How to set up a LAN party?

Question

I am interested in doing some LAN parties with my friends. the trouble is, we have absolutley no idea how to set one up. I tried looking it up online, but all I get is this lingo with switches and such. Pretty much, I know what a router is, I know what a computer is. haha. so could someone explain what I need to buy and how to set it up?

I also have no idea what a "switch" or "hub" is and what it does

Answer 1

Well it depends upon what you're playing.

First of all, you'll probably need a switch- which is simply a box with ports on it that connects all the computers which are plugged into it.

Most routers these days have a 4-port switch built in already, so if you're only having 4 friends over, that's enough and you can just use your router. But if you have more players, you'll need a switch.

Switches are pretty cheap and come in 8-ports, 16-port, 24-port varieties. A hub does the same thing but is older, slower technology you want to avoid.

If you're just playing local LAN games (i.e. all the players are inside the house) then you don't even need an Internet connection. By the way, this same setup works for Xbox games that support systemlink play.

Answer 2

Depending on how many people, you will probably need a dedicated game server.

You need at least a HUB or SWITCH, but you probably want a ROUTER, so everyone has internet connection. Just hook all the computers to the router with a network cable, start the game server, connect to that IP address, and have fun!

Answer 3

All you need is the router and ethernet cables. Plug in the cables into each computer and the router. Got to "My Network Places" Click on the left "Set up a Home or Office Network" Follow those steps and Viola your done

Answer 4

You need someway to share all your computers like a switch or hub. Whatever lets you connect all those ethernet cables together will work. Then set your PCs in the same workgroup which is called Workgroup by default on all your computers.

Answer 5

Are you related through prompt or with an Ethernet cord? If prompt the router ought to be gradual/crappy type. If through Ethernet cord how briskly is your Ethernet port? many stuff ought to be affecting the ping, appears like their computers are greater larger end then yours, so the above ought to ok be the project. wish this facilitates

Answer 6

you hook everyone up at one house to the same router/routers

you game

thats it