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Before your computers can share your Internet connection, they need to be able to share with each other! This means that you'll have to connect them together to form a LAN.
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 What's a LAN? |
| A LAN, or Local Area Network is a group of two or more computers, physically close together (usually in the same building), that are linked to each other. LANs can contain devices other than computers, for example, printers, print servers, storage devices, etc. |
| Choose Your Connection Method |
| You first need to determine the type of connection method to use for your network. During the past year or so, new options have appeared, so let's summarize your choices: |
- Ethernet
- Phone-line
- Wireless
- Power Line
- Direct Cable Connection (only for two computers)
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| Let's do Ethernet |
Ethernet has been the most common LAN building method since it's been around the longest, so the rest of this page will concentrate on the choices available in that method. The downside of using Ethernet is that you need to run special cabling in order to use it.
You'll need a 100MBps hub and 100Mbps Network Interface Cards in order to take advantage of the higher speed, both of which cost slightly more than 10Mbps components. In most cases, a 10Mbps (10baseT) network will work just fine.
Tip: Speeds up to 1Gbps (giga bits per second) are even possible over "CAT5" cable with the newer "gigabit over copper" Ethernet adapters!
Make sure you also take into account the maximum allowable cable lengths in deciding which type of cabling to use:
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| Cable Type |
Max. Length |
| 10Base2 (Thinnet) |
600ft |
| 10BaseT(UTP Category 5) |
328ft |
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| If you'd like more information on the Pros and Cons of the various kinds of Ethernet cabling, check the |
| Is "Thin Net" for you? |
If you have only a few machines and want to spend the minimum amount of money, you can use 10base2 or "thinnet" or coaxial cabling to connect your computers as shown in the diagram below. This method is less expensive than using the 10baseT method (which I'll talk about next), and contrary to some things you may read on the net, runs at the same speed as 10baseT.
Note that cable modems don't support the 10base2 coaxial cable, but use 10baseT instead. So you'll have to use UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cable (see explanation below) to make the connection from the cable modem's RJ45 connector to the RJ45 connector on the first NIC in the Proxy computer.
Here's a cabling diagram of a simple network for sharing your cable modem, if you want to use 10base2 cabling. Only two computers are shown, but, of course, you can add more computers by removing a terminator, connecting another computer as shown below, and re-installing the terminator on the last computer in the chain.
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| 10BaseT for Me! |
If you have more than one sharing Client, or are planning to expand your network later, or have to run your cables in areas where they might be damaged or tampered with, then you should use 10baseT cabling to set up your network, as shown in the next diagram below.
Networking equipment manufacturers have made setting up a network easier by bundling NICs, cables, a hub and setup documentation into handy kits.
Note that you use a different kind of cable, called UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair), for a 10baseT network. Although it may look like the cable that you use to connect your telephone to the wall, it's not. So be sure to use the correct cable to build your network. This kind of network also doesn't need terminators.
Don't just connect everything to the 10baseT hub! Yes, I know all those jacks are inviting and it seems so simple, but unless your cable company has assigned you multiple IP numbers, it either won't work, or at some point will stop working.
Here's a cabling diagram of a simple network for sharing your cable modem, if you want to use 10baseT cabling.
NOTE: If you follow the diagram below, do not connect any cables into the hub's "uplink" port. That connector is used to connect one hub to another, in case you need more ports. (To "cascade" or "daisy chain" hubs, you would connect the "uplink" port on one hub to a normal port on another hub, using a regular UTP cable.)
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| 10BaseT...with a "twist" |
If you have only two computers in your network, you can get by without a hub, if you use a special kind of UTP cable called a "Crossover Cable". You can purchase them at the same place that you buy normal 10baseT UTP cables, or make one.
This network configuration is shown in the diagram below.
Note that many more configurations of LANs are possible, including LANs that have both 10base2 and 10baseT sections (using hubs that suppport both standards, such as the Netgear EN104).
So you've selected your type of network wiring, and maybe even have things connected together. You now have to install and configure your LAN (Local Area Network) software.
LAN Utilities installs and maintains superior data communications and electrical cabling systems. This insures that the highest levels of performance and reliability are met.
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- Local Area Networks
- Level 5 Installation Certified UTP/STP and Next Generation Cabling
- Horizontal & Riser Cabling
- Cabinets and Racks
- Wire Management
- Maintenance & Service Contracts
- Cable Audits & Certifications
- Wireless/Laser Communications
- Network Integration
- Voice, Data Installation, outside/outdoor cable plant
- Security Systems - closed circuit, card access
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