local area network (LAN)

Question

local area network (LAN)

I have three iMac's and one inkjet and one laser printer and other devices. I can connect these devices with ethernet cables to each other through an unmanaged ethernet switch and to the Internet with a gateway (modem/router). I would like to have different local networks (LAN's) and a wide area network (WAN) without rewiring the devices. A different subnet for the WAN and each LAN in system preferences could work. Naming one as Ethernet, another Ethernet 2, then Ethernet 3, and so on, would work. I could select between them in network preferences in the same manner that I would switch one iMac from Ethernet to Wi-Fi. Then I could also have deferent "locations" for the other devices and printers using the selection window that says other devices can reach this device (an iMac) at the location chosen in the network preference window. Is this close to viable?

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Nov 1, 2019 5:31 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 1, 2019 7:18 PM in response to Community User

The main goal is to be able to create one or more local ethernets that are 100% isolated from the Internet. I want to create documents on one iMac and then save or display them on other iMacs; and to print copies on the laser or inkjet printers. In theory, I hope to be able to unplug my gateway from its AC power source and/or my ISP and still be able to utilize all their functions that obviously don't need Internet access.

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