Connecting A Network Using A Hub
If you want to expand your computer network, or build a new one, you might want to use an Ethernet hub for the connection. This is a simple device that can connect multiple computers together so they can share information. If you don’t need the enhanced features of a router or switch, this could be a great low cost option to create your network.
First set up the hardware by finding the WAN or uplink port on the new hub. This is usually on the back of the device, separate from the LAN ports. Connect an Ethernet cable from the WAN port to either the Ethernet port of your modem or if expanding an existing network connect it to an empty LAN port on the router, switch or existing hub.
Next, plug another Ethernet cable into one of the LAN ports on your new hub and connect the other end to the computer you want to add to the network. Repeat this step for any additional computers that you will be adding to your network. Now power up your system by plugging it in to your power source; there should be a light corresponding to each of the ports you connected cables to. If any lights aren’t on that should be, check your connections and change out faulty cables.
Now it’s time for your software setup. For this you will need to configure the network settings on each connected computer. If you are expanding your network and it uses DCHP or dynamic IP addressing, you will not need to configure their settings. If your network uses static IP addressing, or for a new network setup, each computer must be assigned a unique IP address.
Remember that the local IP addresses must by chosen from the allowed “private” address pool so they don’t interfere with Internet addresses. Addresses you can use include 192.168.x.x, 172.16.x.x to 172.31.x.x, or 10.x.x.x – with “x” representing any number from 0 to 254 that is selected by the user. All the computers on the network must share the first 3 sets of numbers, with the final number unique to that computer.
Now that is done, click the “start” button in Windows, select “Control Panel” and double-click on “Network Connections.” Right click the icon for the Ethernet adapter and select “Properties”. Now click on the check box marked “Internet Protocol (TCP/ICP)” and press the “Properties” button.
Next click on the button marked “Use the following IP address”. Enter an IP address (as described two paragraphs above) that is unique to each computer and the subnet mask. If you have a router, enter the IP address for the router as the default gateway. Press the OK button and reboot if needed.
Next you will enable file and printer sharing if you will be transferring information between computers. Click on the “Start” button and select “Control Panel”, and double click on the “System” icon. Select “Computer Name” and click on “Change” so you can enter a computer name that is unique for each computer on the network. Next go to “Member of” and choose the button marked “workgroup” to enter the name of your network. All the computers in the network must have the same workgroup name. Verify that all computers can access the network and Internet, and you are good to go.
