Home > Gateway > Notebook > Gateway 200 series User Manual

Gateway 200 series User Manual

    Download as PDF Print this page Share this page

    Have a look at the manual Gateway 200 series User Manual online for free. It’s possible to download the document as PDF or print. UserManuals.tech offer 54 Gateway manuals and user’s guides for free. Share the user manual or guide on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.

    							11
    181
    Networking Your
    Computer
    Connecting your home, small office, or home office 
    computers lets you share drives, printers, and a single 
    Internet connection among the connected computers.
    Read this chapter to learn about:
    ■Benefits of using a network in your home, small office, 
    or home office
    ■Types of network connections
    ■Purchasing additional network equipment
    ■Installing and configuring your notebook for Ethernet 
    networking
    ■Turning wireless Ethernet on and off 
    						
    							182
    Chapter 11: Networking Your Computer
    www.gateway.com
    Benefits of networking
    A network lets you:
    ■Share a single Internet connection
    ■Share computer drives
    ■Share peripheral devices
    ■Stream audio and video files
    ■Play multi-player games
    Sharing a single Internet connection
    Each computer that is connected to the network can share the same broadband 
    connection or modem and telephone line and access the Internet at the same 
    time. This saves on the cost of installing another telephone line for your second 
    computer and paying for a second Internet service provider (ISP) account.
    Sharing drives
    With a network, you can copy files from computer to computer by copying 
    and pasting or dragging and dropping. You will no longer waste your time 
    transferring files by using recordable media. In addition, you can map a drive 
    on a networked computer to another computer, and access the files as if they 
    were located on the hard drive of the computer you are using.
    Help and 
    SupportFor more information about sharing an Internet connection 
    in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
    Type the keyword internet sharing in the HelpSpot 
    Search box  , then click the arrow.
    Help and 
    SupportFor more information about sharing network drives in 
    Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
    Type the keyword sharing network drives in the 
    HelpSpot Search box  , then click 
    the arrow. 
    						
    							183
    Benefits of networking
    www.gateway.com
    Sharing peripheral devices
    Each computer that is connected to the network can share the same peripheral 
    devices, such as a printer. Select print from the computer you are currently using 
    and your file is automatically printed on your printer no matter where it is 
    located on your network.
    Streaming audio and video files
    With a network, you can store audio files (such as the popular .MP3 files) and 
    video files on any networked computer, then play them on any of the other 
    computers or devices connected to your network. This process is called 
    streaming.
    Playing multi-player games
    With a home network, you can play multi-player games. Load a game like 
    Microsoft Midtown Madness 2 on your computers, and in minutes, you and your 
    friends can race in competing cars through the streets of San Francisco.
    Help and 
    SupportFor more information about sharing network devices in 
    Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
    Type the keyword sharing in the HelpSpot Search box 
    , then click the arrow.
    Help and 
    SupportFor more information about streaming files in Windows XP, 
    click Start, then click Help and Support.
    Type the keyword streaming in the HelpSpot Search box 
    , then click the arrow.
    Help and 
    SupportFor more information about playing multi-player games in 
    Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
    Type the keyword games or network games in the 
    HelpSpot Search box  , then click 
    the arrow. 
    						
    							184
    Chapter 11: Networking Your Computer
    www.gateway.com
    Selecting a network connection
    The biggest decision you need to make when creating your network is what 
    type of connection you will use. Gateway supports both wired and wireless 
    Ethernet networks. Use the following criteria as a guide when selecting a 
    network connection.
    Wired Ethernet network
    Create a wired Ethernet network if:
    ■You are building a new home or your existing home already has Ethernet 
    cable installed in each room that has a device you want to connect
    ■You are creating a network in an office or business where network speed 
    is more important than moving about with your computer
    ■Your computer has an Ethernet jack for connecting to the network
    Wireless Ethernet network
    Create a wireless Ethernet (IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, or IEEE 802.11g) 
    network if:
    ■You are looking for an alternative to installing cable for connectivity
    ■The ability to move about with your computer is as important as network 
    speed
    ■Your computer has wireless Ethernet for networking
    Help and 
    SupportFor more information about selecting network connections 
    in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
    Type the keyword networks or network types in the 
    HelpSpot Search box  , then click 
    the arrow. 
    						
    							185
    Using a wired Ethernet network
    www.gateway.com
    Using a wired Ethernet network
    A wired Ethernet network consists of two or more computers connected 
    together through an Ethernet cable. This connection type is commonly used 
    in offices around the world and can be used to build computer networks in 
    the home.
    Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet
    Ethernet is available at three different speeds. Standard Ethernet runs at 
    10 Mbps, Fast Ethernet runs at 100 Mbps, and Gigabit Ethernet runs at 
    1000 Mbps. Most home networks are built using Standard or Fast Ethernet 
    components. Business networks are typically built using Fast or Gigabit Ethernet 
    components.
    To create a wired Ethernet network, you or your electrician must:
    ■Install special Ethernet cables in your home or office
    ■Install an Ethernet card in each of your desktop computers (if your 
    computers do not already have built-in Ethernet jacks)
    ■Install an Ethernet PC Card in each of your notebooks (if your notebooks 
    do not already have built-in Ethernet jacks)
    ■Install an Ethernet router, switch, or hub
    ImportantCheck local code requirements before installing Ethernet 
    cable or other wiring in your home or office. Your 
    municipality may require you to obtain a permit and hire 
    a licensed installer.
    Tips & TricksIf you are connecting just two computers, you can 
    eliminate the router, switch, or hub and use a special 
    crossover cable. 
    						
