Instant Broadband Series
Connecting The Cable/DSL Router to Your Network
Overview
Unlike a simple hub or switch, the setup of the Cable/DSL Router consists of more than simply plugging everything together. Because the Router acts as a DHCP server, you will have to set some values within the Router, and also configure your networked PCs to accept the IP Addresses the Router chooses to assign them.
You will need the following values from your ISP in order to install the Cable/DSL Router:
•Your
•Your
•Your Subnet Mask
•Your Default Gateway }
•Your Primary DNS IP address Only if applicable
Whoever installed your broadband access should have left this information with you. If not, call your ISP and they will be able to supply you with it.
About Static & Dynamic IP Addresses
Static IP Addresses A static IP address is an IP address permanently assigned to a computer in a TCP/IP network. Static IP addresses are usually assigned to networked devices which are consistently accessed by multiple users, such as Server PCs, or printers. If you are using the Router to share your cable or DSL Internet connection, contact your ISP to see if they have assigned your home a static IP address. You will need that address during the Router’s con- figuration.
EtherFast Cable/DSL Router
Dynamic IP Addresses A dynamic IP address is an IP address that is automati- cally assigned to a client station (computer, printer, etc.) in a TCP/IP network. Dynamic IP addresses are typically assigned by a DHCP server, which can be a computer on the network or another piece of hardware, such as the Router.
A dynamic IP address may change every time your computer connects to the network.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) DHCP is software that automati- cally assigns IP addresses to client stations logging onto a TCP/IP network. DHCP eliminates having to manually assign permanent IP addresses to every device on your network. DHCP software typically runs in servers and is also found in network devices such as Routers.
Connecting Everything Together & Booting Up
Once you are sure that you have the above values on hand, you can begin the Installation and Setup of the Cable/DSL Router.
1. Power everything down, including your PCs, your Cable or DSL modem and
the Router.
2. Connect a Network cable
from one of your PCs’ Ethernet ports to one of the LAN Ports on the back of
the Router. Do the same with all the PCs you wish to connect to the Router. (LAN Port 8 will become inactive if you toggle the Uplink port.)
3.Connect the network cable from your Cable or DSL modem to the WAN port on the rear of the Router.
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