How to Connect Two PCs Together and Play Multiplayer Games
In this article we will describe how to connect two PC together so as to play multiplayer games or share files. We will be actually creating a LAN network with two computers.
You can do this either using wireless network cards or using a wire. We’ll be describing the “wired” way. The “wired” way can be done either using two ethernet cables and a hub or by using a cross-over ethernet cable which is the cheapest and works brilliantly.
Here’s what to do:
First you must physically connect the two computers. Check that both PCs have LAN network cards. Then all you need is a cross-over cable (Cross crimped RJ45-CAT5). Connect the two computers using the cross-over cable and the ports of the LAN cards.
Now you have to apply some settings to the “connected” computers. We’ll be describing how to do this in Windows systems. We’ll be referring to the two computers as ComputerA and ComputerB. Let’s begin the configuration.
ComputerA
– Right click on “My Computer” then click “Properties”
– Click the “Computer Name” tab and click the “Change…” button
– Change the name to the one you like. For this example we will name it ComputerA. Here you can also change the workgroup name to whatever you want but it must be the same in both computers. For this example we will name the workgoup “OURLAN”.
– Click OK
– On to the TCP/IP settings… Open “Control Panel” and click on “Network Connections”
– Your LAN connection will appear. Right click on its icon and select “Properties”.
– In the “General” tab select “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)” then click on “Properties”
– Set the following values:
IP Address -> 192.168.72.1
Subnet Mask -> 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway -> 192.168.72.2
– Click OK and you are finished with ComputerA.
ComputerB
– Right click on “My Computer” then click “Properties”
– Click the “Computer Name” tab and click the “Change…” button
– Change the name to “ComputerB”. Also change the workgroup name to “OURLAN” (Remeber the workgroup name must be the same on both computers)
– Click OK
– On to the TCP/IP settings… Open “Control Panel” and click on “Network Connections”
– Your LAN connection will appear. Right click on its icon and select “Properties”.
– In the “General” tab select “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)” then click on “Properties”
– Set the following values:
IP Address -> 192.168.72.2
Subnet Mask -> 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway -> 192.168.72.1
– Click OK and you are finished with ComputerB.
Now the two computers should be connected. If you don’t see them detecting each other try to restart them. You can play your favorite multiplayer games using the connection method above. You can also transfer files and data.
If you want to access the other computer just go to “My Network Places” A good idea would be to map a network drive to a local hard drive for easier access.
Article Author: Maria Markella
