Wired Home Network Physical Setup (4 PC)
Automatic DHCP

Physical Setup Instructions (Any OS)


In this guide I will be using this Setup, as I have found the most common in residences.


If you need help setting up your “Wired” Home network on four PC’s please follow the steps below. Any Combination of four total Desktop or Laptop PC’s may be used in this setup.

1. Turn off all the Computers
2. Unplug Power from the Modem
3. Unplug Power from the Router
4. Connect the Modem to the wall plate using a standard Coax Jumper (for Cable) or Standard Cat3 Jumper for DSL.
5. Connect the Router port (WAN, WLAN, or Internet) to the Modem using a standard CAT5 Jumper
6. Connect a standard CAT5 Jumper to Port 1 on the Router and connect the other end of the jumper to the Ethernet Port on the back of Desktop A
7. Connect a standard CAT5 Jumper to Port 2 on the Router and connect the other end of the jumper to the Ethernet Port on the back of Desktop B
8. Connect a standard CAT5 Jumper to Port 3 on the Router and connect the other end of the jumper to the Ethernet Port on the back of Desktop C
9. Connect a standard CAT5 Jumper to Port 4 on the Router and connect the other end of the jumper to the Ethernet Port on the back of Laptop A
**The Ethernet port on a desktop or laptop has this symbol near it:

11. Plug Power into the Modem and wait for it to SYNC all the way up
12. Plug Power into the Router and wait for it to SYNC all the way up

Go to Wired Home Network OS Setup, for the next steps.


This post has been edited by admin: Aug 20 2007, 09:51 AM

Wired Home Network OS Setup (4 PC’s)
Windows XP and Automatic DHCP

Operating System Setup Instructions (Windows XP)


In this guide I will be using this Setup, as I have found the most common in residences.

Important Note:
If you need help setting up your “Wired” Home network on one to four PC’s please follow the steps below. Any Combination of Desktop or Laptop PC’s may be used in this setup, as long as they are connecting with Cat5.
Before completing steps one through twelve of the Physical setup instructions contact your Internet Service Provider and find out what Type of IP Configuration they recommend using (Example: DHCP, Static, PPOE) and then proceed to the steps below, if they recommend DHCP.

1. Turn Desktop A on and wait for it to completely Boot.
2. Hold down the “Windows” key on the keyboard, and then press the “R” key on the keyboard. This opens the RUN Command.
3. Type in: devmgmt.msc :and press the OK button. This opens the Device Manager.

4. Scroll down to NETWORK ADAPTERS and expand the category by clicking on the “+” sign next to it.
5. Verify that there are no Yellow !’s on the devices. If there are, please stop following this guide and submit a post in the forum requesting “Help Loading Network Card Drivers”.
6. Verify that there are no RED X’s on the devices. If there are, then Right Click on the device and select ENABLE. After Enabling the device go back and check step 5.
7. If there are no RED X’s or Yellow !’s on the devices then close out the Device manager by clicking on FILE in the Upper left, then select EXIT.
8. Hold down the “Windows” key on the keyboard, and then press the “R” key on the keyboard. This opens the RUN Command
9. Type in: ncpa.cpl :and press the OK button. This opens the Network Connections Window.

10. Locate your Connection Type (Ethernet) and right click on to select PROPERTIES.
11. Click on the GENERAL tab

12. Under “This connection uses the following items:” make sure that only the following components have a check in the box next to them:
Client for Microsoft Networks
QOS Packet Scheduler
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
13. Left click on “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)” one time and then click on the
PROPERTIES Button.
14. This opens the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window.


15. Click on the GENERAL tab and verify that the bubbles for “Obtain an IP Address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically” are selected.
16. Click on the ALTERNATE CONFIGURATION tab and verify that the bubbles for “Automatic Private IP address” are selected.

17. Click the OK button. Taking you back to the “Local Area Connection Properties” screen.
18. Click the CLOSE button. Taking you back to the “Network Connections” window.
19. Right click on the same device again and select STATUS. Opens the “Local Area Connection Status” window.

20. Click on the SUPPORT tab
21. Click the REPAIR button, opening the ”Repair Local Area Connection” window
22. Click the “OK” or “CLOSE” button when it is done. Don’t worry if it says it can’t repair the Device. Taking you back to the “Local Area Connection Status” window
23. Verify that your “Address Type” is Assigned by DHCP. If it is not, then please submit a post in the forum asking for “Help enabling DHCP”.
24. Verify that your “IP Address” does not start with the prefix’s: 169 or, 172. If it does, then please submit a post in the forum asking for “Network Card has no connectivity”.
25. Click the GENERAL tab and under “Activity” verify that Packets Sent and received are both a “1” or Higher. If they are not then please submit a post in the forum asking for “Network Card has no connectivity”.

