What equipment do I need to set up a network?

[WOC2005]

I don't know much about networks and would like to set one up when I return from Iraq. I have 2 Desktops; 1 Laptop w/o wireless capabilities; 1 printer (USB); 1 external HD (USB) for central storage. I want my 2 desktops to be "hard wired" and my laptop to be wireless. Can anybody give me a list of all of the components that I'll need so I can start shopping. Thanks!!!

 

[nsafreak]

You really only need a few things:

Linksys WRT54G (get one that is pre version 5)
CAT5e cable
Wireless PCMCIA NIC

Hook it all up and you're good to go. Set one PC up with the printer & USB hard drive and then share them with the other PCs.

 

[JackMDS]

The pages below were written a while ago. Ignore the prices and the Hardware recommendations, stick to the principles.[/i]

Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing

Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. What do I need for wireless Networking?

The whole thing should look like his.

http://www.ezlan.net/network/router.jpg

Link to: Windows Network - Installing & Sharing.

About Wireless.

Link to: Wireless What Should I Get?

Configure and secure the Wireless.

Link to: Wireless - Basic Configuration.

Link to: Wireless Security for the Home User.

:sun:

 

[Nocturnal]

First, each computer would need a Network Interface Card. Secondly you'd need cabling to connect the computers to either themselves (cross over UTP cables) or to some type of network device such as a switch, routher or hub. If you're doing the latter you'd need some type of UTP cable, better known as cat5/6 cabling. Then depending on what type of OS you're running you'd configure each accordingly.