LAN Networks

When setting up a Local Area Network (LAN) you will need to consider the following:

  • Location of PC's and Network layout
  • Network ports are available in all PC's (these may be provided as plug in cards or built onto the motherboard)
  • A suitable hub (or router) is used (if one is required)
  • Appropriate network cables (UTP patch cables or Crossover cable as required)
  • IP Addressing (DHCP or Static)
  • The O/S on each PC

There are a few different possibilities of setting up a LAN.

  • The simplest option is using one PC as an internet server; this is fairly simple to setup using the network setup wizard (and a crossover network cable). However this does require that the PC that is acting as a server is switched on when the second PC requires internet access. An alternative if internet access is not required (or available) is to connect 2 PCs using a Crossover cable but it is slightly more complex because each will need a static IP address.

  • An alternative option is to set-up the computers with static IP addresses, and connect them all up via a hub. The hub will provide the connectivity to all the PC's, but must always stay powered on, otherwise the network will not function. If internet connection sharing is also required then a broadband router will be needed instead of a hub (be aware that some broadband routers contain ADSL modems and will not function on a broadband cable system).

  • For a larger network you will need to consider the use of a server. Once set-up and configured it can release IP Addresses to computers for you, roll-out scripting functions, and allow easier administration of the network. This proves a more costly way of getting connectivity between PC's, but gives a much greater option for future expansion of a business.


If you find that you are having difficulty setting up a network or would like some extra guidance, please use the link below to contact us.

Please contact us for further information


Wireless Networks

When setting up a Wireless Network you will need to consider the following:

  • Location of PC's and Network layout
  • That PC units have wireless compatibility
  • IP Addressing (DHCP or Static)
  • Security to the network
  • Radius/range of your wireless network
  • The O/S on each PC

A Wireless network uses many of the principles highlighted in the above information (LAN networks), but there are a few extra points to be aware of.

It is critical that attention is giving to the range of the wireless router/equipment being used. When using a cabled network you can be confident that once cabling has been set-up that connectivity will be available, however, when setting up a wireless network this may not always be the case as it will depend on where the wireless router is sited and the signal strength in the relevant locations.

It is also possible to setup a PC to act as a wireless router. This may prove a suitable alternative for you, but does require the PC to be turned on for this set-up to work correctly.

For further information on setting up a PC as wireless router please visit the following link.


You must also be mindful that leakage of your wireless network will occur, so there is potential that the network could be accessed by unauthorised personnel. This heightens the risk to you over the use of the more traditional cabled networks.

If you find that you would like some extra guidance/support, please use the link below to contact us.

Please contact us for further information