    							186
    Chapter 11: Networking Your Computer
    www.gateway.com
    Example wired Ethernet network
    The following is an example of a wired Ethernet network. The network is made 
    up of a router, a cable or DSL modem, your computers, and cables connecting 
    each of these components. The router is the central control point for the 
    network. 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.
    Tips & TricksTo add the ability to access a wireless Ethernet network 
    to your wired Ethernet network, connect an access point 
    to the router, switch, or hub. For more information about 
    accessing a wireless Ethernet, see “Using a wireless 
    Ethernet network” on page 188.
    Cable/DSL modem
    Router, 
    switch, 
    or hub 
    						
    							187
    Using a wired Ethernet network
    www.gateway.com
    Equipment you need for a wired Ethernet 
    network
    For a wired Ethernet network you need:
    ■An Ethernet jack on each desktop computer and notebook.
    - OR -
    An Ethernet card installed in each desktop computer.
    - OR -
    An Ethernet PC Card installed in each notebook.
    ■An Ethernet router. Select a router that gives you the following features:
    ■A jack for connecting to a cable or DSL modem.
    ■The ability to assign IP addresses to your networked computers 
    dynamically. This prevents intruders from seeing the computers over 
    the Internet.
    ■A built-in firewall to protect the computers on your network from 
    intruders trying to access your data over the Internet.
    ■Built-in switching (with enough ports for all computers and devices 
    on the network) so you will not have to purchase a hub or switch.
    ■If you did not purchase a router that includes built-in switching or if the 
    router does not have enough ports to attach all your computers, an 
    Ethernet hub or switch with enough ports for all computers and devices 
    in the network.
    ■Ethernet cable going from each computer to the router, hub, or switch.
    ImportantFor 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. 
    						
    							188
    Chapter 11: Networking Your Computer
    www.gateway.com
    Using a wireless Ethernet network
    A wireless Ethernet network is ideal for creating a home or office network or 
    adding mobility to an existing wired Ethernet.
    Wireless Ethernet is available at two different speeds. IEEE 802.11a and 
    IEEE 802.11g wireless Ethernet run at speeds up to 54 Mbps, or about half the 
    speed of Fast Ethernet. 802.11b wireless Ethernet runs at speeds up to 11 Mbps, 
    or approximately the same speed as standard wired Ethernet. This type of 
    network allows you the freedom to move about your home or office with your 
    notebook. For example, you can take your notebook from your home office to 
    your patio without having an Ethernet jack available.
    The two most common types of wireless Ethernet networks are access point 
    and peer-to-peer.
    WarningRadio frequency wireless communication can interfere 
    with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviation 
    regulations require wireless devices to be turned off while 
    traveling in an airplane. IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, and 
    IEEE 802.11g communication devices are examples of 
    devices that provide wireless communication. For 
    instructions to turn wireless Ethernet on and off, see 
    “Turning your wireless Ethernet on or off” on page 193.
    ImportantIf your notebook came equipped with an internal radio 
    frequency wireless device, see “Safety, Regulatory, and 
    Legal Information” on page 275 for general wireless 
    regulatory and safety guidelines. To find out if your 
    notebook has an internal wireless device, check the label 
    (see “Identifying your model” on page 9).
    ImportantThe speed of a wireless network is related to signal 
    strength. Signal strength is affected by the distance 
    between your wireless network devices, by radio 
    interference, and by interference from natural obstructions 
    such as walls, floors, and doors. 
    						
    							189
    Using a wireless Ethernet network
    www.gateway.com
    Example access point wireless Ethernet 
    network
    By using an access point, you can join a wireless Ethernet network and access 
    a wired Ethernet network. An access point also lets you access the Internet.
    The following is an example of an access point wireless Ethernet network. The 
    network is made up of an access point, a cable or DSL modem, and your 
    computers. The access point is the central control point for the network. 
    Attached to the access point is the cable or DSL modem that provides access 
    to the Internet. Each of the computers or Ethernet-ready devices communicate 
    with the access point using radio waves. If your computer does not have built-in 
    wireless Ethernet capabilities, you need to add a wireless PCI card (desktop), 
    PC Card (notebook), or USB adapter.
    Tips & TricksIf you want to access a wireless Ethernet network from 
    your wired Ethernet network, connect an access point to 
    the router, switch, or hub. For more information about 
    accessing a wired Ethernet, see “Using a wired Ethernet 
    network” on page 185.
    Cable/DSL modem
    Access point
    USB wireless 
    adapter 
    						
    							190
    Chapter 11: Networking Your Computer
    www.gateway.com
    Equipment you need for an access point 
    wireless Ethernet network
    For an access point wireless Ethernet network you need:
    ■A wireless Ethernet PCI card installed in each desktop computer
    - OR -
    A wireless Ethernet USB adapter attached to each desktop computer
    - OR -
    A notebook with wireless Ethernet built-in
    - OR -
    A wireless Ethernet PC Card installed in each notebook that does not have 
    wireless Ethernet built-in
    ■A wireless Ethernet access point to connect your wireless Ethernet network 
    to the Internet or a wired Ethernet network
    ImportantIEEE 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 should 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. 
    						
    All Gateway manuals Comments (0)

    Related Manuals for Gateway 200 series User Manual