A Simple Guide to Connecting Computers Using LAN Cables!

Sharing files through Local Area Network (LAN) cables is by far, one of the oldest ways of transferring data. Over the years, with the forward propulsion of technology, this practice has seen many changes. Today we have other options. We can create a network even without the usage of any cable.

What if you lack access to a network and need to transfer data? Or wish to establish a connection between two computers? You can simply connect the computers using a Crossover Ethernet Cord. Your productivity increases when you create such a network for sharing data.

It does not matter if you create this network junction for personal pleasure or for some official work. There is no need even for a router for establishing this. You can even cut down costs of pen drives or CD’s. This is more of a hassle than being costly. Within half an hour you can set up a network between two computers using a Crossover Ethernet cord. The procedure is simple. Let us look at how to connect two computers using LAN cables:

Step 1

Plug one of the ends of a LAN cable into a computer's Ethernet port. Thereafter, plug its other end into the second computer's Ethernet port.

Step 2

Reboot both of your computers. Also, make sure both the devices are members of the same workgroup. You can check this by right-clicking on the "My Computer" tab. Then, you can find the "Workgroup" line on the main page of the screen. The default item is "Workgroup." You should be good to go ahead when both the computers are members of the same workgroup.

Step 3

Go to the start menu. Here, you need to enable file sharing. You will now need to go to the "Control Panel," and further to the "Network and Sharing Center." Now, click on "Change advanced sharing settings." You can also do this by scrolling down until you find the option for "File sharing." Here you will find the option to enable file and printer sharing. Turn it ON, on both the computers.

Step 4

Now you will need to reboot both the devices one more time. On lighting up, the computers should now be able to share files using the "Network" tab from the "Start" menu. Here you can find the both the computers in connection. Now you can easily exchange files and folders at will.

Now let us look at the Advantages of Wired Network over Wireless networks:

Use Lesser Power

Physical cables are necessary for creating a wired network. This does not help the cause of mobility. But, this sure costs lesser than the unwired (WIFI) connection. As it does not need power cables and adapters, it does not drain the batteries of laptops and other mobile devices.

More Reliable

Networks based on Ethernet Cables are much more reliable than wireless networks. In fact, the foundation of any network (wired or wireless), lies on them. The only problem one faces while using them is that sometimes the connection becomes loose. But, you can overcome this challenge by using zip-ties. It keeps the cable tangle free and protects against damage and performance degradation.

Superior Performance

There is no doubt that wireless network technology has shown drastic improvement over the years. But, the Ethernet based networks is still superior in terms of performance. Especially in a home-based environment. It has a higher transfer speed. Its maximum theoretical transfer speed is as high as 100MBPS. Even though this is not easy to achieve (rarely achieved), it is still better than the 54MBPS maximum speed of wireless network.

Security

Security of a home based wired network predominantly depends upon the firewall. Most broadband routers already include a firewall. In fact, you can also install software firewalls on individual machines. All the data in a wired network travel safely through the network cable. This is safer than the transfer of data through the air in case of wireless network.

Conclusion

One of the oldest means of transferring data in the technical world, after the introduction of computers is the data transfer through network cables. Today we have the option of choosing either wired network or wireless network. But wired connection has some advantages over wireless connection. You can create a wired connection when you lack access to a network and need to transfer data. Using LAN cables you can establish such a connection. Creating this type of a network takes just a few minutes. It is safer, economical and more efficient.