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Example wired Ethernet network
The following is an example of a wired Ethernet network. The network is made 
up of a router, a cable or DSL modem, your computers, and cables connecting 
each of these components. The router is the central control point for the 
network. Attached to the router are all of your computers or Ethernet-ready 
devices. Also connected to the router is a cable or DSL modem that provides 
access to the Internet.
Tips & TricksTo add the ability to access a wireless Ethernet network 
to your wired Ethernet network, connect an access point 
to the router, switch, or hub. For more information about 
accessing a wireless Ethernet, see “Using a wireless 
Ethernet network” on page 164.
Cable/DSL modem
Router, 
switch, 
or hub 
						

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Equipment you need for a wired Ethernet 
network
For a wired Ethernet network you need:

An Ethernet jack on each desktop computer and notebook.
- OR -
An Ethernet card installed in each desktop computer.
- OR -
An Ethernet PC Card installed in each notebook.

An Ethernet router. Select a router that gives you the following features:

A jack for connecting to a cable or DSL modem.

The ability to assign IP addresses to your networked computers 
dynamically. This prevents intruders from seeing the computers over 
the Internet.

A built-in firewall to protect the computers on your network from 
intruders trying to access your data over the Internet.

Built-in switching (with enough ports for all computers and devices 
on the network) so you will not have to purchase a hub or switch.

If you did not purchase a router that includes built-in switching or if the 
router does not have enough ports to attach all your computers, an 
Ethernet hub or switch with enough ports for all computers and devices 
in the network.

Ethernet cable going from each computer to the router, hub, or switch.
ImportantFor best results, all Ethernet components should be either 
standard Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or 
10/100), or Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps or 10/100/1000). 
A mixture of components rated at different speeds will 
result in your network running at the speed of the slowest 
rated component. 
						

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Using a wireless Ethernet network
A wireless Ethernet network is ideal for creating a home or office network or 
adding mobility to an existing wired Ethernet.
Wireless Ethernet is available at two different speeds. 802.11a wireless Ethernet 
runs at speeds up to 54 Mbps, or about half the speed of Fast Ethernet. 802.11b 
wireless Ethernet runs at speeds up to 11 Mbps, or approximately the same 
speed as standard wired Ethernet. This type of network allows you the freedom 
to move about your home or office with your notebook. For example, you can 
take your notebook from your home office to your patio without having an 
Ethernet jack available.
The two most common types of wireless Ethernet networks are access point 
and peer-to-peer.
WarningRadio frequency wireless communication can interfere 
with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviation 
regulations require wireless devices to be turned off while 
traveling in an airplane. IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11b 
communication devices are examples of devices that 
provide wireless communication. For instructions to turn 
wireless Ethernet on and off, see “Turning your wireless 
Ethernet on or off” on page 169.
ImportantIf your notebook came equipped with an internal radio 
frequency wireless device, see “Safety, Regulatory, and 
Legal Information” on page 249 for general wireless 
regulatory and safety guidelines. To find out if your 
notebook has an internal wireless device, check the label 
(see “Identifying your model” on page 10).
ImportantThe speed of a wireless network is related to signal 
strength. Signal strength is affected by the distance 
between your wireless network devices, by radio 
interference, and by interference from natural obstructions 
such as walls, floors, and doors. 
						

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Using a wireless Ethernet network
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Example access point wireless Ethernet 
network
By using an access point, you can join a wireless Ethernet network and access 
a wired Ethernet network. An access point also lets you access the Internet.
The following is an example of an access point wireless Ethernet network. The 
network is made up of an access point, a cable or DSL modem, and your 
computers. The access point is the central control point for the network. 
Attached to the access point is the cable or DSL modem that provides access 
to the Internet. Each of the computers or Ethernet-ready devices communicate 
with the access point using radio waves. If your computer does not have built-in 
wireless Ethernet capabilities, you need to add a wireless PCI card (desktop), 
PC card (notebook), or USB adapter.
Tips & TricksIf you want to access a wireless Ethernet network from 
your wired Ethernet network, connect an access point to 
the router, switch, or hub. For more information about 
accessing a wired Ethernet, see “Using a wired Ethernet 
network” on page 161.
Cable/DSL modem
Access point
USB wireless 
adapter 
						

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Equipment you need for an access point 
wireless Ethernet network
For an access point wireless Ethernet network you need:

A wireless Ethernet PCI card installed in each desktop computer
- OR -
A wireless Ethernet USB adapter attached to each desktop computer
- OR -
A notebook with wireless Ethernet built-in
- OR -
A wireless Ethernet PC Card installed in each notebook that does not have 
wireless Ethernet built-in

A wireless Ethernet access point to connect your wireless Ethernet network 
to the Internet or a wired Ethernet network
ImportantIEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11b use different radio 
frequencies. All wireless Ethernet components should use 
the same frequency. A combination of IEEE 802.11a and 
IEEE 802.11b components will not work. Some wireless 
devices can broadcast and receive signals on both 
frequencies. 
						

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Example peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet 
network
Use a peer-to-peer (also known as ad hoc) wireless Ethernet network if you are 
setting up or joining a temporary computer-to-computer network. This type of 
network does not include access into a wired network or the Internet. You can 
create this type of network to quickly move files from one computer to another. 
						

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Equipment you need for a peer-to-peer 
wireless Ethernet network
For a peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet network you need:

A wireless Ethernet PCI card installed in each desktop computer
- OR -
A wireless Ethernet USB adapter attached to each desktop computer
- OR -
A notebook with wireless Ethernet built-in
- OR -
A wireless Ethernet PC Card installed in each notebook that does not have 
wireless Ethernet built-in
For more information
For more information about purchasing equipment for your home or office 
Ethernet network, discuss your particular needs with your Gateway store 
representative. In addition, several books and Internet sites are dedicated to 
networking. See these sources for more information about networking your 
home or office with wired or wireless Ethernet.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about networking in Windows XP, 
click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword networking in the HelpSpot Search 
box  , then click the arrow. 
						

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Using your notebook on a network
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Using your notebook on a network
Installing and configuring your notebook for 
Ethernet networking
A guide in .PDF format has been included on your hard drive that provides 
instructions for installing and configuring both wired and wireless Ethernet 
networking on your notebook. To access this guide, click 
Start, All Programs, 
then click 
Gateway Utilities.
Turning your wireless Ethernet on or off
To turn wireless Ethernet on or off:
1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel w i n d o w  o p e n s .  I f  y o u r  
Control Panel is in Category View, click 
Network and Internet Connections. 
The Network and Internet Connections window opens.
2Click/Double-click Network Connections. The Network Connections window 
opens.
3Right-click Wireless Network Connection, then click Enable to turn on 
wireless Ethernet or click 
Disable to turn off wireless Ethernet.
WarningRadio frequency wireless communication can interfere 
with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviation 
regulations require wireless devices to be turned off while 
traveling in an airplane. IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11b 
communication devices are examples of devices that 
provide wireless communication. 
						

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Moving from Your
Old Computer
If your new computer is replacing an old computer, you 
may have personal data files, Internet settings, a printer or 
other peripheral devices, and other unique computer 
settings that you want to move from your old computer 
to your new one. Read this chapter to learn about:

Using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Transferring Files

Transferring Internet Settings

Installing your old printer or scanner

Installing your old programs