Efficient use of one’s resources is what every person aims at achieving. Thus,having an Internet network setup that allows for multiple computers to access the Internet from a single connection, be it for workplaces or homes, is an extremely exciting prospect.
Wired Network:
The way this can be done is also quite simple, with two basic options available – that of a wired setup or a wireless one.
The main requirement for a wired network is a switch – a connector device with multiple ports for sharing Internet access amongst multiple computers – and Ethernet cables.
By plugging the cable into a large, phone jack-looking port at the back of the computer and connecting it to a similar-sized jack on the switch, the wired network is almost set. All that’s left to do is connecting another Ethernet cable from the switch to a port on the Internet modem router. This port, depending on the brand and make, may be labeled Internet, WAN or WLAN.
After a reboot of the host computer, Internet sharing and inter-connectivity is ensured for all other systems that you connect with the switch, which is also done by connecting an Ethernet cable in one of the multiple ports on the switch and plugging the other end into the phone jack-looking port at the back of the computer you want on the network.
Wireless Network:
Setting up a multiple computer network wirelessly is much easier than a wired one, as it does not involve the undeniable hassle of managing extra wires and cables. The main requirements of a wireless network are a Wi-Fi supporting Internet modem router and computers with Wi-Fi cards.
Simply boot-up the computer you want on the network and once on the Home screen, click on the Wi-Fi icon, located usually at the bottom-right side of the taskbar. The icon design varies depending on the Operating System installed on the computer, with Windows Vista and Windows XP having either a computer monitor or two small computers, respectively. The Wi-Fi icon on a MacBook, located on the top-right of the screen, resembles upward radiating waves, while the Windows 7 OS has bars resembling those of cell phone signals.
By clicking on the Wi-Fi icon, one can access a menu that shows the available wireless networks. Simply click on the network you want to connect to and, if prompted, enter the router password. The connection is automatically established and the Wi-Fi icon usually changes to show signal strength.
