How To Build a Network Part 3

Set Up Your Hardware

Your first step is to install the NICs into any of your computers that need them. In order to do this, you should refer to the instruction manual for the NIC you have purchased.

Here is a very brief summary for most NIC installations:

  1. Unplug your computer.
  2. Remove the case.
  3. Select a free PCI slot and remove the metal cover beside the slot.
  4. Touch a metal object to discharge any static electricity in your body.
  5. Press the card into the slot until it drops into place. Do not be afraid to push hard, but make sure that the card is properly seated in a slot that fits it.
  6. Use the screw removed from the metal cover to attach the card to the case.
  7. Replace case.

You will want to place your cable or DSL modem and your router next to each other in a location central to where your computers are located so that you can cut down on the length of category 5 Ethernet cables.

If you are planning to run wires in your home or office through the walls, you may want to place the router and modem in a utility room. Wherever you place them, remember they should be in a place where you can get to them easily, as occasionally you may need to reset them.

Once you have placed the router, cable or DSL modem, and computers in their place, you will need to turn on all of the devices. In most cases, you will need to power on the modem, wait a moment then turn on the router, and finally power up your computers.

Most consumer routers come with four or more RJ-45 Ethernet ports and a built in switch. If your network is larger than this you have two options, you can either buy a new router that has more than eight ports (this can get rather expensive), or you can buy a separate switch or hub. You can add as many extra hubs or switches to your network as are needed to accommodate the computers that you need to attach.