Working as a Broadband Specialist for a large ISP, I have become aware of how many people are actually having problems setting up a basic network of 2-4 computers for the purpose of sharing and Internet Connection. This will be a "Networking for the Mentally-Challenged" type guide, for lack of a better, politically correct name.
What you Need:
2-4 Computers
Cable or DSL Internet Service
A Broadband Router
Between 3 and 6 lengths of Cat 5 Ethernet "Patch" Cable
Ok, lets say you have Cable Intenet first, as that is the easier of the two. PPPoE is not used, simplifying this by quite a bit.
1) connect the Cable modem your ISP gave you to the "Uplink" port on your router.
2)connect your computers to each of the appropriate ports on your router starting with port 1 and going down.
3)Set the TCP/IP setting in windows to "Optain IP Address automatically" or "DHCP" on each machine. in 9x this is found under the Network Control Panel and TCP/IP Properties for the NIC. In 2k/XP you would go through Control Panel, to Network Connections and right click on Local Area Connection and chose properties, the TCP/IP setting should be there.
4)Powercycled the modem, and the router, and reboot all computers on the network.
Now for Our intents and purposes we are done. A number of other factors can be involved, but all I am focusing on is Internet Access. Which we should have at this point.
If you are using DSL chances are there will be a step in between #2 & 3, called PPPoE. Also very simple. Once everything is connected properly, go to internet explorer and type in the routers default ip address, or default gateway. Generally 192.168.0.1
This should bring up the routers interface, or GUI. Here you can specify that you are using PPPoE and enter your Username and Password provided by your ISP. Once this is done, save the configuration and reboot your router. Continue through the rest of the above steps and you should be on.
What you Need:
2-4 Computers
Cable or DSL Internet Service
A Broadband Router
Between 3 and 6 lengths of Cat 5 Ethernet "Patch" Cable
Ok, lets say you have Cable Intenet first, as that is the easier of the two. PPPoE is not used, simplifying this by quite a bit.
1) connect the Cable modem your ISP gave you to the "Uplink" port on your router.
2)connect your computers to each of the appropriate ports on your router starting with port 1 and going down.
3)Set the TCP/IP setting in windows to "Optain IP Address automatically" or "DHCP" on each machine. in 9x this is found under the Network Control Panel and TCP/IP Properties for the NIC. In 2k/XP you would go through Control Panel, to Network Connections and right click on Local Area Connection and chose properties, the TCP/IP setting should be there.
4)Powercycled the modem, and the router, and reboot all computers on the network.
Now for Our intents and purposes we are done. A number of other factors can be involved, but all I am focusing on is Internet Access. Which we should have at this point.
If you are using DSL chances are there will be a step in between #2 & 3, called PPPoE. Also very simple. Once everything is connected properly, go to internet explorer and type in the routers default ip address, or default gateway. Generally 192.168.0.1
This should bring up the routers interface, or GUI. Here you can specify that you are using PPPoE and enter your Username and Password provided by your ISP. Once this is done, save the configuration and reboot your router. Continue through the rest of the above steps and you should be on.
