This is first in a series of networking articles published by Certz.com

In 6 easy steps from start to finish, this article guides you to setting up your first internet enabled, wireless network. Including covering the basics of what a network is, how to share files and printer resources over your new network.

So if your looking to setup your first network, youve come to the right page !

CONTENTS

1. What is a Network ?
2. What do I need for a basic network ?
3. Network configuration
4. How do I Share Printers ?
5. How do I Share Files ?
6. Recommended Wireless Routers and network cards and hardware installation guide.

1. What is a Network ?

A network network basically at least two computers connected together with wireless or wired technologies. The purpose being to share files, and resources such as an internet connection, printers and files.

Heres a picture of a typical small wireless network

2. What do I need for a basic network ?

For the basic home or small network we highly recommend wireless networking for both ease of installation i.e. no wires :), and flexibility in locating equipment around the building.

The key components for an internet ready wireless network, are the following :

1. Wireless LAN cards - One is required for each PC - These slot into a spare PCI slot inside your PC with the Antenna at the back of your PC.

2. A wireless Router - This plugs into your Cable or ADSL Modem - Depending on your connection. The Router enables your to both connect to your adsl / cable line as well as share the connection automatically between 4 to 16computers, depending on the specification of the router purchased. Usually cable companies supply a cable modem, ADSL companies may require you to purchase an ADSL modem in which case an ADSL router is the option to pursue.

And thats all you need !

3. Network configuration

Right your ready to configure your network !

A. Access the router and setup DHCP

The first step is to log onto your router/modem and tell it to automatically assign IP addresses to any PC's connected. Refer to your Router / Modem manual.

This will contain a checkbox to activate the DHCP. We advise for simplicity sakes to stick to the basic network configuration as 192.168.0.1 as the starting IP address (i.e. your routers address) and say 192.168.0.9 as your ending IP address this would therefore allow for 8 additional network devices to be connected to the router dynamically..

Default gateway - Your default gateway should be set to the router so 192.168.0.1

Primary DNS - This should also be set to your router - 192.168.0.1

The other boxes should be left blank or contain 0.0.0.0 i.e. Primary WinS, etc.

B. Setup PC's for DHCP.

have seting up the router to issue IP addresses dynamically, the next step is to set your PC's to automatically wait for DHCP addresses to be issued to them by your routers.

This is again a straightforward procedure as detailed below.

1. Proceed to the Network Connections screen. This can be found by going through the Start menu to Control Panel, then selecting Network & Internet Connections, and within that screen Network Connection. Right click on the Wireless Network Connection icon then Properties.

2. In the Wireless Network Connection Properties screen, check that Connect using: points to a Wireless NIC card. Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click on Properties.

3.The Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties screen appears. Check the radio buttons for Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically. Click Ok.

Repeat for each PC.

C. Confgure the Cable Modem / Router for internet.

So far, so good, you have an operating network where your PC's are connected to each another. The next important step is to get connect to the internet.

Refer to your manuals for specifics. Your ISP will have issued you with a username and password that you will need.

1. After logging into your router, you will need to enter your ISP's connection settings. Which are your username and password into the appropriate fields.

An additional setting may include a checkbox or option to obtain your IP address automatically from the ISP.

4. How do I Share Printers ?

Step 1 - Enable print and file sharing for Microsfot Networks

Click Start Button, SettingsNetwork Connections . Right click on the Wireless Network Connection icon then Properties, then select Properties. I.e. as highlited already above.

Make sure the File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks box is checked. Click OK.

Step 2 - Share a Printer

Now, click Start then Printers and Faxes . Right click on the name of the printer you want to share, then click Sharing.

On the sharing tab, click Share this printer and type the name you want displayed on other people's computers representing the printer you are sharing. Click OK.

You will notice a shared resource has an icon that appears as a hand holding the shared resource (e.g., a hand holding a folder in Windows Explorer means the folder is shared).

5. How do I Share Files & Folders ?

Having completed the above i.e. print and file sharing under Network Connections, the actual sharing of files and folders is now straight forward.

