Network Setup - Best You Can Get

Setting Up a Wireless Local Area Network with Internet Connectivity

This article is for those would like to have wireless internet connectivity, and possibly networking, or share a broadband internet connection, but know nothing about it. This article will address familiarizing you with the basic components necessary as well as how to chose, and configure them. This article will also serve as a guide to configuring Windows based PC's to connect to your network.
To get on the internet you will need an internet service provider, and an appropriate modem. To share this internet connection with multiple computers, or devices you will need a Router. To connect and Network Wirelessly you will need a Wireless Access point. The Wireless Access Point may also be integrated in to a Router as an All in 1 piece of hardware. Modems may also be integrated in to a Router, and may be integrated in to the Router simultaneously along with Wireless Access Points. If your Internet Service Provider supplies you with a modem (many times for Free), a Wireless Router is the only additional equipment needed to set up a typical home Wireless Network. It as well as any computers or other devices will need to be configured before they will function correctly.

ISP (Internet Service Provider)
You will want to shop for a service that offers you broadband internet service without being too tough on your wallet. It may utilize the infrastructure of an existing service that you already have, such as cable or phone. The pre-existence of these services may be a factor in the price you end up paying. There are DSL services which are available over the phone line which are DSL only, and do not require you to purchase phone service. There are also VoIP (voice over IP) phone services, which will use your internet connection to provide you with phone service at a substantial savings to conventional phone service. If you are reading this you most likely already have an ISP, and a modem.

Network Hardware & Related Terms Described & Defined

Modem (acronym for Modulate / Demodulate - Hardware)
The first piece of hardware in this list is a modem. If you are reading this online you most likely already have a modem on a single computer.
The modem you require will be determined by the type of service you acquire.
Cable will require a cable modem, and DSL will require a DSL modem.
You may be able to get the modem for free included with the service.
Make sure they send you an external modem, as opposed to an internal modem. You wont have to take your computer apart to install the modem, and you will be able to share your internet connection with other computers with the use of a router.
If you can not get the modem included for free when you sign up for the service, or you have an Internal Modem you will want to purchase the best External Modem you can find for your type of service.
The modem is hardware that connects your computer (or router) to the internet. It will have a cable connection if it is a cable modem, or a modular phone connector (like the connector on a common telephone) which will connect it to either cable from the cable company, or a common phone jack via a modular phone cord (just like your telephone) if you have DSL. The modem will also have an Ethernet network connector (like the common modular telephone connector, only bigger), and possibly a USB connector. The Ethernet Network connector will be connected to your computers network connection (or a piece of hardware called a router if you wish to share your internet connection) using a straight through (Not a cross over) CAT 5e network cable. It is common for a network cable to be bundled with the modem, but when purchasing the modem you may want to check what's included to make sure before you leave the store, this will avoid a trip back to the store to purchase a cable. The modem and cable is all that is needed to connect a single computer to the internet. The computer's network connection will have to be configured in Windows before you can connect to the internet (discussed later). Connections: ISP-->Modem-->Computer

Bandwidth - The amount of data throughput a particular piece of hardware has in a given amount of time (its speed, or how fast it is) is referred to as it's bandwidth.

10/100 or 10/100/1000 - These numbers commonly associated with networks, and the associated network hardware refers to the speed with which a particular piece of hardware is capable of transferring data in Mbps (Mega (million) bits per second). 10 refers to 10Mbps, 100 refers to 100 Mbps, and 1000 refers to 1000 Mbps (also referred to as Gigabit - Giga = billion or 1000 million)

Full Duplex and Half Duplex
Network Equipment can send (transmit) and receive data. Network equipment capable of Half Duplex operation can either send or receive data at any given time, it can not send and receive at the same time. Network equipment capable of Full Duplex is capable of both sending and receiving data at the same time, doubling the amount of potential data that can be transferred at any given time. Make sure any equipment you get supports Full Duplex.

CAT5e, enhanced CAT5e, and CAT6 Cable (Network Cable capable of 100 Mbps and Gigabit connections) don't confuse with CAT5. CAT5 and anything below it do not support the bandwidth necessary for 100Mbps or Gigabit Networking throughputs. CAT5e is not CAT5. There are 2 wiring configurations for Network Cables. Straight Through and Crossover. Straight through wiring is the type used for all the configurations you will be using, with the hardware on this page. Crossover is a special type of cable wiring that switches the send and receive connections on one end of the cable. It is used for ad hoc (peer to peer) networks between 2 computers with no Hub, Switch, or Router. It uses nothing but the Network Connection on both computers, and a Crossover Cable between them. A Crossover Cable is typically labeled on the its ends to identify it as a Crossover Cable. Some typical Labels to indicate a Cable is a crossover cable are X, XO, or even the word "Crossover".

Network Card or NIC (A piece of hardware that adds Network functionality to a computer)
Also referred to as a node when connected to a Network
Commonly built in to most modern computer mother boards.
Commonly available in 10/100 or 10/100/1000 (Gigabit) varieties.

Wireless Network Card (A piece of hardware that adds Wireless Network functionality to a computer)
Commonly an add in card.
This allows you to network a computer where otherwise running a wire is undesirable.

