Gateway Profile 6 Manual

CHAPTER 5
45
Networking Your Computer
•Introduction to networking
•Wired Ethernet networking
•Wireless Ethernet networking
•Setting up your network connection
•Testing your network
•Adding a printer to your network
•Sharing resources
•Using the network
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CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Computer
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Introduction to networking
Making sure your broadband connection works
Before you change anything about your home setup, make sure that your broadband connection 
is working correctly. To test the connection, log onto the Internet using your current setup. If 
the connection is not working, contact your Internet service provider.
Networking terms you should know
DHCP—Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) lets a router temporarily assign an IP address 
to a...

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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.
Equipment you need for a router-based Ethernet network
For a wired Ethernet network you need:
•Two or more computers with Ethernet jacks
•One router
•One broadband Internet connection (optional)
•Ethernet cables connecting all of the network equipment
When buying your router, be sure the model includes everything your...

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3Click Device Manager from the task list on the left. The Device Manager window opens.
4Click the plus (+) in front of Network adapters. The Ethernet device installed in your 
computer is listed. If one is not listed, you must install one.
Setting up wired Ethernet network hardware
Installing Ethernet cards and drivers
After you have determined the type of Ethernet you are using for your network, you need to 
install Ethernet cards and drivers on the computers that...

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In addition to a router, you need a straight-through cable for each computer you want to connect 
to the network.
To set up a network using a router:  
1Plug one end of the power adapter into the AC connector on the router and the other end 
into a grounded, 110V electrical outlet.
2Turn on your computers.
3Plug one end of a straight-through network cable into any numbered port on the router 
(except the WAN port). The WAN port is used to connect the router to the DSL or cable 
modem...

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Speed is not the only issue if you decide to use equipment with different standards. Compatibility 
can also be an issue. Take the following into consideration when you purchase wireless 
equipment:
Using an access point
An access point is a small electronic device that serves as the central control point for your 
network. You connect your modem to the access point, set up a network connection, then browse 
the Internet, send e-mail, share files and folders with...

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Determining if a wireless Ethernet device is already installed on your computer
To determine if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer:  
1Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
2Click System and Maintenance, then click System.
3Click Device Manager from the task list on the left. The Device Manager window opens.
4Click the plus (+) in front of Network adapters. The wireless Ethernet device installed in 
your computer is listed. If one...

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6Type a name for your workgroup in the Workgroup box. Use a workgroup name of up 
to 15 characters with no blank spaces. The workgroup name must be the same for all 
computers in your network workgroup, and the name must be different than any computer 
name on your network.
7Click OK. When you are prompted to restart your computer, click Restart Now.
Configuring the TCP/IP protocol
A networking protocol is a language computers use to talk to each other. One of...

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To connect to your wireless Ethernet network:  
1Click (Start), then click Network. The Network window opens.
2Click Network and Sharing Center. The Network and Sharing Center window opens.
3Click Connect to a network on the left of the window. The Connect to a network dialog 
box opens.
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4Click a network, then click Connect.
If you can see the network name, but you cannot connect to it, your network is using 
security. Right-click on the network, then click Properties. Modify the security settings to 
match the settings you set on your access point.
Wireless security
For information on wireless security, refer to the documentation that came with your access point.
Testing your network
Now that your home network is set up, log onto one of your...