In today’s time, staying connected is everything, whether it be file sharing or serious multiplayer gaming; one needs to have a solid network connection. There comes the LAN. It is akin to having your private data superhighway for fast and reliable intercommunication between devices.

Now I’m going to teach you how to connect two PCs using a LAN cable. It simply gives your computers a direct tunnel to speak with each other, and with that, file transfer and collaboration are easy. Let’s make those PCs speak!

A LAN allows devices spread across a small area, such as a home, office, or school, to communicate. A LAN can be set up by simply wiring the two PCs directly through a LAN cable, thereby creating a private network without having to use a router or any Internet connection. Such a setup would be ideal for sharing files and printers between the two computers.

Steps to Connect PC via LAN

Step 1: Gear Up

Before you get into the setting, make sure you’re equipped with the following equipment:

1. LAN Cable: It’s also called an Ethernet cable. Make sure it is fitted with an RJ45 connector at both ends.
2. Two PCs: You would need two computers with an Ethernet port available in them.

Step 2: Configuration

Most current operating systems are, by default, set to receive an IP via DHCP. However, for instance, if you want to have a direct LAN link between two computers, you will have to configure static IP addresses on both PCs for them to talk to each other.

In Windows:

1. Open Network Connections: Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections
2. View Ethernet Properties: Right-click the Ethernet then click on “Properties.”
3. Configure TCP/IP: In the list, click “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and then select “Properties.”
4. Configure IP Address: Click “Use the following IP address” and fill in an address, like 192.168.1.1, and a subnet mask, like 255.255.255.0. Select “OK.”

On a Mac:

1. Network Preferences: Open the Apple menu and select System Preferences > Network.
2. Access Ethernet settings: On the left side of the window, with all the network connections listed, select “Ethernet”.
3. Configure TCP/IP: In the “Advanced” menu, select “TCP/IP.”
4. Set IP Address: Select “Manually” and then enter an IP Address of say 192.168.1.2 and a subnet mask of say 255.255.255.0. Click “OK.”

Step 3: Connect PCs

1. Turn off PCs: Switch off both PCs before connecting the LAN cable, since connecting the cable while the PCs are on could lead to damage to the network interfaces.
2. LAN Cable Connection: One end of the LAN cable goes to the Ethernet port of the first PC and the other end goes to the second PC.
3. Turn on PCs: Turn on both the PCs after making the connection by the cable.

Step 4: Test the Connection

Now, both PCs are on; thus test the LAN connection:

• Checking Network Status:
• In a Windows PC: Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections. It will show the Ethernet connection as “Connected”.
• Ping Test:
• On Windows: Open up Command Prompt and type ping 192.168.1.2.
• On macOS: Open up Terminal and type ping 192.168.1.1.
  If connected, you should now get replies from the other PC.

Step 5: File Transfer & Resource Sharing

Now that you have your LAN connection ready and functional, there will be no problem sharing files, printers, and others between the two PCs. You will then have the opportunity to access folders shared in the network by using their IP addresses or names in network-shared folders or devices.

Use a LAN to interconnect computers for resource sharing and collaboration in an effective manner. Now, get ready for the creation of a direct network between devices, having followed the steps to unlock the true potential of local area networking. Grab the LAN cable and connect away!

Bonus: You can share internet with the another PC.

In Windows:

1. Open Adapter Options: Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Change Adapter Options.
2. Highlight the interface you would want to share, in this case, Wi-Fi. Right-click and select Properties.
3. Under the Sharing tab, select the first option and then pick the interface you would like to share on the connection.
4. Click “OK”. There you go! Now, enjoy Internet access on a PC without Wi-Fi.