Setting up an Ethernet-based Local Area Network (LAN) consisting of a bunch of Linux machines is a common and relatively simple task. Generally, all you need to do is make sure that your Linux systems have an Ethernet card of some kind installed in them. Then, connect the machines to a central Ethernet hub or switch using Ethernet cabling. If all your systems have support for their respective Ethernet card compiled into the kernel (as well as TCP/IP support), then they technically have everything they need to communicate over your new Ethernet LAN.