Gateway Profile 4 User Manual
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143 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.
144 Chapter 8: 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.
145 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.
146 Chapter 8: 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 148. Cable/DSL modem Router, switch, or hub
147 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 and notebook computer. - 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.
148 Chapter 8: 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. Three type of wireless Ethernet are available. 802.11a and 802.11g wireless Ethernet runs 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 and move computers to different locations without adding or moving network cables. The two most common types of wireless Ethernet networks are access point and peer-to-peer. 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.
149 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 145. Cable/DSL modem Access point USB wireless adapter
150 Chapter 8: 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 or other computer 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 802.11a and IEEE 802.11b or IEEE 802.11g use different radio frequencies. All wireless Ethernet components should use the same frequency. Some wireless devices can broadcast and receive signals on both frequencies. A combination of IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11b or IEEE 802.11g components will not work.
151 Using a wireless Ethernet network www.gateway.com Example peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet network Use a peer-to-peer (also known as ad hoc) wireless Ethernet network if you are setting up or joining a temporary computer-to-computer network. This type of network does not include access into a wired network or the Internet. You can create this type of network to quickly move files from one computer to another.
152 Chapter 8: Networking Your Computer www.gateway.com Equipment you need for a peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet network For a peer-to-peer 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 or other computer with wireless Ethernet built-in - OR - A wireless Ethernet PC Card installed in each notebook that does not have wireless Ethernet built-in For more information For more information about purchasing equipment for your home or office Ethernet network, discuss your particular needs with your Gateway store representative. In addition, several books and Internet sites are dedicated to networking. See these sources for more information about networking your home or office with wired or wireless Ethernet. Help and SupportFor more information about networking in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword networking in the HelpSpot Search box , then click the arrow.