Here at Greenwood, we like our networked multiplayer games.
Boy, do we like them!

Our LAN setup consists of (currently) 6 computers, all networked together via a 16-port 100Mbps switch. (Yes, you read that right, 16 ports, 100MBps, and yes it's a switch, not a hub.) You ask yourself, "Why not save some money and get a 8 port hub?" Well let me tell you why...

One computer on the network is out firewall and router. We only have a single broadband connection and a single IP address, which wouldn't do at all. This machine also runs our DNS and DHCP servers... believe it or not, this simplifies the network. You'll see why later...
One computer on the network is our file server. With heaps of drive space and a 100Mbbps connection it's not bad. We store all our common files (like patches to games, utlities, MP3s and such) on the server. It also frees up space on our personal machines. It was also destined to answer the phones with a voicemail system, but an inherent flaw in TalkWorks put an end to that ambition.
One computer is a MP3 player/visualization unit. It hooks directly into the main stereo and the main TV. So when we're cranking out music, we can also get totally trippy visualizations on the TV too! It also doubles as a DVD player.
Each of the three residents also have computers on the network.

So that brings us to six. But why the 16-ports? Why DHCP? Why DNS? Why a file server?
The answer is simply really. Many of the Team Greenwood and Team Greenwood Regulars have computers as well. And on good weekends, or when new games come out, they like to come over with their computers. We have at least 4 regular visiting computers. So that brings us, on a busy weekend, to 10 computers. Then throw in things like CHUDFest, where we've had as many as 28 on the LAN, and you see why it makes sense. To join the Greenwood LAN, all you have to do is bring over a computer, set your machine to DHCP, and you're instantly on the network, connected to the Internet, and have access to all sorts of files, utilities and patches.

Pretty neat, eh? I think so, but I'm a geek and the one who built the network, so I'm biased.