Peer to Peer (P2P) Networking is probably the simplest form of computer networking available.

Wikipaedia defines the word PEER as a group of people who share a similar or equal status. Likewise, for computers in a peer to peer formation, each computer is equally privileged and are equipotent participants

The option of whether to use a wired or wireless medium is a choice you would have to make on your own.However you may use the following points to guide you;

– Wired networks are usually more secured.
– Wired networks are usually faster and less prone to speed drops
– Wired networks are usually proned to unsightly wire clutters
– With wireless networks, you are not restricted to where you can use your devices, so long you are within the range of the wireless signals.

My recommendation is that you should use wireless networking for your homes and wired networking for your offices, however, this is not cast in stone.

So, why do we need a network?

It is very commonplace in our homes to find multiple computers. However, resources are usually limited.

– With a network, multiple computers can share a single internet access.
– Multiple computers can share devices like printers.
– You can easily move or copy files and folders from one computer to the other.

This write-up will attempt to put you through the process of setting up your computers in a wired networking arrangement. We would be treating the wireless option subsequently.

The steps required to network 2 computers is slightly different for multiple computers.

For A 2-Computer Network;

Steps

– Get a Network Cable from a computer accessories store. Insist on the type called “cross-over” cable. Look at the wire arrangement at the two end clips of the cable, the clips are usually transparent. If the wires are arranged with different colour sequence, chances are that you have the right cable. It should not cost more than N500.

– An alternative is for you to “crimp” or make your cables yourself, if you have the know-how. However, it is often recommended to setup your network with manufactured cables and when you are sure it is up and running, replace with your own cables. At least you will know where the fault is from when the network suddenly stops responding.

– Create a Workgroup with the name of your choice on each computer and join each computer to it. Note that the workgroup name must be the same on each computer. Follow the steps below if you are using a Windows 7 PC;

1. Click on “Start Menu”
2. Right-Click on “Computer”
3. Click “Properties”
4. Under the header “Change name, domain and workgroup setting”, click “change setting”
5. From the pop-up, under “computer name” tab, click “change”

– Assign Static IP addresses to both PCs, preferrably, in the form 192.168.10.11 for PC1 and 192.168.10.12 for PC2. Ensure the subnet mask for each PC is 255.255.255.0. Follow the steps below if you are using a Windows 7 PC;

1. Click on “Start Menu”
2. Click on “Control Panel”
3. Click “Network and Internet”
4. Click on “Network and Sharing Center”
5. Click “changer adapter settings” on the left pane
6. Right-Click on “Local Area Network” and click “properties”
7. Click on (and ensure the checkbox remains selected) “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP)”
8. Click “properties”
9. Select “Use the following IP address”

– Lastly, we connect the Network Cable to the Network port of each computer.

We have concluded our task on the setting up of a wired Peer to Peer Network. In our next write-up, we would confirm if our PCs are well connected, learn how to share internet access and also learn how to attach peripherals like printers.