Network Card: Also called Network Interface Card (NIC) is also required to complete the setup. Make sure that either your computer is already having an NIC or you get an NIC to complete your network. Normally most modern computers come with an NIC onboard or installed. You can check it at the back of your PC. There should be a connector just a little bit bigger than RJ-11 (common telephone line connector), if you see one then you have an NIC card at your PC. You can also look for it in Device Manager in Windows. In Laptops almost all of them come with NIC so you don’t have to worry about it. Even if your PC is not having an NIC, it is not really expensive. So let’s say we have one already and proceed. You can see an example image of a standard Network Card at the right.

HUB/Switch: As you have read in the beginning of this section, Hub is required for a Star topology network. The cables will be running from your computers to any ports of Hub or Switch. Using a Hub is necessary once you are connecting more then two computers together. You can always add more devices/computers to your LAN or remove devices/computers from your LAN. None of the devices on your LAN are directly connected to each other. Every point connects to a central Hub which acts as an exchange in your Network. You can see an image of a standard hub at the right.