How To Setup Your Own Game LAN

What you will need

What to do

Install the network cards

  1. Turn off your computer's power supply.

    Do not use the computer's soft off option (power is still present inside the case). If your power supply does not have a separate off switch--disconnect power by removing the plug.

  2. Ensure that you are grounded to the computer's case using a proper ESD wriststrap. If you don't not have a wriststrap touch the metal part of the case to discharge any static electricity.

    Observe proper ESD (electrostatic discharge) precautions! Static electricity can destroy delicate components. Failure to do so could result in the demise of your system.

  3. Open the computer's case.
  4. Find an available slot on the motherboard (ISA or PCI as appropriate). Remove the small panel from the rear of the slot.
  5. Fully insert the NIC by firmly inserting into the using your thumbs.

    Make sure the card is fully and correctly inserting into the motherboard before applying power. Failure to do so could result in the demise of your motherboard, your NIC, or both!

  6. Insert and tighten the screw holding the network card.
  7. Close the computer's case.
  8. If you removed the power cord, plug it back in.
  9. Repeat for all the computers.

Install the network cables

  1. Using one of the CAT5 Ethernet cables, plug one end into the network interface card RJ-45 socket (looks like an oversized telephone plug).
  2. Plug the other end into any port on your hub (Do not use the 'uplink' port).
  3. Repeat for all the computers.

Install the network drivers

  1. Turn on power to the computer and start Windows.
  2. Windows should detect the new hardware. In the New Hardware Found window
  3. select Next. Insert the disk with the driver on it.
  4. Windows should find the driver. If not locate it for Windows using Other Locations.
  5. Click on Finish.
  6. If Windows asks for the Set-up disk, insert it and copy the appropriate files.
  7. Reboot the system.
  8. Repeat for all the computers.

Install the TCP/IP protocol

  1. Click on the Start button, click on Settings, next click on Control Panel, finally, double-click on the Network icon.
  2. Click on Add...
  3. Under Manufacturer's select Microsoft. Under Network Protocols select TCP/IP.
  4. If Windows asks for the Set-up disk, insert it and copy the appropriate files.
  5. Repeat for all the computers.

Configure the TCP/IP protocol

  1. Click on the Start button, click on Settings, next click on Control Panel, finally, double-click on the Network icon.
  2. Select theTCP/IP protocol and click on the Properties.
  3. In the TCP/IP Properties window, select the IP Address tab.
  4. Select Specify an IP address.
  5. In the IP address box enter 192.168.0.2. For each computer increment this by 1. For example the second computer will be 192.168.0.3, the third 192.168.0.4, and so on.
  6. In the Subnet Mask box enter 255.255.255.0.
  7. Repeat for all the computers.

Test your network

  1. On the first computer, click on Start, then Run, and enter ping 192.168.0.3. You should get several lines that will list show each attempt and a time (in milliseconds). If you get this and don't see a message about timeout your network is working properly.
  2. Repeat for all the computers.
  3. Play your game.

Other Resources

LANParty
Practically Networked
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Copyright ©1996-2002 Tim Williams



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