MAC Address - Media Access Control address
A MAC Address is a unique identifier assigned to network adapters or network interface cards (NICs) by the manufacturer as a unique form of identification. (kind of like a digital serial number)

Wireless Access Point or WAP (A piece of hardware that provides wireless connectivity to a Local Area Network)
Commonly available with 802.11 a, b, g, or n wireless connection types.
The original was 802.11b commonly referred to as Wi-Fi, and had a connection speed of 11Mbps.
This was followed by 802.11a was faster than 802.11b (802.11a has a throughput of 54Mbps)
802.11g gave faster speed and compatibility with both 802.11a and b. Speeds on modern versions of these can exceed 100Mbps in turbo mode.
802.11n is a newer format but is compatible with less devices, and backwards compatible with 802.11b (11Mbps).
802.11n Standard Costs more than 802.11g. If you don't have actual 802.11n devices you will only connect at 11Mbps.
The IEEE has recently finalized the 802.11n standard.
The Wi-Fi Alliance now officially updated its tests from "draft 2.0" to "Wi-Fi Certified n". It also introduced a new logo without the "draft" wording, and added a line below the seal where you can see "dual stream n" for devices with 2 transmit and receive streams, or "multi-stream n" for anything with 3 or 4 transmit and receive streams. The Alliance will also throw on a "product labeling matrix" that spells out what bands are used (2.4 / 5 GHz), and how many transmit and receive streams each band supports.
Look for Certified, not Draft 2.0 when purchasing 802.11n devices. Don't buy old, outdated, or non-standard hardware!
There is an Ethernet Network connector on the WAP which allows you to connect it to a port on your Router with a network cable.
Throughput speeds will vary vastly when factoring in Turbo Modes of various WAP devices. Compare carefully before buying.
The WAP will require configuration in order for it to function correctly in your network. (discussed later)
Connections: ISP-->Modem-->Router-->Wireless Access Point (and optionally computers in a Wired portion of your Network)

Hub/Switch (A piece of hardware which allows multiple computers to create a local area network or LAN)
Commonly available in 10/100 or 10/100/1000 (Gigabit) varieties.
4 port and 8 port are a common numbers of connections available on many Hub/Switches.
The number of ports determines the number of devices / computers you can hard wire to your Hub/Switch.
The difference between hubs and switches is related to collision. On a Network with a Hub, all nodes exist on a common segment. A hub retransmits data from one PC to all of the PCs, the maximum bandwidth on a 10/100 network is 100 Mhz and that bandwidth is shared by all of the PC's connected to the hub. The result is when a person using a computer on a hub downloads a large file or group of files from another computer the network becomes congested. When a machine sends out a data packet, the packet goes to every machine connected to the Hub. If two machines transmit packets at the same time, a collision occurs. When a collision occurs, both packets are destroyed and must be retransmitted. Collisions increase as the amount of traffic on a network increases. The problem is that collisions can become excessive and can slow a network to a crawl. Switches were developed to reduce the problem of excessive collisions. A switch maintains a table of which PC is connected to which other PC by its MAC address. When a PC transmits a packet of data, the switch looks at the packet’s intended destination and forwards the packet directly to the destination computer, rather than to every computer on the network. This greatly increases the potential speed of the network because not only are collisions almost completely eliminated, multiple communications can now occur simultaneously. Picture a switch as making multiple temporary connections between pairs of computers. When buying I always make sure I'm buying a Switch. If the device seems cheap, it's probably a Hub. Also make sure the device you buy supports the desired network bandwidth (10/100 or 10/100/1000) and functions in Full Duplex mode. Also if possible verify the total bandwidth of the device: for example - with a Gigabit switch 1000 Mbps send plus 1000 Mbps receive (in Full Duplex) = 2000Mbps (for one port), therefore you have 2000 Mbps per port on a Full Duplex Gigabit switch. Multiply this times the number of ports, and you get the total bandwidth. A 4 port Full Duplex Gigabit Switch should have an 8000 Mbps total bandwidth. If specifications are missing on the product packaging, one can determine what it is using the specifications that are there, and doing the math. A 4 port Gigabit switch with a total bandwidth of 4000 Mbps is obviously Half Duplex. Other speeds may indicate that not all the ports operate at Gigabit speed, Some may only operate at 10/100. Paying attention to these details will effect the performance of your network. Make sure that your switch is backward compatible with lower (10/100) speeds, because not all of the devices on your network may run at Gigabit speeds. Devices such as Wireless Access Points and Network capable printers do not support Gigabit speeds. What you're looking for here is 10/100/1000 not just Gigabit (1000).

Router (A piece of hardware which allows multiple computers to create a local area network and share a single internet connection)
A Router has a WAN (Wide Area Network - the internet) connection side, and a LAN (Local Area Network - The computers connected in your home or office network) connection side, with multiple LAN connections called ports. A Router provides a Firewall between the Wan and Lan sides, and keeps a table of requests from each computer in your Network, based on its MAC Address. It relays your computer requests through the Firewall to the WAN side of the Router and ultimately to the internet, and looks for responses based on the requests it stored in its table. When it receives an appropriate and expected response it then forwards the responses to the computer that requested it using its table. If something arrives at the WAN side that is not expected, based on what's in it table of LAN requests, it does not let it through. This provides security. This method is common in Routers and is called Natural Address Translation (NAT). NAT is a form of Firewall. This prevents hackers from accessing your network. A router can also be wireless meaning that it has a Wireless Access Point (WAP) built in. 4 port and 8 port are a common numbers of connections available on many routers. Most wireless routers only have 4 ports. The ports allow you to make wired network connections to your router. The number of ports determines the number of devices / computers you can hard wire to your network. This may be expanded with the use of hub / switches to add additional ports. Connections: ISP-->Modem-->Router-->Computers