26. Click the CLOSE button. Taking you back to the “Network Connections” window.
27. Click on FILE in the upper Left and select CLOSE.
28. Hold down the “Windows” key on the keyboard, and then press the “R” key on the keyboard. This opens the RUN Command.
29. Type in: inetcpl.cpl :and press the OK button. This opens the Internet Options window.
30. Click on the SECURITY tab.
31. Under “Select a web zone to specify its security settings” change the “Internet, Local Internet, Trusted Sites, and Restricted sites” to default by selecting each Icon, then pressing the DEFAULT LEVEL button. If the Default button is grayed out, then it has already been applied and you need not worry about it.
32. Click on the PRIVACY button and under “Pop-Up Blocker” verify that the “Block Pop-Ups” box has a check in it.
33. Click on the CONTENT button and under “Content Advisor” verify that the ENABLE button says enable and not Disable. If it says Disable, then please submit a post in the forum asking for “How do I disable content Advisor”.
34. Click on the CONNECTIONS button and under “Dial-up and Virtual Private Network Settings” verify that nothing is listed.
35. Click on the ADVANCED tab and click the RESTORE DEFAULTS button, then the APPLY button and lastly the OK button.
36. Locate your Internet explorer Icon and double left click to launch. You now should be able to access the Internet. If you still cannot Access the internet then please submit a post in the forum asking for “Cannot access the internet”.
37. Complete the same Steps “1 through 36 of “Wired Home Network OS Setup” for Desktops B, C, and Laptop A.


If interested in File and Printer Sharing across your Home network please move on to the next section “File and Print Share Setup”

This post has been edited by admin: Aug 20 2007, 09:54 AM

Wireless Home Network Physical Setup (1 to ?? PC’s)
Automatic DHCP

Physical Setup Instructions (Any OS)


In this guide I will be using this Setup, as I have found the most common in residences.

Important Note:
If you need help setting up your “Wireless” Home network on one to ?? PC’s, please follow the steps below. Any Combination of Desktop or Laptop PC’s may be used in this setup, as long as you are able to connect one of the computers to the router with a Cat5 jumper.
In this guide I will be using a minimum of one Hard Wired (Cat5) Computer (either Desktop or Laptop) and also one Laptop with a Built in Wireless card, as this is the most common setup in residences.


1. Turn off all the Computers.
2. Unplug Power from the Modem.
3. Unplug Power from the Wireless Router.
4. Connect the Modem to the wall plate using a coaxial Jumper for Cable, or CAT3 jumper for DSL.
5. Connect the Wireless Router (port WAN, WLAN, or Internet) to the Modem using a standard CAT5 Jumper.
6. Connect a standard CAT5 Jumper to Port 1 on the Router and connect the other end of the jumper to the Ethernet Port on the back of Desktop A.
**The Ethernet port on a desktop or laptop has this symbol near it:

7. Plug Power into the Modem and wait for it to SYNC all the way up.
8. Plug Power into the Router and wait for it to SYNC all the way up.

Go to Wireless Home Network OS Setup, for the next steps.

Wireless Home Network OS Setup (1 to ?? PC’s)
Windows XP and Automatic DHCP

Operating System Setup Instructions (Windows XP)


In this guide I will be using this Setup, as I have found the most common in residences.

Important Note:
If you need help setting up your “Wireless” Home network on 1 to ?? PC’s, please follow the steps below. Any Combination of Desktop or Laptop PC’s may be used in this setup, as long as one is connected with Cat5.
Before completing steps 1 through 103 of this guide contact your Internet Service Provider and find out what Type of IP Configuration they recommend using (Example: DHCP, Static, PPOE) and then proceed to the steps below, if they recommend DHCP.

Desktop A (HARD WIRED)


1. Turn Desktop A on (HARD WIRED PC) and wait for it to completely Boot.
2. Hold down the “Windows” key on the keyboard, and then press the “R” key on the keyboard. This opens the RUN Command.
3. Type in: devmgmt.msc :and press the OK button. This opens the Device Manager.


