Parts of a Network: Connection Types

The next step is deciding how to make Desktop and Laptop physically able to communicate with each other.

At this point, Ethernet, USB, or wireless are all possibilities. In the example setup, though, Desktop doesn't have a wireless card (since most desktops don't), and the USB port is occupied with the printer. You could also use a USB hub to make additional USB ports available, and use one port to connect to a wireless adapter designed for a desktop machine while using another for the printer. But Ethernet cables are the easiest way to network the two computers without extra equipment.

So, after locating two Ethernet cables (one for Desktop and one for Laptop), it's time to attach a router to make the local network function.

Note that there's a difference between a router to control your home network and the modem that you use to connect to the Internet (whether it's a telephone modem, cable modem, DSL modem, or ISDN modem). The Internet connection comes later in the process.

Next page: Routers and more