For small business and home users planning computer network expansion., when you expand your computer network beyond a single user account you should look at various networking requirements before proceeding. Here are some tips to guide you when expanding or adding computer devices to your private network. 

File Sharing: Determine if you would like to be able to share files with other users on your local network. Many users find efficiencies in having a single file server connected to the network which anyone on your local network can access. You can consolidate individual user spreadsheets, share word documents between users, and store them all in a single location.

Print Sharing: Look for other devices that can be shared. Maybe you have an expensive color printer, and you would like all the users on your network to be able to print to that device. After all, it looks great and your customers are impressed!  This can save you the cost of purchasing separate additional color printers for each user.

Connection Inventory: Determine how many devices you need to have connected. If you have 4 PC's to connect, then you will need a modem or router with 4 Ethernet ports. If you have more devices, you will need more Ethernet ports. These ports are distinctly different from the connection which goes outside your building to the telephone network.  Don't forget to include projections for new Ethernet devices so you have additional ports to support those connections.

You can also share music and video across local networks if needed. Be sure to include these devices in your port estimates.

Wireless Devices: In some cases, you may have personal computers or laptops that have wireless capability. In that case, you should ensure your modem or router has wireless capability also. This will reduce the number of physical ports required, and could reduce the number of physical cables which will be required. If you have a remote device that does not have cabling access, then adding a wireless card to that device is an option to evaluate.

PC Inventory: You should perform an inventory of all the Ethernet devices that will connect to your network. The inventory should include type, model, CPU type, RAM availible, type of Network Interface Card (NIC), and PC operating system software version. If you have problems bringing a device online, this information can assist in isolating the problem.

Make sure all the devices you want to connect to your network have an Ethernet NIC card installed or have wireless capability. if not, you will need to purchase and install NIC cards or wireless cards before the device can be connected.

Cables: After you have determined how many devices will connect to your expanded network, you can purchase the necessary network cables. You must purchase a single cable for each device to be connected. The cable type should be level CAT5 or greater Ethernet cables, with RJ-45 plugs on each end (pinout = Straight thru).  This cable is conditioned to provide optimum performance for high data rate requirements. When checking the cables, be sure that all connection cabling is at CAT5 or greater also. If you use normal telephone type cable between walls, rooms, or floors it could result in error problems with network performance.

After you have completed the planning phase of your network expansion project, you should have a much better view of which devices are required to connect to your expanded network and which devices are optional. Following this plan should help to provide a more detailed understanding of overall network requirements and capabilities. The next step in the process is to check your Network Interface Device (DSL Modem, Cable modem, etc) and verify it can fully support your expanded network requirements!