Sandbox: Network Options Page 1 2 3

Get Connected

If you have 5 computers, you’ll need 5 Ethernet cables. You’ll also need 5 network cards, and a hub. A hub is a central meeting place where all of the network wires meet.

Look at a bicycle wheel: the hub is where all of the spokes come together. This kind of configuration is called a “star” configuration because all of the PCs converge on a central point. Hubs are measured by two parameters: number of ports and speed. Ports, or jacks, are where you connect the network wires. The speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbs). A bit is 1/8 of a letter, character or number.

Little hubs don’t cost much. A small 5-port 100Mb hub is under $50.
 

Meet Me At The Hub

If you want to expand your network, you can always add another hub. You can connect a patch cable from the uplink port to the new hub. Done and done. Remember to avoid interference. Keep the cables away from power wires and fluorescent lights.

Well, that’s all from the Sandbox,

where only the latest and greatest survive!

 

DONE