4. Scroll down to NETWORK ADAPTERS and expand the category by clicking on the “+” sign next to it
5. Verify that there are no “Yellow !’s” on the devices. If there are, please stop following this guide and submit a post in the forum requesting “Help Loading Network Card Drivers”.
6. Verify that there are no “RED X’s” on the devices. If there are, then Right Click on the device and select ENABLE. After enabling the device go back and check step 5, then proceed to step 7.
7. If there are no “RED X’s” or “Yellow !’s” on the devices then close out the Device manager by clicking on FILE in the Upper left, then select EXIT.
8. Hold down the “Windows” key on the keyboard, and then press the “R” key on the keyboard. This opens the RUN Command
9. Type in: ncpa.cpl :and press the OK button. This opens the Network Connections Window.

10. Locate your Connection Type (Ethernet) and right click on it to select PROPERTIES.
11. Click on the GENERAL tab

12. Under “This connection uses the following items:” make sure that only the following components have a check in the box next to them:
- Client for Microsoft Networks
- QOS Packet Scheduler
- Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
13. Left click on “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)” one time and then click on the
PROPERTIES button.
14. This opens the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window.


15. Click on the GENERAL tab and verify that the bubbles for “Obtain an IP Address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically” are selected.
16. Click on the ALTERNATE CONFIGURATION tab and verify that the bubbles for “Automatic Private IP address” are selected.


17. Click the OK button. Taking you back to the “Local Area Connection Properties” screen.
18. Click the CLOSE button. Taking you back to the “Network Connections” window.
19. Right click on the same device again and select STATUS. Opens the “Local Area Connection Status” window.

20. Click on the SUPPORT tab
21. Click the REPAIR button, opening the ”Repair Local Area Connection” window
22. Click the “OK” or “CLOSE” button when it is done. Don’t worry if it says it can’t repair the Device. Taking you back to the “Local Area Connection Status” window
23. Verify that your ADDRESS TYPE is “Assigned by DHCP”. If it is not, then please submit a post in the forum asking for “Help enabling DHCP”.
24. Verify that your “IP Address” does not start with the prefix’s: 169 or, 172. If it does, then please submit a post in the forum asking for “Network Card has no connectivity”.
25. Click the GENERAL tab and under “Activity” verify that Packets Sent and received are both a “1” or Higher. If they are not then please submit a post in the forum asking for “Network Card has no connectivity”.

26. Click the CLOSE button. Taking you back to the “Network Connections” window.
27. Click on FILE in the upper Left and select CLOSE.
28. Hold down the “Windows” key on the keyboard, and then press the “R” key on the keyboard. This opens the RUN Command.
29. Type in: inetcpl.cpl :and press the OK button. This opens the Internet Options window.
30. Click on the SECURITY tab.
31. Under “Select a web zone to specify its security settings” change the “Internet, Local Internet, Trusted Sites, and Restricted sites” to default by selecting each Icon, then pressing the DEFAULT LEVEL button. If the Default button is grayed out, then it has already been applied and you need not worry about it.
32. Click on the PRIVACY button and under “Pop-Up Blocker” verify that the “Block Pop-Ups” box has a check in it.
33. Click on the CONTENT button and under “Content Advisor” verify that the ENABLE button says enable and not Disable. If it says Disable, then please submit a post in the forum asking for “How do I disable content Advisor”.
34. Click on the CONNECTIONS button and under “Dial-up and Virtual Private Network Settings” verify that nothing is listed.
35. Click on the ADVANCED tab and click the RESTORE DEFAULTS button, then the APPLY button and lastly the OK button.
36. Locate your Internet explorer Icon and double left click to launch. You now should be able to access the Internet. If you still cannot Access the internet then please submit a post in the forum asking for “Cannot access the internet”.
37. If you can access the Internet continue on:
38. Still using Desktop A, Hold down the “Windows” key on the keyboard, and then press the “R” key on the keyboard. This opens the RUN Command.
39. Type in: cmd :and hit the OK Button
40. When the Command Screen Appears, Type in: ipconfig :and hit ENTER


41. Copy Down your Default Gateway Address on a piece of paper, then minimize the Command Screen.
42. Launch your web browser and after the page loads, click on the Address bar and type in the Default Gateway address you wrote down. Hit enter
43. As the page loads, depending on the type of router used, you will get a pop-up that asks for your Username and Password. Here is a list of the most common routers and their default Usernames and passwords. After entering the correct information Hit ENTER or OK.

