Gateway Computer User Manual page 88

Chapter 7: Networking Your Computer
Equipment you need for an access point wireless Ethernet network
For an access point wireless Ethernet network you need:
■ Two or more computers with wireless Ethernet emitters
■ One access point
■
One broadband Internet connection (optional)
Important
Tips & Tricks
Determining if wireless Ethernet is already installed on your computers
To determine if wireless Ethernet is already installed on your computer:
1
Click , then click
Start
Panel is in Category View, click
2
Click/Double-click
Manager window opens.
3
Click the plus (+) in front of
in your computer is listed. If one is not listed, you must install one.
82
IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g use the same radio frequency.
IEEE 802.11a uses a different radio frequency than IEEE 802.11b
and IEEE 802.11g. All wireless Ethernet components must use the
same frequency. A combination of IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11b
or IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11g components will not work. Some
wireless devices can broadcast and receive signals on both
frequencies.
A mixture of IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g components will result
in your network running at the speed of the slower IEEE 802.11b
components.
When buying your access point, be sure the model includes
everything your network needs, including:
802.11g support - for next-generation, high-speed wireless
■
communications
Internet security features - such as a firewall to protect your network
■
from unwanted intruders
Wireless security features - such as 128-bit WEP encryption
■
4-port switch - to eliminate the need for additional network hardware
■
DHCP server/dynamic IP address assignment - to automatically
■
configure network and IP addresses
. The Control Panel window opens. If your Control
Control Panel
Performance and Maintenance
, click the
System Hardware
Network adapters
www.gateway.com
.
tab, then click
Device Manager
. The wireless Ethernet device installed
. The Device