Modem Router Combo
A Router with a Modem built in. This has no WAN Port since the Modem is built in. The Router in this combo will not function with a separate Modem, only the modem built in. These combos typically only come with 10/100 Ports.
Connections: ISP-->Modem Router-->Computers and / or devices (Like a Wireless Access Point)

Wireless Router (A Router with a Wireless Access Point built in)
This is a handy All in 1 device for those wishing to set up a Wireless Network. When connected to a Broadband modem (either cable or DSL) and configured, it will allow many Wireless and typically several Wired devices to be Networked, as well as share an internet connection.
4 ports are common on Wireless Routers. This means they will be able to accommodate 4 wired connections, right out of the box, a wired internet connection, and about 250 other connections (wireless, or more wired with the addition of a Hub / Switch which will add ports)
Throughput speeds will vary vastly when factoring in Turbo Modes of various Wireless Routers. Because a Wireless Router is a Router combined with a Wireless Access Point one needs to consider Specifications of both Routers and Wireless Access Points when shopping for Wireless Routers. Compare all specifications carefully before buying.
Connections: ISP-->Modem-->Wireless Router-->Computers in both Wired and Wireless portions of your Network

Wireless Router Modem Combo
This All in 1 device has it all! It's a Wireless Router and a Modem integrated in to one device. This is very convenient and economical, however, if it ever fails, you lose everything. Later if you need to update the Modem, and it requires a hardware upgrade not just a flash upgrade, you will need to replace your Router as well. This All in 1 hardware configuration does not have a WAN port you can plug a separate modem in to. This is true of the Modem Router (Gateway) Combos as well. If you require a Gigabit LAN many of these combos only have 10/100 ports.
Connections: ISP-->Wireless Router Modem Combo-->Any Wired Computers or devices if needed.

Hardware Purchasing Considerations

Wireless Router, Router, Wireless Access Point:
If you are purchasing new equipment consider acquiring a Gigabit 10/100/1000 Router or Wireless Router.
(Even if all the machines on your network do not have Gigabit capability.)
Most new computers come with 10/100/1000 Network Interfaces, so when you upgrade your PC later on, you wont have to upgrade your network as well. You'll be glad you already have the Gigabit equipment.
If you already have a Router and are going Wireless, then the only additional equipment you need is a Wireless Access Point.
If your Router is only 10/100, you may consider getting your Wireless Access Point bundled with a new Gigabit Router in the form of a Gigabit Wireless Router. This will offset some of the cost of the Router upgrade and include the Wireless Access Point.
It will also reduce the number of physical components, cables, and outlets needed for powering them all.

Network Cables:
Network Cables used to connect Networking Equipment in this article all use Straight through cables, not Crossover cables and are CAT5e, Enhanced CAT5e, or CAT6 wires, with RJ45 Connectors unless otherwise specified.
Be aware of the speed of your Router, and Computer Network Connections when selecting cables.
Weather you have 10/100 or 10/100/1000 you will require cables with adequate Bandwidth for the speed of your equipment.

Switch:
If the Router or most likely Wireless Router you purchase does not come with enough ports for all the equipment you need to wire in your network, you will need to add a switch or switches. Stacking switches is a common method of attaining the desired number of ports you need.

Connecting Your Network Hardware

The connection from your Cable or Phone Company connects to your Modem with either a coaxial cable, or a phone cord.
The connection from your Cable or Phone Company may also connect to a Router with an integrated modem, or Wireless Router with integrated modem (All in 1 Units). If this is the case you will not need to connect a Router or Wireless Access Point respectively, as they are built in. Skip to connecting Wired computers and devices, and configuration of the unit.

The connection from your Modem connects to the WAN (Internet) side connection on your Router or Wireless Router with a Network Cable.

If you connected a Router to your Modem and are going wireless by adding a Wireless Access Point, connect your Wireless Access Point to the LAN side connection (port) on your Router with a Network Cable.

If your Router or Wireless Router does not have enough ports for the computers, and network devices you need to connect in a wired fashion to your Network, you will connect your Switch / Switches to your Router or Wireless Router with a Network Cable or Cables. This will provide additional Ports for your devices. For efficiency, place your less active, or slowest devices / computers on the switch because all of its ports share the Bandwidth of only one connection to the Router, and your more active devices and fastest devices / computers on the Router where possible. If there is more than one Switch, connect them directly to the Router with a Network Cable when ever possible, avoid chaining Switches if possible. Most home or small offices will not need to stack switches to attain enough ports for their Network.

If you have any computers or Network capable devices you wish to connect to your network in a wired fashion, connect them to the remaining LAN ports on your Router (and possibly Switch or Switches) with Network Cables.

Network Configuration

This section will cover configuring the Network Hardware listed above, as well as configuring your computer for Network and Internet Access.
A Network can be set up between computers allowing them to transfer files, share folders, printers, and an internet connection. Just connecting the proper hardware alone will not get your network functioning, or make it secure once it is functioning. Functionality and security will require proper configuration of each of the Hardware items in your Network. The following information will help those of you who are unfamiliar with Networking configure the hardware described in the previous section, to produce a functional, reasonably secure home, or small office network.

