CompTIA A+ Lab 5.2.8 | Connect Computers with a Switch | SOHO Network Setup Tutorial

CompTIA A+ Lab 5.2.8 | Connect Computers with a Switch | SOHO Network Design Tutorial In this CompTIA A+ 220-1101 lab, you’ll learn how to design and connect a small office/home office (SOHO) network using a network modeler. This step-by-step tutorial shows how to add computers, switches, and routers — and connect them using Ethernet cables — just like in a real-world IT setup. Perfect for CompTIA A+ students, IT beginners, and anyone learning about basic networking and device interconnections. What You’ll Learn: How to add computers and switches in a SOHO topology How to connect devices using Ethernet ports How to connect a switch to a router for internet access How to visualize a simple LAN structure Hands-on skills for CompTIA A+ and Network+ exams Tools Used: Network Modeler or Cisco Packet Tracer 3 End Devices (Computers) 1 Switch 1 Router Ethernet cables Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:30 Add computers 01:30 Add switch 02:30 Connect computers to switch 04:00 Add router 05:00 Connect switch to router 06:00 Verify network 07:00 Outro Welcome back to another CompTIA A+ hands-on lab! In this tutorial, we’ll complete Lab 5.2.8 – Connect Computers with a Switch. You’ll learn how to design a simple SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) network using a modeler — adding computers, a switch, and a router — and connecting everything with Ethernet links.” STEP 1 — ADD COMPUTERS (00:30 – 01:30) “Start by adding three computers to the modeler canvas. In the tools tray, click End Devices, then drag and drop three computers labeled Home-PC1, Home-PC2, and Home-PC3 onto the workspace.” Show cursor movement and drag icons visually. Add on-screen text: ‘End Devices → Drag 3 Computers’ STEP 2 — ADD A SWITCH (01:30 – 02:30) “Next, we’ll add the switch that connects all three computers. In the tools tray, click Switches, then drag a switch — such as a 2960 or 2950 model — onto the canvas.” Explain briefly: “A switch is used to connect multiple devices on the same LAN and allows them to communicate efficiently.” STEP 3 — CONNECT COMPUTERS TO THE SWITCH (02:30 – 04:00) “Now we’ll connect each computer to the switch using Ethernet cables. In the tools tray, select the Create Link (lightning bolt) icon. Click Home-PC1, select the Ethernet port, then click the switch and choose any open port.” Repeat the process for Home-PC2 and Home-PC3. “Each computer is now linked to the switch — forming our internal local area network (LAN).” Add diagram or connection animation if possible. STEP 4 — ADD A ROUTER (04:00 – 05:00) “Now that our internal network is ready, let’s connect it to the outside world. From the tools tray, select Routers and drag one onto the canvas.” Explain: “A router connects your LAN to external networks like the internet — acting as the gateway for all connected devices.” STEP 5 — CONNECT SWITCH TO ROUTER (05:00 – 06:00) “To complete our SOHO network, connect the switch to the router. With the Create Link icon selected, click the switch, choose an open port, then click the router and select an available Ethernet interface.” Show all final connections clearly: 💡 Home-PC1, PC2, PC3 → Switch → Router → Internet “This setup mirrors a real-world small office or home network design.” STEP 6 — VERIFY NETWORK DESIGN (06:00 – 07:00) “Check your connections: each PC should connect to the switch, and the switch should link to the router. When powered on, devices in the same LAN should be able to communicate, and through the router, they can reach the internet.” Optional: show a ping test between computers to demonstrate communication. “And that’s how to connect computers with a switch in a SOHO environment! You’ve built a functional LAN with three PCs, a switch, and a router. If this helped, hit Like, Subscribe, and comment below which CompTIA lab you want next!”#CompTIA #APlus #Networking #SOHO #CompTIA2201101 #NetworkSetup #CompTIAAPlusLabs #PacketTracer #NetworkingBasics #CompTIATraining #LANDesign #CompTIAExamPrep