Networking Technology Overview
When two or more computers are connected so they can “talk” with each other, a computer network is established. Individual users can now connect to Web servers worldwide through the Internet, a global computer network. A local area network (LAN) enables computer users in a business or household to share files without trading disks, and share peripherals such as printers and external drives.
With the Intelligent Gateway, computers on a LAN can share a connection to the Internet. Several technologies are available to connect or “network” computers. These technologies include:
•Ethernet
•Universal Serial Bus (USB)
•HomePNA
•Wireless
Ethernet
Ethernet is a technology that allows you to create a network using special wiring (Category 5 cable), such as the dark gray cable included with the Intelligent Gateway. Many computers are shipped with a
Ethernet adapter, you can use Ethernet cable to connect the Ethernet connection socket on the computer to any available local Ethernet port on the Intelligent Gateway. You can identify an Ethernet connection socket by its rectangular shape and size, which is slightly larger than a standard telephone socket.
USB
Most computers manufactured in the last few years come with USB connections. USB ports, which are small and rectangular, are typically located on the back of the computer and are
marked with the USB symbol ( 
). Use a USB connection for a computer that is in close proximity to the Intelligent Gateway.
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