Nowadays, its very simple to share files, printers, and an internet connection in our homes. We just need the necessary equipment and make some configurations.  These kind of networks are called SOHO (Small Office – Home Office).

Choosing the network equipment

1. A Wireless Broad Band Router (normally 1 port WAN and 4 LAN)

2. 1 Patch-cord EIA/TIA direct 568 1,5 mts long (the length can vary)

3. An Internet connection (ADSL,SDSL,DSL,etc)

4. Network adapters (RJ45)

5. Wireless network adapters (802.11b/802.11g)

6. At least 2 PCs

Choosing the adapter

First of all you have to check if the network adapter of the PC you are using is compatible for the purpose.

Nowadays every brand new laptop or notebook has a wireless adapter, normally with the specification 802.11g which is the fastest one. If you are using old or used laptops make sure don’t have adapters with 802.11a specification, incompatible with 802.11g.

The typical network adapters with RJ45 port are easy to get and are normally available in PCI, USB, PARALLEL and PCMCIA (for laptops). If the bandwidth connectivity of the ISP isn’t faster than 10 Mbps (megabits per second) you can use any old adapter with RJ45. If not you will have to use one with 100 Mbps or 1000 Mbps.

Configuring the network adapter

Once the adapter is ready to use, you have to make the necessary configurations to make possible the communication between the adapter and router.

1. Go to Control Panel, Network Connections.

2. Right-click in Local Area Connection and click on Properties.

3. Choose Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) and click Properties.

As default this window will appear. The adapter is waiting for the router or any DHCP service to assign an IP address dynamically so the option Obtain an IP address automatically should be marked.

Note: If you have a static IP mark Use the following IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.20, mask 255.255.255.0).

Connecting the router

After checking the configuration of the network adapter, you have to start configuring the router.

In first place, check that all the necessary elements are present; the router itself, the power supply adapter and at least one patch cord to connect the router with the PC. Some routers bring another serial cable to make the configuration in console mode.

Verify the switch of the router is off. This is important before plugging the power supply to prevent damages to the hardware.

Plug a network cable in one extreme to the network adapter in the PC and the other in one of the LAN ports in the router. There can be up to 4 ports depending on the model. Take the cable from the ADSL/DSL modem and plug it in the Internet/WAN port.

Connect the power supply to the wall, the other extreme to the POWER port of the router and turn it on. The PWR led will turn on and then the rest of them. (WAN and if any network activity is detected, the LAN and WLAN can blink)

Configuring the router

There are two different ways to access the router configuration:

1. With an application

2. With a Web Browser

By an application you have to install the software of the CD. They normally come with a configuration wizard to make it easier.

But if it is with a web browser open Internet Explorer/Firefox.

There are two ways to get the IP. One of them is looking in the documentation (manual) of the router. Most of the times, the router has a visible tag containing the IP address, default user name and password.

If you don’t have the manual, make the following: 

1. Go to Start, Run.

2. Type cmd and press Enter. This opens a Command Console of Windows NT (if you have Windows 98 or older type command).

3. In the new windows type ipconfig and press Enter.

4. Write down the Default Gateway IP of the adapter plugged to the router. This is the router configuration IP and you have to type in the Internet Explorer/Firefox address bar (In this example is 172.16.32.254)

Once you typed the IP address a window asking for a user name and a password will appear. (Remember this information is available in the manual or in the router itself)

Note: In most routers the default user is admin and the password is admin or 1234.

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