www.gateway.com45Attached to the router are all of your computers or Ethernet-ready devices. Also connected tothe router is a cable or DSL modem that provides access to the Internet.Equipment you need for a router-based Ethernet networkFor a wired Ethernet network you need:• Two or more computers with Ethernet jacks• One router• One broadband Internet connection (optional)• Ethernet cables connecting all of the network equipmentWhen buying your router, be sure the model includes everything your network needs, including:• Internet security features, such as a firewall, to protect your network from unwantedintruders• 4-port switch to eliminate the need for additional network hardware• DHCP server/dynamic IP address assignment to automatically configure network and IPaddressesDetermining if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computerTo determine if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer:1 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.2 Click System and Maintenance, then click System.3 Click Device Manager from the task list on the left. The Device Manager window opens.4 Click the plus (+) in front of Network adapters. The Ethernet device installed in yourcomputer is listed. If one is not listed, you must install one.ImportantFor best results, all Ethernet components should be either standard Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbpsor 10/100), or Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps or 10/100/1000). A mixture of components rated at different speeds willresult in your network running at the speed of the slowest rated component.Cable/DSLmodemRouter