Right click on the folder you want to share, select sharing and security, and under the sharing tab. Click share this folder, you can also change the shared name of the folder, as illustrated below.

More advanced concepts dealing with multiple users, network security & password access, will follow in later articles.

6. Which wireless Routers and network cards should I use ?

LinkSys Wireless Router - Plugs into either DSL or Cable Modems

$49.99 - Discounted price $19.99 ! (with $30 rebate)

This low cost reliable router, plugs straight into the supplied cable modem, or ADSL modem (see below for a recommended Router/ADSL modem combo). The EtherFast Wireless AP + Cable/DSL Router provides the ideal solution for connecting your wireless network to a high-speed broadband Internet connection and a 10/100 Fast Ethernet backbone. Configurable as a DHCP server for your existing network, the EtherFast Wireless AP + Cable/DSL Router acts as the only externally recognized Internet gateway on your LAN and serve as an Internet NAT firewall against unwanted outside intruders. The Router can also be configured to filter internal users' access to the Internet. A typical router relies on a hub or a switch to share its Internet connection, but the Linksys EtherFast Wireless AP + Cable/DSL Router channels this connection through the blazing, full duplex speed of its built-in EtherFast 10/100 4-Port Switch. This cutting-edge combination of wireless router and switch technology eliminates the need to buy an additional hub or switch and extends the range of your wireless network. Now your entire wireless network can enjoy blazing broadband Internet connections supported by its robust switched back-bone. With the dual-function speed and power of the EtherFast Wireless AP + Cable/DSL Router, your network will take off at speeds faster than you ever imagined possible. Features: • Interoperable with IEEE 802.11b (DSSS) 2.4GHz-Compliant Equipment • Provides Roaming, Best Access Point Selection, Load Balancing, and Network Traffic Filtering • Long Operating Range Supports 91m (Indoors) and 457m (Outdoors) • Capable of up to 64-Bit WEP Encryption • MAC Address Filtering • Connects to a Broadband Modem, a 10/100 Ethernet Backbone or Wireless Network • Configurable Through Your Networked PC's Web Browser • Supports IPSec Pass-Thru and PPTP • Internal 4-Port Switch Dramatically Speeds Up Your Gaming and Multimedia Connections • Able to Act as a DHCP Server for Your Existing Network • Administrators Can Block Specific Internal Users' Internet Access with Filtering • Free Technical Support—24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week for North America Only • 1-Year Limited Warranty

LinkSys Wireless Router / ADSL Modem - Plugs into your ADSL phone line.

$148.99 !

The D-link ADSL Modem / Router is ideal for where you do not already have an existing ADSL modem, this combines both in one box. Product Features: • Combined Wireless Router and ADSL Modem Solution • Wirelessly Connect to the Internet With 802.11g Technology • Network Security with Integrated Firewall Features • Up to 150x Faster Than Dial-Up Modems Product Description: DSL-G604T, a Wireless ADSL router modem combining both an ADSL modem and 802.11g wireless router in one unit, bringing high-speed wireless Internet connection to a home or office. The DSL-G604T uses ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) technology for Internet connection speeds of up to 150x faster than dial-up, while using a standard phone line. Using 802.11g wireless technology, Wi-Fi enabled computers and devices can wirelessly connect to the DSL-G604T and share a single incoming Internet connection. With four additional Ethernet LAN ports, you can connect your network Ethernet-enabled devices. The router functionality on the DSL-G604T Wireless ADSL Router Modem includes support for VPN pass-through of multiple concurrent IPSec and PPTP tunnels, making it especially useful for telecommuters or users who need a more secure way to communicate and transmit information. A simple configuration tool and a Web-based user interface allow you to easily modify settings to connect to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This Web interface also provides traffic statistics, connection speed, and other detailed information. The DSL-G604T Wireless ADSL Router Modem supports static IP, Dynamic IP, as well as PPPoE connections, and works with applications such as online gaming and VPN connections with no additional configuration. The DSL-G604T is easily upgradeable, making it future-proof for both end-users and service providers.

