Setting up a local area network is easy as long as you have the right equipment. The primary Internet connection for your office is established with a local Internet provider. They will provide you with either a DSL modem or a cable modem, depending on the company. Some companies, like AT&T, will provide you with a modem/wireless router combo, which means one less piece of LAN hardware for you to purchase.

The easiest way to create a local area network in your office is via wireless LAN. Wireless LANs require very little in the way of equipment. The following local area network (LAN) hardware basics will help you pick the best wireless LAN supplies for your needs:

1. Order the best wireless router for your office from online suppliers of LAN hardware.
2. Buy wireless LAN USB adapters to hook your computers into the network.
3. Always do your own research before committing to buy any piece of wireless LAN equipment.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Pick the right wireless router, the most vital piece of wireless LAN equipment you'll buy

There's a broad spectrum of prices you can pay for this particular piece of local area network hardware. The most commonly used wireless protocols today are Wireless-G (802.11g) and Wireless-N (802.11n). Wireless-G routers are great for small offices that don't have a lot of high bandwidth requirements. They are far cheaper than Wireless-N routers. If you have a large office, or a large amount of users, you should probably buy a Wireless-N router. They have a much greater range and can support higher speeds than Wireless-G routers.

I recommend: The best reviewed Wireless-N router is the D-Link Xtreme N Gigabit Router. You can pick it up on Newegg for just under $100. The Linksys WRT54GS is the best reviewed Wireless-G router. Wal-Mart has the lowest price, coming in just under $50.

Connect your computers with network adapters from suppliers of wireless LAN hardware

Unless your office is equipped entirely with laptops, which for the most part come preinstalled with wireless LAN hardware, you'll need to purchase wireless adapters to get your computers talking to the wireless router. For desktops, you can either purchase an internal PCI card--which requires opening up the case and getting into the guts of the computer-- or you can pick up an easier to install wireless USB adapter. In addition, most laptops only come with native Wireless-G support. If you want to take advantage of the increased capabilities of a Wireless-N router, you'll have to buy USB, CardBus or ExpressCard Wireless-N adapters for your laptops.

I recommend: TigerDirect has a great selection of wireless adapters. They regularly offer manufacturer rebates on select products. Geeks.com also has a very respectable online inventory.

Read up on the wireless LAN equipment you are planning on purchasing to avoid problems down the line

It's been said before, but even in the world of LAN equipment, knowledge is power. Visit consumer review sites and troubleshooting sites so that you have a good idea of what you're getting into before you buy any particular piece of equipment.

I recommend: ConsumerSearch has a very insightful guide on wireless routers, explaining what to look for and which routers have been the best reviewed. On FixYa, you can look through troubleshooting reports by manufacturer. A preponderance of problems posted for any one brand of router should be enough to stop you from buying it!

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  No matter what type of router you decide on, or which wireless adapters you buy, one of the most important steps you can take to safeguard your business is to secure your wireless LAN. Physically secure your network by making sure your router is installed in a central location, and then virtually secure it by setting up wireless encryption. Most routers come with a CD that run you through the process using an interactive wizard.

It's a fact: Many wireless LANs (Local Area Networks) use default settings that don't require a password to gain access to a network. If your network isn't protected, an intruder can gain unauthorized access. And if someone located nearby uses your Internet connection on a regular basis, they are using your bandwidth, which can slow down your connection.

Worse, a hacker can gain access to your computers and files, or use them as staging ground from which to launch hacker attacks on other computers on the Internet, which can be traced back to your network and, therefore, your business. To protect your wireless network from freeloaders and hackers, you must configure your wireless router to require a password for access. There are three main steps to completing this task:

1. Log in to the administrative interface of your wireless router (by referring to your user manual, contacting the manufacturer or seeking expert assistance).
2. Follow the instructions for creating a password for your wireless router.
3. Edit the wireless access configuration of your notebook and desktop computers (and other devices) that connect to your wireless LAN to use the password string you chose.

Action Steps
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Ready to secure your wireless LAN?

So you've already set up your wireless router and have at least one computer that connects to it and the Internet. Once you verify that your wireless network is operating correctly, you should secure unauthorized access to it. The first step is to set up a password that only you and other authorized users of your network know.

I recommend: For more information on encrypted passwords, read about the difference between 40-bit and 128-bit encryption.

What security does your wireless router offer?

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) was previously the encryption standard for wireless routers. Requiring a password will keep most freeloaders and casual hackers off your network, so use WEP if that's all your equipment can support now. However, a more knowledgeable hacker can crack WEP, so for better security use the newer WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access version 2) standard.

I recommend: To find out if you have WPA2 support or learn how to add it to a Windows computer, read Microsoft's guide on implementing WPA2-Personal wireless security. Both Apple's Airport Extreme and Airport Express routers support WPA2-Personal.

Configure the computer(s) on your LAN to use WPA2

After verifying that your router and computer(s) support WPA2, proceed with choosing a WPA2 password for your network. You will need to log in to the administrative interface of your router and find the screen for setting up encrypted passwords or security. Choose the WPA2 encryption option. Choose the WPA2 Personal option instead of WPA2 Enterprise unless you are running a Radius server. Once you set up your router to use WPA2, you'll need to configure each computer that will be using the wireless LAN to log in to the network using WPA2. You will need a current version of Windows XP software, including certain updates, in order to use WPA2.

I recommend: Check out ComputerWorld's article on setting up WPA2 on your client computer for more help.

Don't have WPA2 support in your router?

