This article will walk you through the fine details of conceiving, installing, and securing a wired and Wi-Fi local-area network. For the purposes of this project, we're envisioning a 600-square foot physical space for four to eight people, with two sets of desks in the front of the office, and two sets of desks in the back of the office.

We'll call our fictional small business Ergo; it's an industrial design consulting firm. The goal here is to create a network that has multiple Ethernet outlets and ubiquitous WiFi access. It is worth noting that the principles and directions in this eight-step DIY will work regardless of what size/shape physical space your business is located. The only variables are cable length and the number of wired LAN ports you'll need.

One final note: Enterprising proprietors who are building out a physical office for their small business at the same time they are establishing a network will be smart to mount the network cables beneath the drywall and over the ceiling. This will make for a clean-looking, wire-free office. In this case, you'll also need to purchase Ethernet wall sockets for easy access.

Okay, enough with the chit-chat. Let's get started.

Step 1: Identify Your Networking Needs
This is a very important step that you will ideally perform before purchasing the ingredients listed on the previous page. As noted above, the key considerations are:

a. How many wired Ethernet ports, if any, will you need?

b.Where will these Ethernet ports need to be located? (In other words, where will the PCs and other equipment that will be plugged into these Ethernet ports be located?)

c.Where will the router and high-speed modems be located?