How to Network Computers Using a Hub

A hub is a device that joins multiple computers together on one network. There are many different types of hubs but the most common one is the Ethernet hub. This type of hub can be used to connect computers without internet connection. If you want internet connection to the computers, you must add a router or switch as well.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• hub
• router
• more than two computers
• straight-through network cable
• power adapter
• blank disk

1. To set up a network using a hub without internet access (Make sure all computers are off)
   Take one end of the power adapter and plug it into the AC connector on the hub and the other end to the electrical outlet.

2. Turn on your computers.
   Take one end of a straight-through network cable and plug into one of the numbered ports on the hub. Take the other end and plug it into the computer’s network jack. If you did it right, green lights should come on. Repeat steps above for the remaining computers.

3. To set up a network using a hub with router for internet access(Make sure all computers are off)
   Take one end of the power adapter and plug into the AC connector on the hub and the other end to the electrical outlet.

4. Take one end of a straight-through network cable and plug into the uplink port on the hub. Take the other end and of the cable and plug it into the uplink port on the router. If it only has one port, use the LAN port and set the switch to crossover located on the back of the router.

5. Turn on your computers.
   Take one end of a straight-through network cable and plug it into one of the numbered ports on the hub (except the uplink port). Take the other end and plug it into the network connector on the computer. If you did it right, green lights should come on, as you connect each computer.

6. Repeat the above steps for the remaining computers.
   To configure Windows for the wired connection
   Make sure everything is connected and turned on. Click on Start, All Programs, Accessories, Communications, then click Network
   Setup Wizard. The Network Setup Wizard opens.

7. Click next and the select a connection method
   If you get any message other than ‘select a connection method’, you must check and make sure that all the cables are connected correctly. It will also say this if you have a wireless ethernet connection already installed in your computer. If this is the case simply click on ‘ignore disconnected network hardware’ and click on next.

8. If you are using the internet click on ‘this computer connects through the internet through another computer on my network or through a residential gateway’
   If you are not using the internet click on ‘this computer belongs to a network that does not have internet connection’

9. Click next. The message ‘your computer has multiple connections’ will appear if your computer has wired and wireless ethernet capabilities.
   If it does select the ‘let me choose the connection to my network’
   Click to select the Local Area Connection box, then click next.

10. Type a description of the computer in the computer description box
    Type a computer name in the computer name box. Names must be 15 characters and can contain both numbers and letters. It will be used to identify your computer to other users on the network.

11. Click next and type a workgroup name in the workgroup name box. The name must be the same for all the computers on the network and the name must be different than any computer name on your network.

12. Click next to apply the network settings. Since you are setting up an ethernet network for the other computers, select Create a network disk so that you can use it on the other computers on your network.
    Click on Finish. Each computer on your network must have a unique name but the same workgroup name.

13. To configure the TCP/IP protocol. This becomes the default when networking is set up Windows XP.
    To enter the IP address and subnet mask in Windows XP, go to Start, Control Panel, Network and Internet Connections(in category view). Double click on network connections.

14. Right-click Local Area Connection, then click Properties. Check the Internet Protocol(TCP/IP) box under the ‘This connection uses the following items’. Click on properties, then the general tab ‘Obtain an IP address automatically’ assuming that your router automatically assigns IP addresses to computers on the network.

15. Click Ok to close the Internet Protocol box, Click ok to close the Local Area connection dialog box, Click x to close the Network Connections window.

16. Repeat this procedure for every computer on your network. After you have configured all your IP addresses now you must configure your router. Once you are connected to a wired ethernet network you can then share access to the internet, share information and share printers.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot see other computers on the network, make sure that all the cables are connected correctly, that each computer has it's own name and the workgroup has the same name.

[marko316]

on 3/3/2009 yo dude' what if i use a modem and a switch' does it work the same way??

[pianistic]

on 5/28/2008 Great!

[amylaine]

on 5/16/2008 Great article, very useful. 5 stars.

[dsarokin]

on 5/12/2008 Thanks for this. I've put my network together through trial and error, and it's nice to see things explained clearly, for once. There's even some good links for equipment on the page, which I'll have to check out.