If you are using a router or computer that doesn't support WPA2, you can use the older and less secure WEP. Use 128-bit WEP rather than other variations your router might offer with a lower number of bits. Basically, the longer the encryption string, the harder it is to crack.

I recommend: Read Wireless Encryption Help for tips on setting up a wireless network password using WEP.

Is my network secure now?

Using an encrypted password to restrict access to your wireless network is the first step toward protecting your network. Additional steps include creating your own login and password to the wireless router's admin interface. Because manufacturers tend to use the same default login and password for all their wireless routers, it's smart to create your own login.

I recommend: Read more tips for other ways to secure your business or home network.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Wi-Fi passwords are encrypted to make it more difficult for someone snooping on your network connection to learn the password. While there are different levels of encryption strength that various wireless routers might offer, 128-bit security or stronger is better than a lower (bit) level.
• •  You should be able to find an option to change the login and password after you login to your router, or refer to your user manual.
• •  It's also a good idea to change the default SSID or network name for the router from the manufacturer's name to one that you create. As an example, if you have a Linksys router, change the SSID 'linksys' to 'Acme Network' so hackers won't know what kind of router you are using.

Local Area Network (LAN) hardware education and training can be accomplished in several ways, depending on how much you need to learn and what environment you choose to learn in. Training can be accomplished through self study or courses. Certification in hardware and network related software can give you a competitive edge.

There's a lot to cover when learning about networking. Local area network hardware includes servers, routers, switches, hubs, cabling - each with specifications that need to be determined, as well as specialty areas like wireless LAN supplies and server software. To choose a training path for LAN hardware and software:

1. Look for local area network tutorials or study guides;

2. Check out training options for wireless LAN equipment;

3. Consider formal training and certification.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look into certification for LAN hardware and software

Cisco and Microsoft certifications are two of the most valuable credentials that employers look for. Tests for certifications can be taken at locations nationwide. Training can follow a variety of paths, from self study to formal courses.

I recommend: Check out the Cisco training website to find out about its Networking Academy programs and self-study options. Review the Microsoft certification site for information about server training, including classes, self study and exams.

Find courseware for setting up a local area network

Books and training materials can help to prepare you for certification exams. They can also provide a quick way to get an overview of LANs and learn how to set one up.

I recommend: CertifyMe provides Cisco Wireless LAN training materials and practice exams, including question and answer packets. Books and training materials are also available from Freetech Services and Actualtests.

Choose quick courses to create a local area network

Look into virtual or CD-based training if you need more structure than self-study. Some classes can be given to a number of employees over a network.

I recommend: E&A Consulting Services provides 40-hour "boot camp courses" on LAN topologies, network operations and enterprise operating systems on its ENO website. They can be completed via CD or Internet. Skillsets Online offers virtual training.

Look into schools that prepare for certification in LAN hardware and software

For more formal study, consider enrolling in a school that trains in LAN support. It's a good option for learning everything about networking from the ground up.

I recommend: Find schools that offer network training at the Education Portal. The Cisco Networking Academy site shows schools by geographic area. New Horizons Computer Learning Centers is a chain with schools throughout the United States that provide networking training.

Check out training for wireless LANs

Getting started in wireless networking can be a challenge, even for a network professional. Look for training that will help you to set up and manage your wireless network.

I recommend: Wireless Nets offers online courses that are held weekly in a virtual classroom. CWNP offers wireless LAN training with certification programs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Stay up to date on LAN hardware and software certifications and technologies. Many training centers offer refresher courses and resources.

Setting up a LAN, or local area network, is fairly easy. There will be some challenges in choosing types of security protocols, finding good installation areas and dealing with software requirements. On the hardware side, though, it's basically a matter of selecting quality pieces from the list below. Take a look at the basic key terms for the gear you need, and make sure all of them are compatible for the best chance at designing a functioning commercial LAN environment for a business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Modem

The modem is the key to a LAN; it is the device that brings in the broadband signal to be distributed to a network. A modem can be bought or rented depending on what kind of LAN setup and time period a manager is dealing with. Big providers like Comcast will rent modems as part of an overall package.

I recommend: Find out all about modems at Learn the Net.

Router

In a LAN, the router is the 'distributor' of the signal. A wired router disperses the signal through cable. A wireless router sends it over the air. The router generally includes WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) or WPA (Wifi Protected Access) encryption and security protocols, which are important for protecting business data shared over the network.

I recommend: Find out more about the router at Webopedia. Compare the advantages and drawbacks of WEP vs. WPA at HubPages.

Network interface card

A network interface card, or NIC, is a piece of hardware that connects a computer to a LAN network. If a computer has an internal card, no installation is required. If not, buyers can purchase a plug-in network card to connect a computer to a LAN.

I recommend: See more on NIC cards and how to use them at WiseGeek.

USB

USB (universal serial bus) is a type of connectivity that offers multiple possibilities for getting computers connected to networks. Businesses can find wireless cards with USB connectivity to make getting connected a simple matter of plugging in.

I recommend: Learn more about the versatility of USB connections at USB.org.

LAN hub

The LAN hub is a component that connects all of the computers to the router. LAN hubs are available in various styles and promote connectivity in different ways.

I recommend: Find out more about LAN hubs and other similar connectors at Dux Computer Digest.

Cat5 cable

Along with all of the above devices, there is one more important LAN hardware component, cable. The cabling used for LAN connections must meet certain qualification for carrying data at speed. Cat5 cable is the current standard for LAN options.

I recommend: Find out more about cat5 and other cable categories for a LAN at Sharky Extreme.