Dell D630 Manual

Setting Up and Using Networks61
7
Setting Up and Using Networks
Setting up a computer network provides connectivity between your computer 
and the Internet, another computer, or a network. For example, with a network 
set up in a home or small office you can print to a shared printer, access drives 
and files on another computer, browse other networks, or access the Internet. 
You can set up a local area network (LAN) using a network or broadband 
modem cable, or set up a wireless LAN (WLAN). 
The...

62Setting Up and Using Networks
Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft® 
Windows
® XP Operating System
1Click Start→ All Programs→ Accessories→ Communications→ Network 
Setup Wizard
→ Next→ Checklist for creating a network.
 NOTE: Selecting the connection method labeled This computer connects 
directly to the Internet enables the integrated firewall provided with Windows 
XP Service Pack 2 (SP2).
2Complete the checklist.
3Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions in the 
wizard....

Setting Up and Using Networks63
Wireless Local Area Network
A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a series of interconnected computers 
that communicate with each other over the air waves rather than through a 
network cable connected to each computer. In a WLAN, a radio 
communications device called an access point or wireless router connects 
network computers and provides Internet, or network, access. The access point 
or wireless router and the wireless network card in the computer communicate 
by...

64Setting Up and Using Networks
If Wireless Network Connection appears, you have a wireless network card. To 
view detailed information about the wireless network card:
1Right-click Wireless Network Connection.
2Click Properties.
The 
Wireless Network Connection Properties window appears. The 
wireless network card’s name and model number are listed on the 
General 
tab.
 NOTE: If your computer is set to the Classic Start menu option, you can view 
network connections by clicking the Start
→ Settings→...

Setting Up and Using Networks65
 NOTE: Wait for a minimum of 5 minutes after disconnecting your broadband 
modem before you continue with the network setup.
8Insert a network cable into the network (RJ-45) connector on the 
unpowered broadband modem.
9Connect the other end of the network cable into the Internet network (RJ-
45) connector on the unpowered wireless router.
10Ensure that no network or USB cables, other than the network cable 
connecting the modem and the wireless router, are connected to...

66Setting Up and Using Networks
This section provides general procedures for connecting to a network using 
wireless technology. Specific network names and configuration details vary. See 
Wireless Local Area Network on page 63 for more information about how to 
prepare for connecting your computer to a WLAN. 
Your wireless network card requires specific software and drivers for connecting 
to a network. The software is already installed. 
 NOTE: If the software is removed or corrupted, follow the...

Setting Up and Using Networks67
For specific information about the wireless configuration utility installed on 
your computer, see your wireless network documentation in the Windows Help 
and Support Center (click 
Start→ Help and Support).
Completing the Connection to the WLAN
When you turn on your computer and a network (for which your computer is 
not configured) is detected in the area, a pop-up appears near the network icon 
in the notification area (in the lower-right corner of the Windows...

68Setting Up and Using Networks
Mobile Broadband (or Wireless Wide Area 
Network)
A Mobile Broadband network, also known as a Wireless Wide Area Network 
(WWAN), is a high-speed digital cellular network that provides Internet access 
over a much wider geographical area than a WLAN, which typically covers only 
from 100 to 1000 feet. Your computer can maintain Mobile Broadband network 
access as long as the computer is within a cellular-data coverage zone. Contact 
your service provider for coverage of a...

Setting Up and Using Networks69
• Your order confirmation
• Microsoft Windows Help and Support Center
To check your Mobile Broadband card in the Windows Help and Support 
Center:
1Click Start→ Help and Support→ Use Tools to view your computer 
information and diagnose problems
.
2Under Tools, click My Computer Information→ Find information about 
the hardware installed on this computer.
On the My Computer Information - Hardware screen, you can view the type of 
Mobile Broadband card installed in your...

70Setting Up and Using Networks
2Click Dell Wireless Broadband and follow the instructions on the screen.
Enabling/Disabling the Dell™ Mobile Broadband Card
 NOTE: If you are unable to connect to a Mobile Broadband network, ensure that 
you have all the components for establishing a Mobile Broadband connection (see 
What You Need to Establish a Mobile Broadband Network Connection on page 68), 
and then verify that your Mobile Broadband card is enabled by verifying the setting 
of the wireless switch.
You...