Background Knowledge - Terms and Settings Defined

Host - In computer networking, a network host, Internet host, host, or Internet node is a computer connected to any type of data network.
A network host can host information resources as well as application software for the clients that access it.
Network devices such as modems, and switches are usually not assigned IP Addresses, and are not considered hosts. A Server is a Host

Client - A client is a program on a computer, that accesses information from a Host computer (or server).
The client program, makes requests to another computer (the Host), which sends the requested information back to the client in your personal computer, which displays the information for you.

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) - Settings you will be configuring when setting up your network. TCP/IPv4

IP Address (Internet Protocol Address) - a number that uniquely identifies a computer on a network as well as other things like what class of network you have. For the sake of this guide network class is not a necessary topic. For the sake of this guide use IP Addresses starting with the numbers 192.168.XXX.YYY Where XXX is a unique number between 0 and 255 you may choose one time, and then use that same number in every IP Address, everywhere in your network where IP Addresses are used. YYY is a unique number between 1 and 255 that you will select to uniquely identify each piece of hardware (Computer, Router, Printer, Access Point) on your network. YYY will be a different number on every piece of hardware that requires an IP Address. It will uniquely identify that piece of hardware on the network. These are called Static IP Addresses because they will always be associated with the same piece of hardware. You may want to create a log of IP Addresses and their associated hardware for easier network management.

Static IP Address - Static IP Addresses are IP Addresses that are always associated with the same piece of hardware. Every time a machine using Static IP Addresses logs on to the network it uses the same IP address, the IP Address it was configured to use.

Dynamic IP Address - Dynamic IP Addresses are IP Addresses that are only associated with a piece of hardware on a one time basis. Every time a machine using Dynamic IP Addresses logs on to the network it is assigned a new IP Address for that session.

Subnet Mask - A filter applied using Boolean Logic to an IP Address. It can control the maximum number of users your network will support. For the sake of this guide an in depth discussion beyond what is stated above will not be necessary.
For Home or Small Office, use 255.255.255.0 This is most likely a default. It will give you 254 possible IP Addresses to use in your Network. That means you will be able to connect 254 unique pieces of hardware (Computers, Network Enabled Printers, Routers, Access Points) in your network.

Gateway - A gateway is a node on a TCP/IP Network that serves as an access point to another network. For the sake of this guide Your Router will be your Gateway.

Default Gateway - A Default Gateway is a node on the network that is chosen when the IP address does not match any other routes in the Routing Table. The default gateway is commonly used to be the node connecting the internal networks and the outside network (Internet). For the sake of this Guide, you will use the IP Address (on your network) of the Router connecting your Network to the internet.

DNS Server (Domain Name System or Server) - A DNS Server translates domain names meaningful to humans (like microsoft.com) into the numerical identifiers (IP Addresses) associated with networking equipment. (A sort of cross reference look up table)
Internet domain names are easier to remember than their associated IP addresses. If you don't have a valid IP Address for either a Primary or Secondary DNS Server your Web Browser will not be able to access web addresses typed in to its Address Bar with anything but an IP Address. Domain Names will not be recognized (Translated to an IP Address for you).

DHCP Server (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol Server) - Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is a network protocol used by devices (called DHCP clients - Your Computer) in order to obtain configuration information for operation in an Internet Protocol network.
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol automates network-parameter assignments to network devices.
When a DHCP configured client (a computer, or any other network aware device) connects to a network, the DHCP client sends a query requesting information from the DHCP server.
The DHCP server manages a pool of IP addresses and information about client configuration parameters such as default gateway, domain name (if applicable), and Primary and Secondary DNS servers.
Upon receiving a request, the DHCP server assigns the computer an IP address, a lease (length of time the allocation is valid), and other IP configuration parameters, such as the subnet mask and the default gateway, and DNS Servers IP Addresses.
The query is typically initiated immediately after booting, and must complete before a client can initiate IP-based communication with hosts on the network.
Even in small networks, DHCP is useful because it can make it easy to add new machines to the network. DHCP reduces system administration workload, allowing networks to add devices with little or no manual intervention.

Obtain an IP Address Automatically - With this setting enabled on your computer, your computer will obtain its IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway settings from a DHCP Server located on your network. If a device on your network (such as your Router) is not set to function as a DHCP Server, this will not function.

Primary DNS (Preferred DNS)- The Primary name server computer where domain name records are stored.
The Network Setting for this on your Computer requires the IP Address of this Server in order to function.
The information on both Primary and Secondary DNS servers is identical.
In general, domain names can work with only one name server - the primary DNS.
The Domain Name Server system needs to have at least two name servers assigned in order to be available at any time.
In case there is a problem with the primary name server, the secondary name server will be able to answer the online request for a particular domain. This back up requirement is an accepted Internet standard that prevents domain names from going offline.
The Primary and Secondary DNS values are typically configured by your ISP or hosting provider by DHCP and given to you.

Secondary DNS (Alternate DNS) - The Secondary name server computer where domain name records are stored.
The Network Setting for this on your Computer requires the IP Address of this Server in order to function.
The information on the Secondary DNS server is identical to the information on the Primary DNS Server.
The secondary name server is a backup for the Primary Domain Name Server. If the Primary Name Server is not available the secondary name Server will provide the translation of Domain Name to an IP Address in its place by default.
The Primary and Secondary DNS values are typically configured by your ISP or hosting provider by DHCP and given to you.

Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically - With this setting enabled on your computer, your computer will obtain its DNS Server IP Addresses for both servers automatically from a DHCP Server located on your Network. If a device on your network (such as your Router) is not set to function as a DHCP Server, this will not function.

Router Configuration Guide

NOTE: This section will need to be planned along with the setup of your Computer. Information that came with your Router will provide you with information required in order to initially connect with, and log in to your Router so that you may configure it. Depending on your version of Windows you may need to reboot your computer in order for settings to take effect. A typical Router default has DHCP Server set active on your Router. You will simply select the radio buttons on your computer for automatic settings, and log in to the router using the username and password provided in your Routers documentation.

Basic Settings:
Note: If you are setting up the router for the first time, the default settings may work for you with no changes.

Does Your Internet Connection Require A Login?

Select this option based on the type of account you have with your ISP. If you need to enter login information every time you connect to the Internet or you have a PPPoE (Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet) account with your ISP, select Yes. Otherwise, select No.

Note: If you have installed PPP software such as WinPoET (from Earthlink) or Enternet (from PacBell), then you have PPPoE. Select Yes. After selecting Yes and configuring your router, you will not need to run the PPP software on your PC to connect to the Internet.

Account Name:

(also known as Host Name or System Name)

For most users, type your account name or user name in this box. For example, if your main mail account is jimbc@isp.com, then put jimbc in this box.

If your ISP has given you a specific Host name, then type it (for example, CCA8423-A).

Domain Name:

For most users, you may leave this box blank, unless required by your ISP. You may type the domain name of your ISP. For example, if your ISP's mail server is mail.someisp.com, you would type someisp.com as the Domain Name.

If you have a Domain name given to you by your ISP, type it in this box. (For example, Earthlink Cable may require a Host name of 'home' and Comcast sometimes supplies a Domain name.)

If you have a cable modem, this is usually the Workgroup name.

Internet IP Address:

If you log in to your service or your ISP did not provide you with a fixed IP address, the router will find an IP address for you automatically when you connect. Select Get Dynamically From ISP.

If you have a fixed (or static IP) address, your ISP will have provided you with the required information. Select Use Static IP Address and type the IP Address, Subnet Mask and Gateway IP Address into the correct boxes.

For example:

IP Address: 74.192.165.091
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway IP Address: 70.192.145.1
DNS Address

The DNS server is used to look up site addresses based on their names.

If your ISP gave you one or two DNS addresses, select Use These DNS Servers and type the primary and secondary addresses.

Otherwise, select Get Automatically From ISP.

Note: If you get 'Address not found' errors when you go to a Web site, it is likely that your DNS servers aren't set up properly. You should contact your ISP to get DNS server addresses. These DNS Addresses will be used on your computers when configuring them on your network. If you do not enter these addresses in the computers network settings, your browser will not be able to access web pages using URLs typed in to the address bar.

Router MAC Address

Your computer's local address is its unique address on your network. This is also referred to as the computer's MAC (Media Access Control) address.

Usually, select Use Default MAC Address.

If your ISP requires MAC authentication, then select either Use Computer MAC address to disguise the Router's MAC address with the Computer's own MAC address or Use This MAC Address to manually type the MAC address for a different computer. The format for the MAC address is XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX. This value may be changed if the Use Computer MAC Address is selected once a value has already been set in the Use This MAC Address selection.

Apply, and Test

Click Apply when you finish changing the settings, then test your setting.

If you don't connect successfully,

Go through the settings and make sure you've selected the correct options and typed everything correctly.
Contact your ISP to verify the configuration information.
Read the Troubleshooting section in the Router Installation Guide.
On the Router CD, read the Troubleshooting Guide or the Troubleshooting section in the Reference Manual.
Contact Technical Support.

Use Router As DHCP Server
Your DSL Gateway will automatically assign an IP Address to each computer in your network.
If you already have a DHCP server, or are assigning IP Addresses to your computers and devices manually in your network, you may need to turn this function off.
The Router is set up by default as a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server, which provides the TCP/IP configuration for the all the computers that are connected to the router.
If you clear this check box, you must have another DHCP server within your network or else you must manually configure the computers and devices manually.

DHCP Server IP Address Ranges:
For the sake of argument, say your Router is using the IP Address 192.168.5.1
Starting IP Address: This box specifies the first of the contiguous addresses in the IP address pool. 192.168.5.2 is the default start address.
Ending IP Address: This box specifies the last of the contiguous addresses in the IP address pool. 192.168.5.254 is the default ending address.

Address Reservation

When you specify a reserved IP address for a PC on the LAN, that PC will always receive the same IP address each time it accesses the DHCP server. Reserved IP addresses should be assigned to servers that require permanent IP settings.

To Reserve An IP Address:

Click the Add button.
Select the radio button of the Computer you wish to add from the Address Reservation Table.
If the Computer is not on the Address Reservation Table, enter the IP Address, MAC Address, and Device Name of the computer you wish to add.
Click the Add button when finished.

To Edit A Reserved IP Address:

Select the radio button next to the reserved address you want to edit.
Click the Edit button.
Edit the IP Address, MAC Address or Device Name.
Click the Accept button when finished.
To Delete A Reserved IP Address:

Select the radio button next to the reserved address you want to delete.
Click the Delete button.

