What Do I Need to Set Up a Wired (Ethernet) Home Network?

If you need a lot of speed, a wired network is the way to go.

Ethernet networks are much faster than today's wireless networks, which makes it easy to transfer huge files from PC to PC in the blink of an eye.

Wired networks are also great for multiplayer gaming, where you need near-instantaneous response with no noticeable lag.

How It Works

Equipment Checklist

Here's the specific hardware you'll need to set up your wired network:

Network interface cards -- one for each PC (unless the PC has built-in Ethernet)

Network hub or router -- just one for the entire network

Ethernet cables -- one for each PC and another for your broadband modem

No specific software is needed to connect your Ethernet network. You should be able to use Windows' Network Setup Wizard to configure all the computers on your network.

Alternately, you may want to use the AOL Network Magic software to help set up printer and file sharing across all the PCs on your network.

Michael Miller is a writer and commentator on technology and digital lifestyle topics.