How to Set Up a LAN Multiplayer Game

Setting up a LAN network

Setting up a LAN network to play online multiplayer games requires Ethernet cables and a hub. Network cards must be installed in all computers connected to the LAN. A LAN is basically a bunch of computers that are networked together. This helps to reduce ping that is encountered in online multiplayer games. Setting up a LAN multiplayer game can be costly. A budget may help you stay within your price range for your LAN network.

Things You'll Need

• Network cards
• Ethernet cables
• Hub

Instructions

1. Make sure all the computers have a network card. Network cards are in charge of transmitting signals between the different computers. You will need a network card that will be able to process all the information in your LAN network. This will depend on the size of your LAN multiplayer game network and files that will be transferred between the computers.

2. Set up the hub for networking. The hub is very important when setting up a LAN network for multiplayer games. This device connects all of your computers together. Hubs come in various sizes and you should purchase one that will fit the requirement of your multiplayer game network. If you have 10 computers to hook up to the LAN then you will need a 10-port hub.

3. Connect the Ethernet cables from the computers to the hub. The last step in setting up a LAN multiplayer game is to use Ethernet cables to connect the computers to the hub. This will allow all the computers to work together on one network. Once this is complete then a multiplayer game can be set up and easily joined within the network.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to cut costs of your LAN, reduce the size of it.

• Purchasing unneeded materials, such as a 40-port hub when you only need a 10-port hub, can raise the costs of your LAN.

References

• "Firing Squad Magazine": FS Guide to Setup a LAN.