LAN IP Setup You may wish to modify the initial LAN IP Address of your Router.
The DHCP and TCP/IP default values work for most users. If you have multiple devices (Like a Router and a Wireless Access Point) the default values may conflict, or be on different networks all together due to their IP Addresses. If the default IP Address is the same as any other device on your network, there will be a conflict. If the first 3 sets of IP Address numbers between 0 and 255 are not the same for every device on your network, then your devices will not see each other. The fourth and last number between 0 and 255 must be different for each computer and device on your network. This fourth number is what gives each device it's own unique IP Address.

LAN TCP/IP Setup:
These are settings that you may configure if your network contains multiple devices with incompatible or conflicting IP Address.
IP Address: Type the IP address of your router in dotted decimal notation (factory default example: 192.168.5.1).
IP Subnet Mask: Use 255.255.255.0 as the subnet mask. This is the actual number you should always be using for home or small office use.

RIP Direction:
RIP (Routing Information Protocol, RFC1058 and RFC1389) allows a router to exchange routing information with other routers. The RIP Direction selection controls how the router sends and receives RIP packets. None is the default.
When set to Both or Out Only, the router will broadcast its routing table periodically.
When set to Both or In Only, it will incorporate the RIP information that it receives.
When set to None, it will not send any RIP packets and will ignore any RIP packets received. None is the default.
RIP Version: This controls the format and the broadcasting method of the RIP packets that the router sends. (It recognizes both formats when receiving.) By default, this is set for Disabled.
RIP-1 is universally supported. RIP-1 is probably adequate for most networks, unless you have an unusual network setup.
RIP-2 carries more information. Both RIP-2B and RIP-2M send the routing data in RIP-2 format.
RIP-2B uses subnet broadcasting.
RIP-2M uses multicasting. (See note below.)
Note: Multicasting can reduce the load on non-router machines because they do not listen to the RIP multicast address and will not receive the RIP packets. However, if one router uses multicasting, then all routers on your network must use multicasting.

Respond To Ping On Internet Port:
If you want the Router to respond to a 'Ping' from the Internet, click this check box. This can be used as a diagnostic tool. Like the DMZ server, this can be a security problem. You shouldn't check this box unless you have a specific reason to do so.

To Save Or Cancel Changes

Click Apply to have your changes take effect. If you do not save your changes they will not be functional, and will not be stored in your Router.
Click Cancel to return to the previous settings

Wireless Access Point Configuration Guide

NOTE: You may have to temporarily reconfigure a computer to initially connect to and configure your Wireless Access Point for compatibility with your network. You may also have to temporarily disconnect a device or computer to resolve any conflicts when initially connecting the device. Then once the new Wireless Access Points IP Address has been changed to function in your network without conflict, you will be able to restore any connections and settings you needed to change in order to initially access, and configure the device.

NOTE: To ensure proper agency compliance and compatibility between similar products in your area; the operating channel & region must be set correctly.

Placement of the Router to Optimize Wireless Connectivity

The operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary significantly based on the physical placement of the router. For best results, place your router:

Near the center of the area in which your PCs will operate,
In an elevated location such as a high shelf,
Away from potential sources of interference, such as PCs, microwave ovens, and cordless phones,
With the Antenna tight and in the upright position,
Away from large metal surfaces.
Note: Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance degradation or inability to wirelessly connect to the router.

Username: It is recommended that you change this from its default. This is the User Name or ID used to log in to this device.

Password: It is recommended that you change this from its default. This is the Password used to log in to this device.

Wireless Network:

Name (SSID):

Enter a value of up to 32 alphanumeric characters. The same Name (SSID) must be assigned to all wireless devices in your network. The default SSID should be changed, This value is also case-sensitive. (Lower Case and Capitol letters) The default is typically Your Wireless Access Points manufacturers name. Leaving the default lets hackers know what you have, and they will try using other typical settings commonly known for your device to hack in to your network. This can be changed to any thing you want to name it within the naming convention mentioned above. Your Wireless Computers will see this name when they connect to your wireless network. If there are other wireless networks in range your computer will identify them by their SSID Name too.

Region:

Select your region from the drop-down list. This field displays the region of operation for which the wireless interface is intended. It may not be legal to operate the router in a region other than the region shown. If your country or region is not listed, check with your local government agency or check the router manufacturers web site for more information on which channels to use.

Channel:

This field determines which operating frequency will be used. It should not be necessary to change the wireless channel unless you notice interference problems with another nearby access point. You can adjust this for the best signal strength / least interference.

Mode:

Select the desired wireless mode. The options are: (These are self explanatory)

All - Both 802.11n , 802.11g and 802.11b wireless stations can all be used.
n & g - Both 802.11n and 802.11g wireless stations can be used.
n & b - Both 802.11n and 802.11b wireless stations can be used.
g & b - Both 802.11g and 802.11b wireless stations can be used.
n only - Only 802.11n wireless stations can be used.
g only - Only 802.11g wireless stations can be used.
b only - 802.11b wireless stations can be used. 802.11g wireless stations can still be used, if they can operate in 802.11b mode.

Security Options: (Using security is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!)

