How to Install a Home Ethernet LAN

A home ethernet LAN connects all your computers together.

Wireless networks are extremely convenient for mobility, but they are also less secure and require that all of your computers have wireless network cards. If you want to ensure your privacy and protect the contents of your computers, a home Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN) may be a better option. Installing a LAN at home requires running cables from each computer to a central networking device and then creating the network in the Windows network options.

Things You'll Need

• Wired router or switch
• Modem
• Ethernet cables

Instructions

1. Place your wired router or switch near the computer that is currently connected to your modem. Disconnect the Ethernet cable running from your modem to your computer if there is currently a connected cable.

2. Plug the AC adapter from the router or switch to a wall outlet. Run an Ethernet cable from the Ethernet port on the back of your modem to the port labeled "Internet" or "WAN" on the router or switch.

3. Check to see if the router or switch came with an installation disc. Place the disc in the computer's disc drive and go through the onscreen installation instructions.

4. Connect Ethernet cables to the Ethernet ports on each of the computers that will be included in the LAN. Connect the opposite ends of the cables to the numbered ports on the back end of the router or switch.

5. Access the computer that had the router software installed or access any of the connected computers if there was no included software. Bring up the "Start" menu and select "Control Panel."

6. Click "Network and Sharing Center" if your Control Panel is set to the "Classic View." Click "Network and Internet" and "Network and Sharing Center" if you are set to the "Control Panel Home" view.

7. Choose "Set up a new connection or network" and click the "Setup a network" option. Follow the prompts on the screen to create a name for your network. Click "Finish."

8. Open the "Network and Sharing Center" on the other computers that need to be connected to the LAN. Click "Connect to a Network." Click the network's name and choose "Connect."

Tips & Warnings

• An Ethernet LAN lets you share an Internet connection, but a working Internet connection isn't required for the LAN to operate. If you don't have a modem, simply connect Ethernet cables between all the computers and the router.

• The "Network and Sharing Center" lets you change the sharing options on the LAN. For example, click the "File Sharing" option if you want other computers on the LAN to be able to view and access the files on your computer.

• A printer connected to your computer can also be shared with other computers on the LAN. Access the "Network and Sharing Center" and click "Turn on Printer Sharing." Other computers on the LAN will then be able to choose your printer as an option when printing a document or image.

References

• Microsoft: Setting Up a Home Network

Resources

• Microsoft: Why Can't I Connect to a Network?