You can get a complete home network up and running in easy steps. Here’s a summary of what’s involved:
Take a stock of your existing hardware.
Decide what type of network technology you wish to use.
Make a list of the hardware you need for each computer.
Install the network adapters and install you Modem or, Router with Hub(Switch).
Physically cable the computes together.
Switch on all computers. Printers and other peripherals,
Make sure the ICS host is connected to the Internet or, Internet connection to the hub (switch ) through Router.
Run the Network Setup Wizard on the ICS host.
Run the Network Setup Wizard on the other computers on the network.
1. Take a stock of your existing hardware
Note each computer’s location and its hardware, including peripherals such as printers and modems.
2. Choose a network technology
The most common choices are Ethernet and wireless LANs. For an Ethernet LAN you will need to install a network interface card, or NIC, in each computer and run cabling between the computers.
Depending on the size of your network, you may also need a network hub or router to provide interconnection between PCs on the LAN. Two PCs can get y using and RJ-45 crossover cable; three or more computers require a hub or multi-speed hub (called a switch).
If you have a high-speed Internet connection, a high-speed router is a good option. The network Setup Wizard includes links to detailed advice about configuring you network, including help on designing a network layout to suit your home.
If you opt for a wireless LAN, you’ll also need a NCI for each PC. The big benefit for home environments is that a wireless LAN does away with the need for cabling. On the down side, though, wireless LANs tend to be slower, less robust and appreciably more expensive than traditional Ethernet LANs. In particular, wireless LANs do not always live up to their sated working range, and you may find factors such as you home’s construction and may need to add a expensive Access Point to extend the range of the LAN and , even so, it the store will refund your money if the LAN will not provide reliable performance within the specified range.
3. Make a list of the hardware needed
Make a list of the hardware you need for each computer, not forgetting any cabling, and buy it. If you’re a little dazzled by the choices and configurations, consider purchasing a networking kit. These kits contain all you need to set up a two- or three-PC network. if possible, look for hardware which features the Windows XP logo, indicating it is fully compatible with XP.
4. Install the adapters
Install the network adaptors and install your modem on the ICS host computer (you can also let the computers connect to the Internet independently by installing modems on each)
5. Cable the computers
Physically cable the computers (and hubs or routers) together. Of course, you won’t need to do this if you’ve chosen to go the wireless rout.
If you’re installing and Ethernet network and have a lot of cabling work to do, you may prefer to get a professional to come in and do this work for you. It won’t be cheap, but you can be sure you get the job done correctly and hopefully with minimal damage done to walls ceilings and floors.
6. Switch it on
Switch on all computers , printers and other peripherals.
7. Connect to the internet
Go to the ICS host computer and make sure it is connected to the Internet. or, make a Internet connection to the Network Hub (Switch) through the router.
8. Run the network setup Wizard on the ICS host or on all computers
XP’s Network Setup Wizard takes much of the pain out of setting up a home network.
Take a stock of your existing hardware.
Decide what type of network technology you wish to use.
Make a list of the hardware you need for each computer.
Install the network adapters and install you Modem or, Router with Hub(Switch).
Physically cable the computes together.
Switch on all computers. Printers and other peripherals,
Make sure the ICS host is connected to the Internet or, Internet connection to the hub (switch ) through Router.
Run the Network Setup Wizard on the ICS host.
Run the Network Setup Wizard on the other computers on the network.
1. Take a stock of your existing hardware
Note each computer’s location and its hardware, including peripherals such as printers and modems.
2. Choose a network technology
The most common choices are Ethernet and wireless LANs. For an Ethernet LAN you will need to install a network interface card, or NIC, in each computer and run cabling between the computers.
Depending on the size of your network, you may also need a network hub or router to provide interconnection between PCs on the LAN. Two PCs can get y using and RJ-45 crossover cable; three or more computers require a hub or multi-speed hub (called a switch).
If you have a high-speed Internet connection, a high-speed router is a good option. The network Setup Wizard includes links to detailed advice about configuring you network, including help on designing a network layout to suit your home.
If you opt for a wireless LAN, you’ll also need a NCI for each PC. The big benefit for home environments is that a wireless LAN does away with the need for cabling. On the down side, though, wireless LANs tend to be slower, less robust and appreciably more expensive than traditional Ethernet LANs. In particular, wireless LANs do not always live up to their sated working range, and you may find factors such as you home’s construction and may need to add a expensive Access Point to extend the range of the LAN and , even so, it the store will refund your money if the LAN will not provide reliable performance within the specified range.
3. Make a list of the hardware needed
Make a list of the hardware you need for each computer, not forgetting any cabling, and buy it. If you’re a little dazzled by the choices and configurations, consider purchasing a networking kit. These kits contain all you need to set up a two- or three-PC network. if possible, look for hardware which features the Windows XP logo, indicating it is fully compatible with XP.
4. Install the adapters
Install the network adaptors and install your modem on the ICS host computer (you can also let the computers connect to the Internet independently by installing modems on each)
5. Cable the computers
Physically cable the computers (and hubs or routers) together. Of course, you won’t need to do this if you’ve chosen to go the wireless rout.
If you’re installing and Ethernet network and have a lot of cabling work to do, you may prefer to get a professional to come in and do this work for you. It won’t be cheap, but you can be sure you get the job done correctly and hopefully with minimal damage done to walls ceilings and floors.
6. Switch it on
Switch on all computers , printers and other peripherals.
7. Connect to the internet
Go to the ICS host computer and make sure it is connected to the Internet. or, make a Internet connection to the Network Hub (Switch) through the router.
8. Run the network setup Wizard on the ICS host or on all computers
XP’s Network Setup Wizard takes much of the pain out of setting up a home network.
