How To Build a Network Part 2

The Components

Several items are necessary for building a home (or small business) network. With many of these products you will have to choose among brands and styles.

One way to find the devices that fit your needs is to consult online product reviews like those found at Tom's Hardware or at CNET.

These are items you will need to build your network:

  1. An Internet Service Provider

    You don't need an ISP to build a network unless you intend for users of your network to be able to go online. That being said, it is possible to share any Internet connection, but it is preferable to have a high-speed connection.

  2. A Router

    The router you choose will probably depend on price, availability, and the level of security it can provide. Most consumer level routers come with more than one RJ-45 Ethernet port and a built in switch.

  3. A Switch or Hub

    If you purchase a router that does not have multiple Ethernet ports you will need to purchase a switch or hub separately. MakeItSimple.com has a brief discussion of the differences between a switch and a hub and a brief description of a single port router.

  4. Network Interface Cards (NICs)

    You will need one NIC for each computer that you want to add to your network. Many newer computers come with NICs built in. Look at the back of your computer for a plug slightly larger than a normal telephone jack, this is an RJ-45 or Network Interface port. NICs are also referred to as Ethernet Cards because the most commonly used NICs use Category 5 Ethernet cable.

  5. Category 5 Ethernet cable

    This is the cable that will be used to connect the RJ-45 ports between your computers and your router. You will need to determine the length of the cables you need before you get started. You can also create your own cables.