network or Internet will find that a network switch/router best suits their needs.

Limitations

Wired LANs require all computers to be within a distance that is equal to the length of the Ethernet cable from the router or other computer. Some users may wish to connect to the network from other locations within the home and may consider a wireless network to accomplish this.

References

• Microsoft TechNet: Home and Small Office Network Topologies
• Apple: Creating a small Ethernet network
• Network dictionary: How to Set Up and Configure a Small Office and Home Office (SOHO) Network ?
• Azinet: How to set up a network for Small Office / Home Office Computers