3. Preparing Your Network
In this chapter, you'll learn what to do before configuring your
network.
Before configuring your router, you need set up the computers in
your network for TCP/IP networking and collect relevant ISP
information if necessary.
3.1 Configuring Windows for IP Networking
Each computer in your network should be configured for TCP/IP
networking. There are two ways to configure your computers:
You are commended to use DHCP, then you can simply choose
▪
to receive an IP address automatically. For detailed instructions,
see Configure Windows to Receive Dynamic IP Address.
If you don't use DHCP, you need assign an IP address to each
▪
computer manually. For detailed instructions, refer to your
Windows Documentation.
3.2 To Configure Windows to Receive Dynamic IP
Address:
3.2.1. Click Start, then choose Settings > Network and Dial-up
Connections.
3.2.2. Select the name of your ISP connection.
The Local Area Connection Status dialog box appears, seen in
FIGURE 3-1:
FIGURE 3-1: Local Area Connection Status dialog box
3.2.3. Click Properties.
2