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Quick Start & Troubleshooting Guide
Network connections
A LAN (Local Area Network) is a group of computers (for example, within an office building or home) that
share a common communications line and resources. When you set up a network, you can share files,
peripheral devices (such as a printer) and an Internet connection. You can set up a LAN using wired tech-
nologies (such as Ethernet) or wireless technologies (such as WiFi or Bluetooth).
Wireless networks
A wireless LAN or WLAN is a wireless local area network, which may link two or more computers without
using wires. Setting up a wireless network is easy and allows you to share files, peripheral devices and an
Internet connection.
Note: More detailed information is available in the InfoCentre wireless networks tutorial.
What are Benefits of a Wireless Network?
Mobility
Wireless LAN systems allow allows you and other user’s of your home network to share access to files and
devices connected to the network, for example a printer or scanner.
Also you can share an internet connection with other computers in your home.
Installation Speed and Simplicity
Installing a wireless LAN system can be fast and easy and eliminates the need to pull cables through walls
and ceilings.
Components of a Wireless LAN
To set up your Wireless network at home you need to have the following:
Access point (router)
Access points (routers) are two-way transceivers that broadcast data into the surrounding environment.
Access points act as a mediator between wired and wireless network. Most routers have a built-in DSL
modem that will allow you access to a high speed DSL internet connection. The ISP (Internet Service
Provider) you have chosen normally supplies a modem/router with the subscription to their services. Read
carefully the documentation supplied with your Access point/router for detailed setup instructions.
Network Cable (RJ45)
A network cable (also called RJ45 cable) is used to connect the host computer to the access point (see illus-
tration below); this type of cable may also be used to connect peripheral devices to the access point.
Wireless Adapter
This is connected to the computer that you wish to
connect to your network, there are different types of
wireless adapter available, the most common are:
USB WiFi adapter
: Connects to a free USB port on your
computer.
Wireless Expansion Card
: This card is installed inside your
computer in an available expansion slot.
