Is it possible to create an offline LAN for you and your friends to connect to and play games

[onlythefreshness]

I've read about using gigabit switches and routers to makes it possible for a few friends to connect together and play some games via steam (or games acquired from other distributors) but every guide is for a specific game, mostly CSGO and DotA 2.

I would like to know if it is possible to create a LAN from a router or switch that allows us to connect together to play a game without a bunch of steps (of course that doesn't include steam launch options for specific steam titles like CSGO, DotA 2, etc).

For instance, three of us have a copy of WarCraft 3 frozen throne, Civ 5 and would like to play against each other without using hamichi or game ranger or tunggle (any server creation software that can only be used online).

If it is possible, would you be kind and explain what kind of router or switch would be the best. I read gigabit is great for the speed of the data that is being delivered.

If I am unclear or do not make very much sense in a section, ask and I will reply.

 

[firefoxx04]

As long as the games support connecting to a LAN server for connecting to a server via a specific IP (Example: 192.168.1.32 <-- a LAN IP)

I play arma3 all the time via LAN. Steam is not needed.

Gigabit is all you need and you will likely not find anything slower. Wifi will even work well as long as you only have a couple players on wifi at the same time, otherwise collisions can become an issue.

This switch should work fine https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-ProSAFE-Gigabit-Desktop-GS108-400NAS/dp/B00MPVR50A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1480417518&sr=8-3&keywords=netgear+switch+8+port

Just plug any port into a port on your router. It will expand your network by 7 ports (if you do not include the port connecting to the router)

 

[onlythefreshness]

As long as the games support connecting to a LAN server for connecting to a server via a specific IP (Example: 192.168.1.32 <-- a LAN IP)

I play arma3 all the time via LAN. Steam is not needed.

Gigabit is all you need and you will likely not find anything slower. Wifi will even work well as long as you only have a couple players on wifi at the same time, otherwise collisions can become an issue.

This switch should work fine https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-ProSAFE-Gigabit-Desktop-GS108-400NAS/dp/B00MPVR50A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1480417518&sr=8-3&keywords=netgear+switch+8+port

Just plug any port into a port on your router. It will expand your network by 7 ports (if you do not include the port connecting to the router)

Thank you very much! Now is setting up the LAN connection simple like plug-in and play?
If not, what steps would I need to take to set up the connection?

 

[bajgur]

these friends of yours, are they playing from their home or bringing their rigs to your home?
as long the game support LAN play, it just as simple as start the game and pick multiplayer from the game main menu.

 

[onlythefreshness]

these friends of yours, are they playing from their home or bringing their rigs to your home?
as long the game support LAN play, it just as simple as start the game and pick multiplayer from the game main menu.

They will be bringing their PCs. It will be offline.

 

[bajgur]

As long as the games support connecting to a LAN server for connecting to a server via a specific IP (Example: 192.168.1.32 <-- a LAN IP)

I play arma3 all the time via LAN. Steam is not needed.

Gigabit is all you need and you will likely not find anything slower. Wifi will even work well as long as you only have a couple players on wifi at the same time, otherwise collisions can become an issue.

This switch should work fine https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-ProSAFE-Gigabit-Desktop-GS108-400NAS/dp/B00MPVR50A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1480417518&sr=8-3&keywords=netgear+switch+8+port

Just plug any port into a port on your router. It will expand your network by 7 ports (if you do not include the port connecting to the router)

these friends of yours, are they playing from their home or bringing their rigs to your home?
as long the game support LAN play, it just as simple as start the game and pick multiplayer from the game main menu.

They will be bringing their PCs. It will be offline.

then you're good with what firefoxx04 "said"...