Learn how to Build a Local Area Network in Real Life

In the sixth lesson of the Practical Networking Fundamentals course we go through the process of building a Local Area Network in the real world using an unmanaged switch, USB NIC, a Windows 10 client and a MacOS client.

Equipment used:
- These links are Amazon affiliate links. If you use these links to make purchases I will receive commission which allows me to create better content and release it for free.

Unmanaged switch:

Network Cables:

Please know that this course is not designed to help you pass a test but to help you build applicable skills. The knowledge you gain from this course can help you start to prepare for the following industry recognized certifications:

- CCNA
- Comptia A+
- Comptia Net+
- Comptia Security +
- OSCP

Course Instructor:
Robert "Bob" Theisen

Join our learning community in Discord:

[stephenhaslam]

THANK YOU!!! I been searching forever, to find someone who could teach me this stuff, from scratch. You are awesome dude. I have five raspberry pi computers, running debian 'bookworm', connected to a 8-port un-managed switch, as my starting point to hands-on learning about networking. Cheers!!

[CongNguyen-ogiz]

Literally the best out there. Ur youtube is a like a hidden gem. Please do more of these types of tutorials. Ur very good at explaining and demonstrating unlike other tutorials.

[jacobalexander]

This is amazing. I’ve been studying network and currently preparing for an exam and this video is an invaluable resource. Learning network topography on paper is one thing, but seeing everything in a practical setting ties everything together. Keep up the good work!

[urloverbaby]

tired of my WiFi lights going down every time the internet goes out. Now I'm stuck with a router without 2.4 and it's time to set up a no net network for these lights. Thank you for your video, this is awesome

[jessicajavaherian]

Excellent tutorials. Please keep up the great work. You have a gift for explaining/teaching as well!

[drxav]

I must thank you very much for your prompt reply. Your reply means a lot to me as nobody has addressed similar issues in the past.

[raheemkg]

Seeing in in real life really makes the difference!

[cszhluo]

Thank you so much sir. I really appreciate your effort of making this video and spreading your wisdom to the world. God bless....

[jozefulb]

i LOVE YOUR LECTURE. i WANT TO BUILD A LAN WITHOUT CONNECTING TO INTERNET

[anochirionyennaemeka]

Wow that's so much, I really appreciate on please you can also do the DHCP and OSPF.

[zainabazmi]

thanks for this.. Really helped me.. Thanks again

[jacquesetiennendiaye]

Wow, love it, thanks you kind sir :)

[scary_user]

this is such a nice video....
I was acutally doing something similar today but with a a router and for some reason I cant really fatom I kept on getting "Reply from desitination host unreachable"..

but I get to understand from your explanation that windows block icmp packet and will love to know how to resolve this... thanks

[mannaiazza]

Amazing content ! Can you please tell me if it is possible to create a LAN in real life without using cables ?

[egwungozi]

Thank you very much for this video but i need assistance, i have been using wireless network, but now i want to build a LAN with 70 computers both Desktop and Laptops, so what and what do i need, i already have a router and range extender

[alittax]

Your videos are SUPERB! I like how you think of everything, even small details such as setting the notebook to go to sleep so that you can point out that detail about the switch light turning off, or some machines not having Ethernet ports but needing the USB to Ethernet adapter... the list goes on! You also have a lot of practice explaining things as simply as possible. At least I assume it's practice, but you could also have a natural talent for that. I've found your videos by searching for this specific topic, and I can see it also has a lot of hits. If I were you, I'd check out some of the most viewed videos on other tech channels and do my own video on them. A lot of people search for a solution to a very specific problem, and there are some videos which do a very good job of explaining the solution, which is why they have so many views. I'm sure you could do a much better job than most (or probably even ALL) of them, and the people who stumble onto your channel by looking at those videos would start browsing your other content. Just a thought though. I'd love to see your channel thrive! :)


Here are some other awesome IT channels which you might find interesting:

Best networking channel:

Best CCNA course (has a paid version with amazing labs):

Best explanations of IT technology (has a CompTIA A+ and Network+ video in the playlist, both around 4 hours long):

Also excellent networking explanations (has the best networking site):

I hope to watch more of your videos!!! :) You've earned a subscriber!

[drxav]

Sir, In my office we share program in the local network using Internet Explorer at port 2000. Will I be able use this program if I change my ISP to T-mobile 5G. Right now we are using ATT DSL.
Thank you for your expertise, JX

[TravisDelzell]

What is the importance of setting up a LAN when you can just buy a modem and connect wirelessly to your computer and also wirelessly connect to your printer and other devices ?

[emojeljohn]

Am trying to connect 4 Pcs to similar switch using that method but I've failed. All four are on Windows

[markrankin]

Thank you so much for this.

I have a off grid CCTV system that I would like to broadcast the cameras signal over (I believe) a Local Area Network.
Right now all 4 cameras connect to a DVR and can be viewed at the monitor in the control room. I am wondering if I could somehow broadcast that same signal to a router that a cell/phone laptop across the building could pickup?