This wikiHow guide will teach you how to create a local area network or LAN.

In a LAN, the connected computers and devices can communicate with each other and
access the Internet.

Part 1

Determine the type of network you need

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Count the number of computers you want to connect by cable. When you are going to configure
A LAN, the first thing you need to know is how many computers will connect to the network.
through Ethernet cables. This will determine the number of ports you will need.

If you want to connect four or fewer computers by cable, all you need is a
router. If you have more than four, you will probably need to get a switch.
to extend the number of available ports on the router.

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Decide if you want to create a wireless network. If you want to allow some devices to
To connect wirelessly, you will need a router capable of transmitting a network signal.
wireless. Most routers available in stores or online come with
wireless network functions.

You cannot connect wireless devices through switches. Switches only...

they can be used in wired local networks, or to extend the number of available ports in
the router.

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Decide if you want all the devices on the network to have Internet access. If you want to
all connected devices have access to the Internet, you will need a router for them to
in charge of managing the connections. If you do not need the devices to be connected to
Internet, you can simply use the network switch.

Image titled Create a Local Area Network (LAN) Step 4

Measure the distances between all wired devices. In most of the

home installations this is not a problem, but you should know that network cables do not
can extend beyond 100 m (328 feet). If you have to install a cable that
extend beyond that distance, you need to install switches in between.
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Consider the needs you will have in the future. If you are going to use all the ports of the
hardware, make sure the configuration allows for the incorporation of additional devices.
go ahead.

Part

Setting up a basic LAN

Image titled Create a Local Area Network (LAN) Step 6

Gather the network hardware. To create a LAN, you will need a router or a switch, which
it will function as the hub of your network. These devices are responsible for directing the
information to the indicated computers.

The router automatically manages the allocation of IP addresses for each device of the
Network is necessary if you intend to share the Internet connection with all devices.
connected. It is highly recommended that you set up the network using a router, even if not
you are going to share the Internet connection.

The network switch is like a simpler version of a router. It allows devices

connected can communicate with each other, but do not assign IP addresses in a way
automatically do not allow sharing the Internet connection. The main purpose of a switch is
expand the number of available LAN ports on the network, as these devices can be
connect directly to a router.

Configure the router. It is not necessary to do too many things to configure a router and create
a basic LAN. You just have to plug it into a power source, preferably
near the modem if you plan to share the Internet connection through it.

3
Connect your modem to the router (if necessary). If you are going to share the Internet connection from the
modem, connect the modem to the port that says 'WAN' or 'INTERNET' on the router.
It is usually a different color than the other ports.

Connect the switch to the router (if necessary). If you are going to use a switch to expand the number
from the available ports on the router, connect an Ethernet cable to any LAN port of the
router and any LAN port of the switch. This will expand the network to the rest of the LAN ports
of the switch.

5
Configure one of the computers as a DHCP server if you are only going to use a switch. If you are going to
using only a switch as a network hub, you must configure a computer as DHCP
(acronym in English for "Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol") so that all the
connected computers can easily obtain IP addresses.

Ethernet cables cannot reliably transfer data over distances.

higher than 100 m (328 feet).

6
Configure one of the computers as a DHCP server if you are only going to use a switch. If you are going to
to use only a switch as a network concentrator, you must configure a computer as DHCP
(abbreviation in English for "Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol") so that all the
connected computers can easily obtain IP addresses.

To quickly create a DHCP server on one of your computers, you can install a
program developed by third parties.

The rest of the computers on the network will automatically obtain IP addresses once
the server is functioning, as long as they are correctly configured to
do it.

Check the network connection on each computer. Once each computer has
once you have obtained your IP address you will be able to communicate with the other computers on the network. If you used

a router to share the Internet connection, now they will also be able to access the Internet.

Set up file and printer sharing. Once the network is up and running,
you will not be able to see the content of other computers unless you enable sharing
files. You can choose which files, folders, drives, printers, or other devices
you want to share and so any user on the network (or just specific users) will be able to access
to them.

Part

Create a wireless network

1
Set up your router. If you want to configure a wireless router, you need to have a few things in place.
mind

To easily troubleshoot problems, the router should be located close to your modem.

It must be located in the center to ensure maximum wireless network coverage.

possible.

During the configuration process, you will need to connect a computer to the router via
an Ethernet cable.

Connect a computer to one of the LAN ports of the router. To configure the network.
wireless on the router you must use a web browser from the computer.

Open a web browser on your computer. You can use any browser.

Write the IP address of the router. This information is usually printed on the base of the
router, or in the documentation. If you can't find it, there are a couple of things you can try:

Windows: right-click on the 'Network' button in the system tray → click on 'Open
Network and Sharing Center" → Click on the "Ethernet" link → Click on
Details → look for the text 'Default gateway' and the address that appears there
it is the IP address of the router.

Mac: right-click on the Apple menu and select "System Preferences" → click on
"Network" → click on the "Ethernet" connection → look for the text "Router" and the address that
there appears the IP address of the router.

Log into the administrator account. You will be asked for your login information.
router. The default information varies by the model of the router, but often the
the username is 'admin' and the password 'admin' or 'password' or simply there is
leave the field empty.
You can search for information about the specific model of your router on the site.
Here you can find the information
default login.
6

In the router's settings menu, open the Wireless section.

The location and the exact word used to refer to this section varies depending on the router.

Change the network name in the SSID field. This field may also be called 'Name
of the network" or in English, "Network name". The name you put here will be the one that appears in the
list of available wireless networks.

In the 'Authentication' or 'Security' option, select WPA2-

Personal. This is currently the safest option available in most routers. It prevents
use WPA or WEP unless explicitly required by any of the devices
(it usually occurs with old or incompatible devices).

9
Create a secure password. When a device tries to connect to the network, it will be prompted for one.
Password. This field may appear under the name 'Pre-shared Key'.
Key)

10

Make sure the network is enabled. Depending on the router model, it may be
You must check a box or click a button at the beginning of the 'Wireless' menu to
enable the wireless network.

11

Click the Save button or Apply. Your changes will now be saved.
you did it in the router.

12

Wait while the router restarts. The router and the network may take up to a minute to
to recover.

13

Connect to the wireless network through your wireless devices. Once the network
it is back in operation, it will appear in the list of available networks for anyone
of the wireless devices that are within the range area. When a
The user tries to connect to the network, they will be asked to enter the password you created.

Computers that connect to the router via an Ethernet cable will not need
enter the password.