Amedeo602
09-21-01, 01:57 PM
I wrote this for minoukat to help with setting up a home network.
I'd appreciate if we could get this stuck or maybe include it in a networking FAQ along with rugby's guide to definitions.
Here's a guide to the basic setup (I'm going to use Win 98SE and cable since they seem to be the most popular) to networking 2 (or more) computers using a router to share internet access:
1) I'm going to assume that anyone reading this is at least moderately proficient with computers and knows what he/she is doing. And be sure to RTFM! This is a generic guide and in no way is meant to replace the manual that came with your router.
2) Turn off all machines and install any NICs (network interface cards).
3) Connect the cable modem to the router. If the router has an integrated switch/hub then make sure to plug the modem into the WAN (wide area network) port. If there is a switch for using the router as just a router or also as a switch/hub then make sure it's set properly.
4) Connect an appropriate length of Cat5 wire to the first port on your switch. Connect the other end to the RJ45 port on your NIC in one computer.
5) Repeat number 4 using the next port available until all machines are physically connected to the switch.
6) Turn on all machines and let them find the new hardware. Install appropriate drivers and reboot as necessary. I also recommend installing IPX/SPX protocol for gaming and TCP/IP for internet browsing/gaming.
7) To install protocols (remember, this is Win98SE) click Start, Settings, and then control Panel. Open the Network control panel. (Or right-click on Network Neighborhood on your desktop and select Properties.) Make sure your NIC is listed and go to step 8.
8) Click "Add..." then select the protocols you wish to use (TCP/IP is a must. IPX/SPX is good for gaming. File/Printer Sharing if you want to enable it). TCP/IP and IPX/SPX can both be found under Microsoft Protocols.
9) Change the Log In Using box to display "Client for Microsoft Networks" Click on the identification tab and type a name for your LAN. Decide whether you want quick log in or not.
10) Click "Apply" The machine will most likely ask for the Win98 CD. After it's done applying your changes, you'll need to reboot.
11) Repeat for all other machines on the network.
--> At this point it's a good time to test all the machines to make sure they can print and share files. Try hosting a LAN game. If you can see games and join them then all is well and you're ready to proceed (after a few rounds of Counter-Strike to relax from all this hard work ).
//Now for the router
12) Pick a machine to configure the router. Most routers can be configured through a web browser, so that's how I'll explain it. I'm going to assume that the router uses the 192.168.0.x format (most do).
13) Open your web browser and type in "192.168.0.1" and hit enter.
14) Log in as admin (probably no password set on it, you'll need to do that later) and set up the router as directed by the owner's guide.
15) After setup, try out some of your favorite websites ( www.overclockers.com !). If all goes well, then you're all set! If not, get to www.overclockers.com and post what's happening in the Internet and Networking Forum and some kind soul will be glad to help you
I thank everyone for reading this far and I hope this helps someone in their time of need!
I'd appreciate if we could get this stuck or maybe include it in a networking FAQ along with rugby's guide to definitions.
Here's a guide to the basic setup (I'm going to use Win 98SE and cable since they seem to be the most popular) to networking 2 (or more) computers using a router to share internet access:
1) I'm going to assume that anyone reading this is at least moderately proficient with computers and knows what he/she is doing. And be sure to RTFM! This is a generic guide and in no way is meant to replace the manual that came with your router.
2) Turn off all machines and install any NICs (network interface cards).
3) Connect the cable modem to the router. If the router has an integrated switch/hub then make sure to plug the modem into the WAN (wide area network) port. If there is a switch for using the router as just a router or also as a switch/hub then make sure it's set properly.
4) Connect an appropriate length of Cat5 wire to the first port on your switch. Connect the other end to the RJ45 port on your NIC in one computer.
5) Repeat number 4 using the next port available until all machines are physically connected to the switch.
6) Turn on all machines and let them find the new hardware. Install appropriate drivers and reboot as necessary. I also recommend installing IPX/SPX protocol for gaming and TCP/IP for internet browsing/gaming.
7) To install protocols (remember, this is Win98SE) click Start, Settings, and then control Panel. Open the Network control panel. (Or right-click on Network Neighborhood on your desktop and select Properties.) Make sure your NIC is listed and go to step 8.
8) Click "Add..." then select the protocols you wish to use (TCP/IP is a must. IPX/SPX is good for gaming. File/Printer Sharing if you want to enable it). TCP/IP and IPX/SPX can both be found under Microsoft Protocols.
9) Change the Log In Using box to display "Client for Microsoft Networks" Click on the identification tab and type a name for your LAN. Decide whether you want quick log in or not.
10) Click "Apply" The machine will most likely ask for the Win98 CD. After it's done applying your changes, you'll need to reboot.
11) Repeat for all other machines on the network.
--> At this point it's a good time to test all the machines to make sure they can print and share files. Try hosting a LAN game. If you can see games and join them then all is well and you're ready to proceed (after a few rounds of Counter-Strike to relax from all this hard work ).
//Now for the router
12) Pick a machine to configure the router. Most routers can be configured through a web browser, so that's how I'll explain it. I'm going to assume that the router uses the 192.168.0.x format (most do).
13) Open your web browser and type in "192.168.0.1" and hit enter.
14) Log in as admin (probably no password set on it, you'll need to do that later) and set up the router as directed by the owner's guide.
15) After setup, try out some of your favorite websites ( www.overclockers.com !). If all goes well, then you're all set! If not, get to www.overclockers.com and post what's happening in the Internet and Networking Forum and some kind soul will be glad to help you
I thank everyone for reading this far and I hope this helps someone in their time of need!