Gateway 3-Bay mBTX Pro User Manual page 91

Tip
To add the ability to access a wireless Ethernet network to your wired
Ethernet network, connect an access point to the router or use a router that
has a built-in access point.
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.
Cable/DSL
modem
Router
Equipment you need for a router-based Ethernet network
Important
For best results, all Ethernet components should be either standard
Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or 10/100), or Gigabit Ethernet
(1000 Mbps or 10/100/1000). A mixture of components rated at different
speeds will result in your network running at the speed of the slowest rated
component.
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 network needs, including:
•
Internet security features, such as a firewall, to protect your network from unwanted
intruders
•
4-port switch to eliminate the need for additional network hardware
•
DHCP server/dynamic IP address assignment to automatically configure network and IP
addresses
Determining if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer
To determine if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer:
1
Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
2
Click System and Maintenance, then click System.
www.gateway.com
85