Connecting Two Computers Through a Router

With the proliferation of networking devices and cheaper broadband access, it is no longer enough to share computers. Most homes today have more than one computer, and it is necessary to network or connect them to share resources like printers and Internet access. Here are ways to connect two computers through a router.

Things You'll Need

• Wired or wireless router
• Cat5 cable
• Ethernet network interface card or wireless card

Instructions

1. 

   Turn off both computers you want to connect through a router. Open your computers' chassis and install the ethernet network cards if your motherboards don’t have them built in. You can also install your wireless ethernet cards this way. Close the chassis when installation is complete.

2. Boot up your computer systems. Install the software for your ethernet cards in both computers following manufacturers' instructions. Newer computers will install this software (driver) automatically.

3. 

   Plug one end of the Cat5 cable into the ethernet network card you just installed in your computer. Plug the other end into an open Internet slot on the back of your router. These slots are numbered. Perform this step on both computers.

4. Plug one end of another Cat5 cable into the slot on the back of your router labeled ethernet. Plug the other end of the cat5 cable into the back of the Internet modem provided by your service provider. Perform this step only if you want to share Internet access between both computers.

5. Plug your router power supply into a power source. Turn on your computers. Install the software. Turn on your router when prompted.

6. Your computers are now connected or networked through your router.

Tips & Warnings

• If you choose to connect both computers wirelessly, the process is the same, except you will need to use wireless cards instead of cat5 wires.

• Different manufacturers make different routers and network interface cards.

• Connecting or networking your computers using wires is safer and faster than using wireless access cards.

• Networking your computers using routers allows you to share printers and other resources but can be dangerous if not secured properly. Use strong encryption technology to secure your data during and after transfers.

Resources

• Connect two computers using a router
• Share internet connection between two computers
• Connect two computers for file sharing