Just to give some ideas on how to build a local area network for an Internet cafe. This is not a complete guide. However it is good to give you a brief idea before you go even deeper in building a network.
All the hardware or devices need to be connected each other to the Local Area Networking (LAN), to enable them share one internet line to get connected to the Internet. This is a basic idea on how to connect all your hardware to the LAN.
All PCs have to connect to the switch/hub, which are merge as a LAN. A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common communications line and typically share the resources of a single processor or server within a small geographic area (for example, within an office building).
In this article I assume that all PCs have been completely installed with Windows 98 operating system and using static IP Address instead of dynamic IP (DHCP) for each system because CCAutoSoft cyber cafe management software currently only support static IP Address.
Installing and Configuring Ethernet Adapter Card
In order to enable each PC communicate with each other we have to install the networking protocol. Common ones used in a simple network are IPX/SPX and TCP/IP. To install, open Network Neighborhood properties, click “Add” button, Select “Protocol” and “Add” button, scroll down in the manufacturer list and select Microsoft, select IPX/SPX and click “OK”. The next one should be the same, but select TCP/IP instead. Once installed, select TCP/IP in the Network Neighborhood Properties window, click “Properties” button.
Insert into TCP/IP Properties:
The PC’s IP Address, e.g. 192.168.1.2
-Each PC must have different IP Address e.g.: 192.168.1.2, 192.168.1.3, 192.168.1.4, 192.168.1.5 and so on.
Gateway: 192.168.1.1 (modem/router IP Address)
DNS: refer to your Internet Provider. In this case I use Malaysian TMNet’s DNS: 202.188.0.133 and 202.188.1.5
Click “OK” button, and restart PC. The computer will be ready to get connected once it is restarted. Do the same to other PC.
Cabling/Wiring
Commonly use cables are co-ax and cat5 with RJ-45 and BNC connector. Most of new NIC only support RJ-45 connector, so we use Cat5 (also called 10BaseT) cable. Other than RJ-45 connector and Cat5 cable, you also need a crimping tool. Measure the length from the client to the switch, perhaps a little bit longer. Cut the cable and crimp RJ-45 connector at both of the cable end. The next step is the easiest part, put one end of the cable into the client’s NIC port and the other end at the switch/hub’s port. You have to make another 20 cables if you have 20 units of clients with 1 unit of server. Connect all 20 PCs, PC Server and the modem/router to the hub/switch and connect a phone line to the modem/router.Configure the modem and router setting.
There are many broadband modem with built it router out there. The configuration is off course different with each other. But the basic configuration is to set the router as the gateway. You also have to insert your dialing properties in the router, such as your username and password. Most of the modem can be configured through the web browser at any connected clients. For example, if the modem/router’s IP Address is 192.168.1.1, just type http://192.168.1.1 in the web browser URL’s box on any PC in the LAN.Sharing a Printer
Usually, a printer is connected to the server PC, so the internet cafe staff can easily manage printing process whether from clients or by walk in customer. Configure network neighborhood properties of the server to share printer, this will let printer sharing with the LAN. After install the printer driver into the server, make it shared. “Add printer” at each client by browsing in the LAN and find shared printer at the server.Connecting A Scanner
Scanner needs to be connected to a PC to operate. Connect it to a client if you prefer customers to use the scanner themselves, or connect it to the server if you want the cyber cafe staff to scan for your customers.Conclusion
Now we have finished build a LAN with 20 units of PC, a printer and a scanner, which sharing single phone line to connect to the internet. This is just a brief idea on how to connect all hardware or devices in a cyber cafe.
