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A step-by-step guide to setting up two computers for LAN
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These instructions show how to connect two computers using only a wireless connection with no router or modem. This will let you play network games and share data.

This can be for all user but it may be different depending on what operating system you have.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Connecting Two Computers For Windows

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    • If you have more than one network, this icon will be identified as "multiple networks."
  2. Search for “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPV4)” and double click it.
  3. Generally, private is the best option.
  4. Both computers have to do these steps on. Now in the window that comes up check the box which says; “Use the following IP address”
    • Type in the IP address you wish to use or this one for example: 192.168.0.1. The number one at the end of this represents what the computer will be using it can be either 1 or 2.
  5. This IP address represents the other computers IP address. This means that if the IP address on computer two was 192.168.0.2 then computer one should have 192.168.0.1."
  6. Enter your password if necessary.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Connecting Two Computers with Internet Explorer

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  1. Click "Start," then "Control Panel," then "Network and Internet." Lastly, click "Network and Sharing Center."
    • If you have more than one network, this icon will be identified as "multiple networks."
  2. Next, click on "Turn on network discovery and file sharing." If you are prompted for a password or confirmation, type it in or provide confirmation.
  3. Generally, private is the best option.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Connecting Two Computers For Mac

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    • If you don't have an Ethernet port, you can also use a USB-to-Ethernet adapter.
  1. Click on "System Preferences" and then click on "Sharing."
  2. Choose "Go," then "Connect to Server" and click "Browse."
  3. Enter your password if necessary.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Configure The Computers For Networking

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  1. Go to Internet Options (this varies depending on the Operating System) and go to the dialog box that lets you change the TCP/IP protocol.
  2. Do not use the network address or the broadcast address.


    • Class "A" Networks
      When the first number is 0 to 127
      The Mask is - 255.0.0.0


    • Class "B" Networks
      When the first number is 128 to 191
      The Mask is - 255.255.0.0


    • Class "C" Networks
      When the first number is 192 to 223
      The Mask is - 255.255.255.0
    • IPv4 originally used the first number (ex. 192) to determine which part of the address is the network and which part is the host based on the address class. However, the advent of subnetting and classless networking made it necessary to provide a mask because other ways of dividing the address into network and host portions are now possible.
  3. The simplest way to do this is with Ping.
    • Bring up MS-DOS or the equivalent on other OS's. For Windows, open the command prompt which is located in the Start Menu, then go to "Accessories" and then "Command Prompt."
    • Type in: "ping" and insert the IP address of the other computer here (ex. 192.168.1.1). If you cannot reach the other computers address, read over the steps again or contact a professional.
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    Community Q&A

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    • Question
      Is there a required type of cable used (straight or cross-over) to play LAN games between two computers?
      Hasendra Kiriwaththuduwa
      Community Answer
      No. You can LAN by using wireless methods. For instance, if 2 people connect to the same router (no need for internet connection or ISP signal), it is an LAN network, so you can play games in LAN mode.
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