Cotse | Help Desk | Basic Linux Networking
A Beginners Guide to
How to... Create a LAN with two or more Linux Computer Systems
Local Area Networking with Linux.
Version 0.01.html (draft 1) 6-15-2000
Page 1 Introduction and Overview
This is an introduction into the world of Networking with Linux.
For the uninitiated, Linux is a unix-like kernel, the creation of
Linus Torvalds. This kernel, often paired with UNIX-like tools and
programs from The GNU Project make
up the bulk of what is found in most linux distributions today.
Linux, carrying on in the strong networking tradition of classic UNIX
systems, makes for a very nice solution to modern home networking
needs. Best of all, it's FREE! This guide is not intended to assist
the uninitiated. However, it is aimed at users already familiar with
First, we need hardware. At least two computers, both equipped
with ethernet network interface cards (NIC's), are needed, and I
also recommend the use of a network hub as well. These hubs will provide a central point of connection for all your machines. For
beginners, I recommend a 5 port hub. Next is cabling. I recommend the use of category 5 ethernet cable (CAT5 cabling), which look like large, thick phone wires with six pin connectors, instead of your classic phone wires' four. All of these items are easily found in most computer stores today, and even in some game shops. Personally, I find that Linksys
has inexpensive NICs that work well with the common tulip linux
driver. 3Com NICs also, are all
highly reliable cards and they are mostly all supported by the linux
kernel. Both companies also make hubs and the other equipment
necessary for home networking. Netgear
also deserves honorable mention as a networking hardware vendor. If
your NIC is not one of these, it may still be supported. Contact your
card's vendor, or search the internet for information regarding
linux support for your card.
Continue to Page 2
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