what are the basic components required to form a computer network?

Rubye Bonnin: hi thereu can network 2 PCs with a simple cross over cable - thats the basic levelotherwise use a switch or hub. most routers today come with a builtin switch - used for connecting multiple computers togetherregards...Show more

Virgil Loatman: Hiit depends where you are starting from and where the computers are. If you have broadband then the chances are that you have all the components already.Most PC's come with ethernet (cable) network cards/connectors. You can make a network with a crossover cable from 1 PC to another. At the PC store ask for a crossover cable else you will get the standard cable and it won't work.Otherwise you need some sort of box to connect one PC to another. You can use standard ethernet cables via a hub or router. Really cheap if the PCs are close together.If they are spread around then wireless is usually easier. This time instead of an ethernet connector in your PC you need a wireless network connector and the central ! box this time needs to allow wireless connections.Finally you can mix these things. Most broadband routers allow both cable and wireless to be mixed.Once you have the equipment plugged together the microsoft networking wizards will walk you through the steps.This can be a pain for the novice so my best advice is find a friend who has done it before or get a local tech firm to set it up otherwise you will be tearing your hair out!...Show more

Bo Perham: PC or laptop w/ either internal or external wireless NICsWireless routerModem - whether 4 DSL or dialup.Update:Thought you said wireless. Depending on how large a non wireless network you are creating, you can just use the router, hub, and/ or Daisy Chain/ KVM switch. Don't 4get your cat5-7 ethernet cable....Show more