Wired networking refers to the way that computers are interconnected. The cabling is done with CAT5 type cable and is capable of speeds of up to 100Mbps depending on the network card fitted to the computer. The computers can be up to 100m apart so allowing for great flexibility.
Should a large amount of data be required to moved on a regular basis as in a business then a Gigabit network can be installed with 10 times the amount of data being transferred per second.
For most domestic and office networks a set up similar to the Dlink picture can be installed but larger more complex ones are possible. Other equipment providers can be used to produce the same network.
Each computer will require a name and you can make this anything with some people using names from the Magic roundabout like Zebidee Florence and Dougal. All the computers need to be in the same workgroup or domain.
Each computer will have its own IP address and this is best left to a DHCP server run from the router or access gateway. Alternatively static addresses can be given to the machines.
Hubs
Hubs are devices that connect multiple network connections together but there is no relaying or buffering involved so packet clashes happen and usually it will work at the speed of the slowest connect device.
Switches
Switches are statefull remembering who is where and both relay and buffer packets resulting in much improved throughput and they also allow each connection to work independent of the the others.
Routers
Routers allow for routing to take place so that traffic for other subnets can be sent in a particular direction or over a particular port.
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