Technical Support
Setup - Guide
- Page 6 of 18 -
Connecting a Computer
Verify the network installation by connecting a computer to the network. Plug the
computer to one of the Ethernet ports on the router, or a hub or switch that is
connected to the router. Verify that the computer can retrieve an IP address and
access the router.
Refer to the networking instructions provided by the computer manufacturer to
connect the computer to the network. Each operating system will have a different
sequence of steps to configure the network. The following general tasks must be
performed regardless of the computer or operating system vendor:
1.
Connect the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet jack on the computer. If the computer
does not have an Ethernet jack, you will need to install a Network Interface Card
(NIC). The link LED will light when the computer is linked to a hub with a good
Ethernet cable.
2.
The default networking settings for most operating systems is to obtain an IP
address from a DHCP server. If the computer uses other IP settings, change the
configuration to use DHCP.
3.
Most modern computers will obtain a lease automatically when you connect the
Ethernet cable. If you are using an older computer, reboot the computer to cause
it to request a new IP address. You can also run the operating system utility to
obtain a lease. Older Microsoft Windows based operating systems use the
command “
ipconfig /?
“ to get a list of options for the ipconfig command.
4.
Ping the router or DHCP server, or connect using a web browser to verify that you
have established a working network connection. Microsoft Windows operating
systems can ping a device from the MS-DOS prompt (or command prompt) with
the ping command. Type “ping /?” to get proper usage information on the ping
command.
