Part 1: Connecting All Hardwares In Internet Cafe

This post is a brief idea, how to connect all hardwares in internet cafe. This is not a complete guide but it will you get an idea before you setup your own internet cafe.

All the hardwares need to be connected each other to the Local Area Networking (LAN), to enable them share one internet line to get connected to the Internet. This is a basic idea on how to connect all your hardware to the LAN. 

Connecting the Computers

All PCs have to connect to the switch/hub, which are merge as a LAN. A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common communications line and typically share the resources of a single processor or server within a small geographic area (for example, within an office building). 

In these article I assume that all PCs have been completely installed with Windows XP operating system and using static IP Address instead of dynamic IP (DHCP) for each system because a best cyber cafe management software currently only support static IP Address. 

Installing and Configuring Ethernet Adapter Card

 In order to enable each PC communicate with each other we have to install the networking protocol. To date motherboard have ethernet adapter built-in. So, no need to add it. But if your motherboard dont have it, you must add it.

Common ones used in a simple network is IPX/SPX and TCP/IP. To install, open Network Neighborhood properties, click "Add" button, Select "Protocol" and "Add" button, scroll down in the manufacturer list and select Microsoft, select IPX/SPX and click "OK". The next one should be the same, but select TCP/IP instead. Once installed, select TCP/IP in the Network Neighborhood Properties window, click "Properties" button. 

Insert into TCP/IP Properties:

The PC's IP Address, e.g. 192.168.1.2 

- Each PC must have different IP Address e.g.: 192.168.1.2, 192.168.1.3, 192.168.1.4, 192.168.1.5 and so on. 

Gateway: 192.168.1.1 (modem/router IP Address)

DNS: refer to your Internet Provider, in this case I use Malaysian TMNet's DNS: 202.188.0.133 and 202.188.1.5 

Click "OK" button, and restart PC. The computer will be ready to get connected once it is restarted. Do the same to other PC. 

Cabling/Wiring 

Commonly use cables are co-ax and cat5 with RJ-45 and BNC connector. Most of new NIC only support RJ-45 connector, so we use Cat5 (also called 10BaseT) cable. Other then RJ-45 connector and Cat5 cable, you also need a crimping tool. Measure the length from the client to the switch, perhaps a little bit longer. Cut the cable and crimp RJ-45 connector at both of the cable end.

The next step is the easiest part, put one end of the cable into the client's NIC port and the other end at the switch/hub's port. You have to make another 20 cables if you have 20 units of clients with 1 unit of server. Connect all 20 PCs, PC Server and the modem/router to the hub/switch and connect a phone line to the modem/router.

Cont. to Part 2 

Basic Internet Cafe Requirement

Every internet cafe has its' own and different requirement, but this is the basic requirement for every cyber cafes. 

This is the most basic requirement for an Internet Cafe as a reference. However, every Internet Cafe or Gaming Center have their special requirement and setup. 

Hardware needed

1. 20 x Client PCs

2. 1 x PC to control Clients a.k.a Server 

2. 1 x 24 ports Switch (or Hub?) 

3. 1 x Modem with built-in Router because it is easier to have modem with built-in router (broadband modem). 

5. 1 x Printer - any brand 

6. 1 x Scanner - any brand 

7. 20 x USB extender (If only the USB ports are in the back) 

Client PCs x 20 units 

Minimum specification to run internet applications, office applications and games. It is important to have the same specification on all the clients system to minimum maintenance job. If you have more budget, try at least buy 3 more computer as spares.

1. Processor - at least Pentium 4 or AMD Sempron or Athlon XP

2. 80GB Hard Disk Drive 

3. 256MB RAM Memory 

4. Monitor - 15" or 17" or 21"! 

5. Motherboard - Good brand with Integrated sound and VGA but separated AGP card is the best! 

6. Keyboard & Mouse - Any good brand keyboard and mouse with scroll. 

7. Speaker or Headphone with Microphone (i will not recommend speaker because it's make your cyber cafe like disco!, but still it your choice) 

8. 100Mbps Network Card 

9. CDRW Drive (optional) 

10. Web Cam (optional) 

Server PC x 1 unit - not so important, at least can run cyber cafe management software is good enough. But more number of clients means higher specification needed.

1. Processor - at least Pentium 4 

2. 40-80 GB Hard Disk Drive 

3. 512MB RAM Memory 

4. Monitor - 15" 

5. Motherboard - Good brand with Integrated sound and VGA 

6. Keyboard & Mouse - Any good brand keyboard and mouse with scroll. 

7. 100Mbps Network Card 

9. CDRW Drive (optional) 

10. Web Cam (optional) 

Softwares in Clients 

Most needed application by customers. It is important to have the same applications on all the clients system to minimum maintenance job. 

1. Operating System - WinXP is the best 

2. Office Suite - Ms Office or OpenOffice.org 

3. Browser - FireFox or Opera (I will not recommend Interner Explorer) 

4. Adobe Reader 

5. File Compressor - Winzip or WinRar 

6. QuickTime 

7. Media Player - WinAmp5 and Window Media Player 

8. Messenger - ICQ, Yahoo, MSN and AOL 

9. Anti Virus - Norton AntiVirus or McAffee or free antivirus such AVG and Avira

10. CD Burning Utility - Nero or Alcohol (optional) 

11. Reboot Restoration Utility - Deepfreeze or Norton Goback, Norton Ghost or Juzt Reboot card (optional). Although it is optional, I think it will reduce almost 95% of internet cafe's maintenance. Think about it! 

Softwares in Server 

Preferably the same with clients, because it is easier to troubleshoot problem if something happen. 

1. Operating System - and again WinXP is the best 

2. Office Suite - Ms Office or OpenOffice.org 

3. Browser - Internet Explorer, FireFox or Netscape Navigator 

4. Adobe Reader 

5. File Compressor - Winzip or WinRar 

6. QuickTime 

7. Media Player - WinAmp5 and Window Media Player 

8. Messenger - ICQ, Yahoo, MSN and AOL 

9. Anti Virus - Norton AntiVirus or McAffee or free antivirus on the net 

10. CD Burning Utility - Nero or Alcohol (optional) 

11. Internet Cafe Management Software - CCAutoSoft 

Games to Choose 

These are the most wanted games in the Internet Cafe or Gaming Center. 

1. Half-Life 

2. Conter Strike 

3. Need For Speed - latest one 

4. Warcraft 3 

5. Doom 3 

6. Everquest2 

7. Galaxy LightSpeed 

8. Halo for PC 

9. Star Wars Galaxies 

10. Battlefield 1942 

11. Secret Weapons and Vietnam 

12. Rise of Nations 

13. Home World 2 

14. Solider of Fortune 

15. City of Heroes 

16. Final Fantasy  

17. Command and Conquer 

18. Midtown Madness  

19. Bass Fishing 

20. House of the Dead and many more. Please make you choice after you make some surveys with your customer.