HOME NETWORKING

Setting up a home network (10 easy steps)

The Steps: (links will open new windows)

Step 1 - Decide your goal
Decide what you are looking for. Do you just want more speed? Do you want to be able to connect multiple computers to the Internet? Do you want to be able to work from anywhere in your home? All of the above?

Step 2 - Choose your internet service
If you decided you need a high speed connection, there are several choices: DSL, Cable Modem, Satellite, even Cellular (CDMA, GPRS). Which is right for you? Which are available in your area. Which is the best deal, lowest price?

Step 3 - Order the service
Place your order. Usually "self install" options are available for no install charge.

Step 4 - Set up your laptop for ethernet
Once you have connected the ISP Modem to the service (DSL Phone Line, Cable Coax Connection, etc...), you will need an ethernet connection from your laptop to the ISP Modem. You may already have ethernet on your laptop. Your laptop may have an ethernet card built in. Or, IBM may have sent you an ethernet card and cable (usually a yellow cable) to use Ethernet when you are in an IBM office. You can use that same ethernet card/cable to connect to the Broadband Internet Service. If not, you will have to buy an ethernet card and cable.

Step 5 - Test the connection
Once you have installed ethernet on your laptop, connect it to the ISP highspeed modem. The ISP should assign a TCP/IP address to your laptop and you should be connected to the internet. Make sure you can use your Web Browser to connect to internet web sites (such as www.ibm.com and www.yahoo.com).

Step 6 - Protect your computer
Ensure you have ZoneLabs Integrity Desktop (ZLID) firewall installed on your workstation.

Step 7 - Buy your LAN device
We ask again: Do you want to be able to connect multiple computers to the Internet? Do you want to be able to work from anywhere in your home? Both? We recommend a Wireless Router/Hub. IBM usually won't reimburse for Home Lan equipment, but discuss that with your manager. We suggest wireless hub devices that support the latest standard, 802.11g. Buy a wireless hub and a wireless ethernet card.

Step 8 - Install the hub
Follow the instructions for installing the hub. You can still use your ethernet card and cable to connect to the hub to set it up (before you try wireless). Once the hub is installed, test again connecting to the internet through the hub, using your ethernet card and cable.

Step 9 - Install the Wireless Card
Once you know that the hub is working when connected via ethernet cable, now you can install the wireless card. Follow the instructions that came with the wireless card to install it in your laptop. Once installed, make sure you can connect to the wireless hub and obtain a TCP/IP address. Then ensure you can connect to the internet via the wireless card.

Step 10 - Turn on Security on your hub
Without turning on the security features on your wireless LAN, anyone near your home can connect to it. Follow the instructions at this link to understand how to secure your LAN.

Extra Step: Time to get back to work
Now that you've successfully connected with your new home LAN and high speed ISP, enjoy working wirelessly.