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Benefits of networking
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Sharing peripheral devices
Each computer that is connected to the network can share the same peripheral 
devices, such as a printer. Select print from the computer you are currently using 
and your file is automatically printed on your printer no matter where it is 
located on your network.
Streaming audio and video files
With a network, you can store audio files (such as the popular .MP3 files) and 
video files on any networked computer, then play them on any...

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Selecting a network connection
The biggest decision you need to make when creating your network is what 
type of connection you will use. Gateway supports both wired and wireless 
Ethernet networks. Use the following criteria as a guide when selecting a 
network connection.
Wired Ethernet network
Create a wired Ethernet network if:
■You are building a new home or your existing home already has Ethernet 
cable installed in each room that has a...

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Using a wired Ethernet network
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Using a wired Ethernet network
A wired Ethernet network consists of two or more computers connected 
together through an Ethernet cable. This connection type is commonly used 
in offices around the world and can be used to build computer networks in 
the home.
Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet
Ethernet is available at three different speeds. Standard Ethernet runs at 
10 Mbps, Fast Ethernet runs at 100 Mbps, and Gigabit Ethernet runs at 
1000...

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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 &...

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Using a wired Ethernet network
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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, notebook, tablet PC, and 
convertible tablet PC.
- OR -
An Ethernet card (also called network interface cards or NICs) installed in 
each desktop computer.
- OR -
An Ethernet PC Card installed in each notebook or convertible tablet PC.
■An Ethernet router. Select a router that gives you the following features:
■A jack for...

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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 network. A wireless Ethernet 
network allows you the freedom to move about your home or office with your 
notebook or tablet PC. For example, you can take your notebook or tablet PC 
from your home office to your patio without having an Ethernet jack available.
WarningRadio frequency...

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Using a wireless Ethernet network
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Wireless Ethernet speed and frequency
Wireless Ethernet is available at two different speeds and at two different 
frequencies. The following table compares the various wireless Ethernet 
network types.
The two most common types of wireless Ethernet networks are access point 
and peer-to-peer. Network Type Speed Frequency Advantages Disadvantages
IEEE 802.11a 54 Mbps 5 GHz Less possible 
interference than 
IEEE 802.11b and 
IEEE 802.11g■Shorter range...

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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. The following example shows how 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...

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Using a wireless Ethernet network
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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 or notebook 
computer, or convertible tablet PC
- OR -
A notebook, tablet PC, or convertible tablet PC with wireless Ethernet 
built-in
- OR -
A wireless Ethernet PC Card installed in each notebook or...

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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.