None - no data encryption - NOT Recommended (unless your intentionally providing the Public Access to your network)
WEP - Wired Equivalent Privacy, use WEP 64- or 128-bit data encryption
WPA-PSK [TKIP] - Wi-Fi Protected Access with Pre-Shared Key, use WPA-PSK standard encryption with TKIP encryption type
WPA2-PSK [AES] - Wi-Fi Protected Access version 2 with Pre-Shared Key, use WPA2-PSK standard encryption with the AES encryption type
WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES] - Allow clients using either WPA-PSK [TKIP] or WPA2-PSK [AES]

Security Encryption (WEP):

Authentication Type:

Normally this can be set to "Automatic". If Automatic is not available, or automatic fails, then select the appropriate value - "Open System" or "Shared Key" You can check your wireless card's documentation to see what method to use.

Encryption Strength:

Select the WEP Encryption level:

64-bit (sometimes called 40-bit) encryption
128-bit encryption

Security Encryption (WEP) Key:

If WEP is enabled, you can manually or automatically program the four data encryption keys. These values must be identical on all PCs and Access Points in your network.

Automatic Key Generation (Passphrase - Using this is not recommended). If you ever get a device that does not have a matching Passphrase algorithm (like from the same manufacturer as your Wireless Access Point) You will not be able to determine the key for your new device. You will end up having to remove this from every computer and device on your network, and setting up security entering a key manually any way. Save your self the trouble up front and just do the work. This convenience can becomes a major inconvenience later.

To use Passphrase any way: Enter a word or group of printable characters in the Passphrase box and click the Generate button to automatically configure the WEP Key(s). If encryption strength is set to 64 bit, then each of the key boxes will automatically be populated with key values. If encryption strength is set to 128 bit, then only the selected WEP key box will automatically be populated with key values.

Manual Entry Mode (Recommended)

Select which of the four keys will be used, and enter the matching WEP key information for your network in the selected key box.

For 64-bit WEP - Enter ten hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0-9, A-F).

For 128-bit WEP - Enter twenty-six hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0-9, A-F).

Be sure to click Apply to save your settings.

Security Encryption (WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK + WPA2-PSK):

Enter a word or group of printable characters in the Passphrase box. The Passphrase must be 8 to 63 characters in length.

Wireless Card Access List (This adds an extra layer of security to your network!!!)

By default, any wireless PC that is configured with the correct SSID will be allowed access to your wireless network. For increased security, you can restrict access to the wireless network to only allow specific PCs based on their MAC addresses. From the Wireless Settings menu, click the Setup Access List button to display the Wireless Access List menu. You will need to find out the MAC Addresses of your Computers.

LAN IP Setup: You may wish to modify the initial LAN IP Address of your Wireless Access Point.
The DHCP and TCP/IP default values work for most users. If you have multiple devices the default values may conflict, or be on different networks all together due to their IP Addresses. If the default IP Address is the same as any other device on your network, there will be a conflict. If the first 3 sets of IP Address numbers between 0 and 255 are not the same for every device on your network, then your devices will not see each other. The fourth and last number between 0 and 255 must be different for each computer and device on your network. This fourth number is what gives each device it's own unique IP Address.

LAN TCP/IP Setup:

These are settings that you may configure if your network contains multiple devices with incompatible IP Address.

IP Address: Type the IP address of your Wireless Access Point in dotted decimal notation (example: 192.168.5.2).
IP Subnet Mask: Use 255.255.255.0 as the subnet mask. This is the actual number you should always be using for home or small office use.
RIP Direction: RIP (Routing Information Protocol, RFC1058 and RFC1389) allows a router to exchange routing information with other routers. The RIP Direction selection controls how the router sends and receives RIP packets. None is the default.
When set to Both or Out Only, the router will broadcast its routing table periodically.
When set to Both or In Only, it will incorporate the RIP information that it receives.
When set to None, it will not send any RIP packets and will ignore any RIP packets received. None is the default.
RIP Version: This controls the format and the broadcasting method of the RIP packets that the router sends. (It recognizes both formats when receiving.) By default, this is set for Disabled.
RIP-1 is universally supported. RIP-1 is probably adequate for most networks, unless you have an unusual network setup.
RIP-2 carries more information. Both RIP-2B and RIP-2M send the routing data in RIP-2 format.
RIP-2B uses subnet broadcasting.
RIP-2M uses multicasting. (See note below.)
Note: Multicasting can reduce the load on non-router machines because they do not listen to the RIP multicast address and will not receive the RIP packets. However, if one router uses multicasting, then all routers on your network must use multicasting.

Address Reservation:

When you specify a reserved IP address for a PC on the LAN, that PC will always receive the same IP address each time it accesses the DHCP server. Reserved IP addresses should be assigned to servers that require permanent IP settings.

To Reserve An IP Address:

Click the Add button.
Select the radio button of the Computer you wish to add from the Address Reservation Table.
If the Computer is not on the Address Reservation Table, enter the IP Address, MAC Address, and Device Name of the computer you wish to add.
Click the Add button when finished.

To Edit A Reserved IP Address:

Select the radio button next to the reserved address you want to edit.
Click the Edit button.
Edit the IP Address, MAC Address or Device Name.
Click the Accept button when finished.

To Delete A Reserved IP Address:
Select the radio button next to the reserved address you want to delete.
Click the Delete button.

