Small network 5 PC and Printer, What do i need

CarUser_2

Hi there, im trying to make a small network consisting of 5 pc's and a printer. does anyone know what equipment i require. I need it to wired so wireless is not a option. Thanks.

Little_John

A network adaptor in each PC, most pc's include them now so that proberbly isnt an issue.

Somthing to connect them to, a hub or a switch they come in sizes of 4 port, 8, 16, 24 and 48. each pc requires a port so your minumum is an 8 port.

The printer can either be shared from 1 of the pc's or connected direct to the network if it is a network ready printer or use a print server to connect it to the network. If you choose the shared printer option there is no additional cost it is all software controled the disadvantage is it need to be connected to a pc so positioning is limited and that pc needs to be on for everyone to be able to use the printer. Network ready printers tend to be a fair bit more expensive than the none networked version, and not all printers are network ready so choice can be limited. I would buy a print server, they are available for usb or parallel ports so that isnt an issue and if your printer needs replaceing you can then buy any printer to connect to the print server.

If you intend to have internet access on the 5 pc's then you will need a router again this connect to the network via the hub/switch so that is 7 ports used.

very few companies stop at what they start off with, I would recomend buying a 16 port switch at the minimum for future expansion, remember digital photocoppiers and phone systems can now be part of networks offering additional functions for pc's like scanning, VOIP, voicemail to email etc. you may expand and want to make use of a server in the future who knows.