Connecting multiple computers by LAN?

Question

We are working on a client/server Java project. On my computer, everything works fine. Now, we want to test our program if it is working on multiple clients on different computers. When I start the server, I want other computers to connect my server. How can we do that?

I made some research about LAN connection but I didn't know how to connect exactly.
I think we need crossover cables. Do we need switch? Do we need IP configuration? Any suggestions?

Answer 1

In order to connect the machines together, you need some hardware.



The easiest device to use is a router, because it has a DHCP server built into it. You connect all the machines to the LAN side of the router and have all machines set up to obtain IP addresses automatically. The router assigns the IP addresses and keeps everything humming along.

If you have more clients than the router has ports, then use a switch to expand the network. In this case the switch would be transparent to the network. The router would continue to pass out IP addresses as needed.



You can use a switch by itself in place of the router, but you must assign each machine an IP address manually.



In all cases you use Ethernet Patch Cables to connect the machines to the router or switch.



Don't mess around with crossover cables. They will not help you here.

Answer 2

If you guys are operating over the same network you shouldn't need a switch. To connect into the same session however, you'll have to find your IP address.



Go down to your start menu, click all programs, go to accessories, and click on the command prompt. When your command prompt opens up type 'ipconfig' without the quotes. You should see a 4 segment number which will be your IP address. An example of an IP address would be 192.168.0.1 (or anything along those lines)

Answer 3

You need a router and set up a network for connecting several computers together, the router can be wireless router or wired Ethernet router. Take a look on following networking setup tutorials, think will give you more ideas after reading.



Wireless network setup tutorial: http://www.home-network-help.com/wireless-network.html



Wired home network setup tutorial: http://www.home-network-help.com/home-network.html



Hope this helps.