LinkSys Wireless PCI Card - Wireless G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster - Install into your PC

$59.99 - Discounted price $49.99 ! (with $10 rebate)

Lynksys have a reputation for specing good hardware and this network card is no exception. The Linksys Wireless-G PCI Card with SpeedBooster installs in most desktop and tower PCs, and lets you put your computer almost anywhere in the building without the cost and hassle of running network cables. Now you don't have to drill holes in your walls and climb through the attic or cellar to get connected to the network. Once you're connected, you can keep in touch with your e-mail, access the Internet, use instant messaging to chat with friends, and share files and other resources such as printers and network storage with other computers on the network. The Wireless-G PCI Card with SpeedBooster incorporates the next generation of Wireless-G. In standard Wireless-G (802.11g) mode, the Card can connect to wireless networks at an incredible 54Mbps. With our new SpeedBooster technology enabled, your "real-world" wireless network performance increases by up to 30%! Unlike other speed-enhancing technologies, SpeedBooster is 802.11 compliant, fully compatible with standard Wireless-G, and a "good neighbor" to other wireless devices and technologies, using a single 2.4GHz channel as specified by the official wireless standard. In fact, even the non-SpeedBooster-equipped devices on your network will see a speed improvement when communicating with SpeedBooster-enhanced equipment! For added versatility, it can also interoperate with all the 11Mbps Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the country. In any mode, your wireless communications are protected by industrial-strength 256-bit WPA encryption, so your data stays secure. So don't hassle with running cables through your house -- get your desktop connected the easy way with the Linksys Wireless-G PCI Card with SpeedBooster. System Requirements: • Celeron 300 MHz or faster processor • 128 MB of RAM • Available PCI Slot • CD-ROM Drive • Windows 98SE, Me, 2000 or XP

USB network card for laptops and other mobile devices

Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter - 54Mbps 802.11g Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter - Plug into a spare USB port

$24.95 - Discounted price $14.95 !

This USB network device can be used with laptops and off course also with desktop PC's. The USB 2.0 interface facilitates a hassle-free Plug-and-Play installation, and 128-bit WEP Encryption provides robust network security. Offering seamless AP-to-AP roaming, auto-installation for Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP, and auto-negotiation, the TEW-424UB is a feature-rich yet convenient way to go wireless. Features: • Wi-Fi Compliant with IEEE 802.11g and 802.11b Wireless Devices • Uses 2.4 GHz Frequency Band, which Complies with Worldwide Requirements • USB 2.0 interface; supports Hot Swap and Plug & Play • Up to 54Mbps High Speed Wireless Connection • Dynamically Shifts Network Speed (based on signal strength) • Built-in Antenna with LEDs Indicating Link Status • Supports Ad-Hoc (Peer-to-Peer) mode and Infrastructure (Access Point) mode • Compatible with Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP • 64/128/256-bit Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) • Low Interference and High Susceptibility Guarantee Reliable Performance • Low Power Consumption and Easy Configurations • Range of 50~100 meters indoor and up to 300 meters outdoor • 3-Year Warranty Specifciations: • Adapter Type: USB 2.0 Interface • Standards: IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11b Wi-Fi Compliant • Driver Support: Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP • Antenna: 1dBi Internal chip antenna • LED Indicator: Link, ACT • USB Cable Length: 100mm (3.9 inches) • Dimensions (L x W) : 80 x 30 x 10 mm (3.15 x 1.18 x 0.35 inches) • Weight: 18g. (0.04 lb)

Hardware Installation tips

1. Router / Modem

As always refer to the supplied documentation. But the basic procedure is that you plug in the modem/ router into your phone/cable line, and thats about it.

2. Wireless Card Installtions

The wireless cards are to be inserted into your PC's PCI slot (1 per computer), so you will need to open the computer. It should be a straightforward procedure, but do refer to the instructions supplied.

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