A Cable/DSL Router fits into your network right after your cable
modem/DSL modem. An ethernet cable will plug into your router from your
cable/DSL modem into the WAN port on the router. If your router has only
one port, or if you want to hook up more computers than you have ports
for, you will want to get a hub or switch and hook that up to your
router, then plug your computers into the hub/switch and router. If you
have enough ports for all of your computers, then you can just plug them
directly into the router and you'll be all set!
Setting Up Your Computers
Well, this might be the easiest step of them all. If you have everything
all hooked up and powered on, now it's time to set up your computers to
use your router to access the internet. This section assumes that your
network card is installed in your computer and is working properly.
With that said, you will want to go to change your network settings.
If you use Windows, you will want to right-click the icon labeled
Network Neighborhood and choose Properties from the menu. If
you use Windows 2000/XP/ME, you will also need to right-click on your
network card and choose Properties from that menu as well. In the
Properties window that is now on your screen, make sure TCP/IP or
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is listed. Under 95/98, it might be
labeled TCP/IP -> your network card. Click on TCP/IP, then click
the Properties button. Make sure the IP address is set to Automatic, and
that all items on the other tabs are clear or set to automatic. Click OK
or Close on all windows to change the settings Depending on your Windows
version, you might need to restart after changing these settings.
On a Macintosh, go to the Apple Menu > Control Panels > TCP/IP, and make
sure it's set to dynamic configuration. You might need to restart for
this change to take effect, depending on if you have your ethernet port
set to be enabled when your Macintosh starts up.
At this point, all of your settings should be correct, and should allow
your computer to get the information it needs to work on the network
from your router. So, with that, open your favorite browser and you
should be able to browse the web from your new home network!
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Cable/DSL
Router