To Save Or Cancel Changes:

Click Apply to have your changes take effect.
Click Cancel to return to the previous settings

Wired Computer Configuration Guide - Windows

NOTE: This section will need to be planned along with the setup of your Router. Information that came with your Router will provide you with information required for these settings (initial settings) in order to initially connect with, and log in to your Router so that you may configure it. Depending on your version of Windows you may need to reboot your computer in order for settings to take effect. A typical Router default has DHCP Server set active on your Router. You will simply select the radio buttons for automatic settings, and log in to the router using the username and password provided in your Routers documentation.

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) - TCP/IPv4 Settings

Obtain an IP Address Automatically - Enable this setting only if your Router is enabled as a DHCP Server. With this setting enabled on your computer, your computer will obtain its IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway settings from your Router, which you have set to function as a DHCP Server. If your Router is not set to function as a DHCP Server, do not use this setting on your computer, it will not function.

IP Address (Internet Protocol Address) - This number uniquely identifies each computer on your network. Use IP Addresses starting with the numbers 192.168.XXX.YYY Where XXX is a unique number between 0 and 255 you may choose one time, and then use that same number in every IP Address, everywhere in your network where IP Addresses are used. YYY is a unique number between 0 and 255 that you will select to uniquely identify each piece of hardware (Computer, Router, Printer, Access Point) on your network. YYY will be a different number on every piece of hardware that requires an IP Address. It will uniquely identify that specific piece of hardware on the network. These are called Static IP Addresses because they never change and will always be associated with the same piece of hardware. You may want to create a log of IP Addresses and their associated hardware for easier network management. You should already have your Router set up with an IP Address. You will use 192.168.XXX.YYY where XXX is the same number between 0 and 255 you chose for your Routers LAN IP Address. YYY will be a number you chose that is different than the number chosen for your Router and from any other computers or devices on your network. YYY is a unique number you chose for each computer or device on your network, between 0 and 255. You may want to make a log of your computers and devices, and the IP Addresses you assign to them for network management, and your records.

Subnet Mask - Use 255.255.255.0

Default Gateway - Use your Routers IP Address on your Local Area Network (LAN) here. Your Routers IP Address on your Local Area Network (LAN) will be your Gateway (IP Address) setting. Enter your Routers LAN IP Address here. A gateway is a node on a TCP/IP Network that serves as an access point to another network. Your Routers is your Gateway, and its IP Address is what you need to enter here.
A Default Gateway is a node on the network that is chosen when the IP address does not match any other routes in the Routing Table. The default gateway is commonly used to be the node connecting the internal networks and the outside network (Internet). For the sake of this Guide, you will use the IP Address (on your network) of the Router connecting your Network to the internet as your Default Gateway.

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Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically - With this setting enabled on your computer, your computer will obtain its DNS Server IP Addresses for both servers automatically from your Router (the DHCP Server located on your Network). If your Router is not set to function as a DHCP Server, do not use this setting, it will not function.

NOTE on obtaining and Entering Manual DNS settings: If you are entering this information manually you may find both DNS Server IP Address settings in the Routers Status page on your Router, once it is connected and logged in to the internet. With your router connected and logged on to your ISP, look at your Routers Status page and write down the DNS Servers listed there. Enter the DNS settings in your computers TCP/IPv4 settings in the following appropriate places.

Preferred or Primary DNS - Use the setting from your Routers Status page. See NOTE above.
The Primary name server computer where domain name records are stored.
The web Browser on your Computer requires the DNS Servers IP Address in order to function.
The information provided by the Primary and Secondary DNS servers is identical.
In general, your web browser can function with only one name server - the primary DNS.
The Domain Name Server system uses at least two name servers in order to be available at any time.
In case there is a problem with the primary name server, the secondary name server will be able to answer the online request for a particular domain. This back up name server prevents domain name conversion from being unavailable.
The Primary and Secondary DNS values are typically configured by your ISP or hosting provider by DHCP and given to you.
This information will be available on your Routers Status Page once the Router is logged on to your ISP.

Alternate or Secondary DNS - Use the setting from your Routers Status page. See NOTE above.
The Secondary name server computer where backup domain name records are stored.
The Network Setting for this on your Computer requires the IP Address of this Server in order to function.
The information on the Secondary DNS server is identical to the information on the Primary DNS Server.
The secondary name server is a backup for the Primary Domain Name Server. If the Primary Name Server is not available the secondary name Server will provide the translation of Domain Name to an IP Address in its place by default.
The Primary and Secondary DNS values are typically configured by your ISP or hosting provider by DHCP and given to you.
This information will be available on your Routers Status Page once the Router is logged on to your ISP.

Definitions for Your Convenience:

Wireless Computer Configuration Guide - Windows

Using your Wireless Adapters software interface, or Windows interface to connect or disconnect to a network, find your wireless networks SSID Name in the list of available Wireless Networks and connect to it. Enter your Wireless Networks Security Settings (Type of encryption used, and security key or passphrase). Save the Settings along with any other connection preferences. in a wireless profile.

Next, set up, and save the following settings for your Wireless Adapter below (Settings below are Windows Network Settings):

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) - TCP/IPv4 Settings

Subnet Mask - Use 255.255.255.0

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Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically - With this setting enabled on your computer, your computer will obtain its DNS Server IP Addresses for both servers automatically from your Router (the DHCP Server located on your Network). If your Router is not set to function as a DHCP Server, do not use this setting, it will not function.

Definitions for Your Convenience: