Network Computers

A computer network is a group of 2 or more computers connected by a common communications link so that data, resources and peripheral devices can be shared between them. Although there are different methods for creating a computer network, wireless networks have become the standard in recent years, both at home and in the office. This is because a wireless network eliminates the need for a direct or physical connection between each computer or device on the network. An "ad-hoc" network also can be used to provide a temporary connection between 2 computers. This article provides detailed information on how to network computers.

Steps

Set Up a Wireless Computer Network for a Home or Small Business

1. Obtain the necessary equipment to create a computer network. A cable or DSL Internet connection and a modem will be required to set up the computer network. A wireless router also will be required.
   • Obtain the router's default user name (SSID) and password information, along with the Web address for the router's configuration page prior to setting up the network. This information is normally provided in the documentation included with the device at the time of purchase.
   • Confirm that each computer or device to be connected to the network has a wireless network adapter installed. Many computers and devices now include a network adapter installed by the manufacturer. Refer to the operation instructions or contact customer support to determine if a wireless network adapter is installed.
2. Connect a cable modem to a live cable jack. A cable modem will connect to a short length of coax cable protruding from a wall (cable) jack. An account with a local cable Internet service provider will be required.
3. Connect a DSL modem to a live phone line. DSL modems will connect through a telephone jack using a standard telephone cable, usually included with the modem at the time of purchase. An account with a local service provider will be required.
4. Connect the wireless router to the modem. Using the network cable (typically Ethernet), included with the purchase of the wireless router, plug 1 end into the modem and the other end into the first empty port, going from left to right, on the back of the wireless router. The first port is typically assigned a different color than the other Ethernet ports on the router.
   • Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the DSL or cable modem.
5. Connect the host computer to the wireless router. Using a network USB or Ethernet cable, plug 1 end into the network adapter on the computer and the other end into the next open port on the wireless router.
   • Plug in the power source for the modem, then plug in the power source for the wireless router. Wait a few moments for the devices to boot up.
6. Configure the wireless modem. Power on the computer and log in to the desktop.
   • Open your Web browser, type in the URL or IP address into the address bar and press enter to be directed to the wireless router's configuration page. The configuration process will vary from device to device, however the differences will be subtle in most cases.
   • Follow the instructions for configuration provided in the router's operation manual. Although the configuration process is mostly automated, the network name or SSID, the password, and the security settings should be changed from the default settings.
   • Create a name for the network and enter it into the SSID field, typically found in the "Advanced settings" section of the router's configuration page.
   • Create a password for the network that you will remember. Enter the new password into the "Security Key," or "Network Password" field, also normally located in the "Advanced settings" section of the router's configuration page.
   • Select a security setting for the network. The options typically will be limited to "none," "WPA" or "WPA 2." WPA 2 is the option most often recommended because it offers stronger encryption and therefore greater security than WPA. Save the router settings when prompted. The wireless network will now appear in the list of available networks on the host computer.
7. Connect other computers or devices to the new network by selecting "Connect to" from the Start menu and then selecting the newly created network from the list of available options in the "Connect to a network" dialog box. Enter the network name and password assigned in the previous steps. The computer network is complete.

Set Up an Ad-hoc Network Between 2 PC-Based Computers

1. Open the start menu on your computer and select "Connect to" from the column on the right. The Connect to dialog box will open.
2. Select the "Connect to a Network" option from the Connect to dialog box.
3. Select "Set up a connection or a network" and then select "Set up an ad hoc (computer-to-computer) network" to open the appropriate dialog box.
4. Review the information provided in the "Set up an ad hoc network" dialog box and click "Next" to continue.
5. Enter a name for the ad-hoc network in the Network Name field.
6. Select a security type, enter a password into the "Security Key" field, and click next to complete the setup process. A prompt will be received once the setup is complete.
7. Click the "Close" button to exit the dialog box. The network is now complete and will allow other devices to connect to the network using the network password.

Set up a Mac-Based Ad-hoc Computer Network

1. Open the AirPort utility application. Click the WiFi icon located on the upper-right corner of the menu bar and select "Create Network" from the pull-down menu to open the AirPort utility application.
2. Place a check in the "Show AirPort status in menu bar" checkbox, located in the AirPort Utility dialog box.
3. Enter a name for the network in the "Network Name" field and choose the default channel option (11).
4. Place a check in the "Require Password" option and enter a password consisting of 10 hexadecimal numbers in the "Network Password" field.
5. Click "Continue" to exit the AirPort utility. The ad-hoc network has been created. Other devices computers may now connect to the network using a WiFi, Ethernet or USB connection.

Set up a Mac-Based Computer Network

1. Confirm that you have the necessary equipment. In order to create a MAC/Apple-based network, an AirPort Wi-Fi network hub or switch is required. The AirPort is a networking device that can be ordered online or purchased from a local computer and electronics retailer.
2. Run the AirPort Utility installation CD included with the device at the time of purchase. Follow the instructions provided by the wizard to complete the installation process for the airport's utility program.
   • Click the WiFi icon located on the upper-right corner of the menu bar and select "AirPort On," from the pull-down menu. The AirPort Utility will attempt to automatically detect the AirPort Hub. If successful, the AirPort Hub will become visible in the pull-down menu just underneath the AirPort On/Off menu options.
   • Identify the AirPort hub within the list of available networking devices. Each AirPort hub has a unique identification number (MAC-ID) which is printed on the bottom of the device. Confirm that your device appears in the list of available devices located in the Wi-Fi pull-down menu in the menu bar on the desktop.
   • Place a check next to the AirPort's MAC-ID in the pull-down menu to activate the device. The "AirPort Utility" dialog box will open on the desktop.
   • Press "Continue" to set up the computer network in "Assisted Mode."
3. Enter a name for the network in the "Wireless Network Name" field. Enter a name for the AirPort hub also called the "base station" in the"Base Station Name" field and click "Continue."
4. Enter a password for the network in the "Security Key" field.
5. Select the appropriate country option and radio mode and click "Continue."
6. Choose a network security level and click "Continue." Select the appropriate Internet connection method and click "Continue" again to complete the set up process. Other computers and devices can now connect to the network by providing the network name and password information created in the previous steps.

Video

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Sources and Citations

• http://images.apple.com/business/docs/QS_Wireless_Networking.pdf
• http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.4/en/mh1152.html
• http://www.microsoft.com/athome/organization/wirelesssetup.aspx
• http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Add-a-device-or-computer-to-a-network

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• Connect to a VPN
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