Chapter 2: Installing Network Hardware
In This Chapter
Installing network interface cards
Installing network cable
Attaching cable connectors
Figuring out pinouts for twisted-pair cabling
Building a crossover cable
Installing switches
After you plan your network, then comes the fun of actually putting everything together. In this chapter, I describe some of the important details for installing network hardware, including cables, switches, network interface cards, and professional touches, such as patch panels.
Installing a Network Interface Card
To connect a computer to your network, the computer must have a network interface. Virtually all computers sold in the last ten years or so have a network interface built-in on the motherboard. However, you may still encounter the occasional older computer that doesn’t have a built-in network interface. In that case, you must install a network ...