Manufacturer..............Username.................Password

Linksys ....................<leave blank>............admin
Linksys.....................<leave blank>............epicrouter
Linksys..........................admin...................admin
Linksys..........................admin...................<leave blank>
Netgear.........................admin....................password
Netgear.........................admin....................1234
D-Link...........................admin....................<leave blank>
D-Link...........................admin....................admin
SMC..........................<leave blank>...........admin
ZyXEL...........................admin...................<enter routers ip address>
XSense.........................admin....................password
Hawking........................admin....................1234

44. From Here on out I will be using the Linksys WRT54G, for my setup, as this is a very common router, and happens to be the one I am currently using. 
45. Most router Web Browser Setup menu’s are pretty much the same in that they have these basic security functions that we will be using, so if your is not exactly the same then just follow the concept and apply it to your router.
46. After entering the correct username and password the Web Browser Setup will open and place you in the SETUP Screen.
47. The first thing we want to do is set a new Access Password, by clicking on the ADMINISTRATION Link, then the MANAGMENT Link and then entering our new password in the fields shown below. It is best to use a short phrase that is easy to remember instead of just one word. After it is entered. Click the Save button down at the bottom, then write it down somewhere in case you forget it.

48. While we are already on this screen we will add some security so we don’t have to come back to this screen later. Next to the REMOTE ROUTER ACCESS we want to click the bubble for DISABLE. Click the Save button down at the bottom, then write down your password and put it somewhere where it will not get lost.
49. Next click the SECURITY link and then the FIREWALL link. From here we want to click the Bubble to ENABLE the firewall and put a check in the boxes for “Block Anonymous Internet Requests, Filter Multicast, Filter NAT redirection, Filter Port 113”. Click the SAVE button at the bottom.

50. Now we want to turn on the Wireless portion of the router so we can move on to the Wireless LAPTOP A.
51. Click on the WIRELESS link, then on the BASIC WIRELESS SETTINGS link.
52. From here we want to click the drop down arrow for the Wireless Network Mode and select MIXED. Then we want to enter a name for our SSID Broadcast “Any Name Will Do” and write it down with your Router Password. Then we want to click the Bubble to ENABLE the SSID Broadcast When done click the SAVE button at the bottom,

53. After the selections are saved Click on the Wireless MAC Filter Link and STOP here and move to the Wireless LAPTOP A.

Laptop A (WIRELESS)

54. Turn Laptop A on (WIRELESS PC) and wait for it to completely Boot.
55. Hold down the “Windows” key on the keyboard, and then press the “R” key on the keyboard. This opens the RUN Command.
56. Type in: devmgmt.msc :and press the OK button. This opens the Device Manager.


57. Scroll down to NETWORK ADAPTERS and expand the category by clicking on the “+” sign next to it
58. Verify that there are no Yellow !’s on the devices. If there are, please stop following this guide and submit a post in the forum requesting “Help Loading Network Card Drivers”.
59. From here we now want to disable the Wired Portion of the Pc and Enable the Wireless Portion. Right Click on you Wired Network Card and Select DISABLE, Then right click on your Wireless Network Card and Select ENABLE. Red X’s are now OK as they mean the Devices have been Disabled.
60. Now Click the FILE Button in the Upper Left and select EXIT.


61. Hold down the “Windows” key on the keyboard, and then press the “R” key on the keyboard. This opens the RUN Command.
62. Type in: ncpa.cpl :and press the OK button. This opens the Network Connections Window.

63. Locate your Connection Type (WIRELESS) and right click on it to select PROPERTIES.

64. Click on the GENERAL tab
65. Under “This connection uses the following items:” make sure that only the following components have a check in the box next to them:
Client for Microsoft Networks
QOS Packet Scheduler
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
66. Left click on “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)” one time and then click on the
PROPERTIES Button.
67. This opens the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window.


68. Click on the GENERAL tab and verify that the bubbles for “Obtain an IP Address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically” are selected.
69. Click on the ALTERNATE CONFIGURATION tab and verify that the bubbles for “Automatic Private IP address” are selected.


70. Click the OK button. Taking you back to the “Wireless Network Connection Properties” screen.
71. Now click the “Wireless Networks” tab Verify that there is a Check in the box for “Use Windows to configure my wireless network Settings”, Verify that there are no SSID Broadcasts listed in the PREFERRED NETWORKS box (if there is select it and click the REMOVE button).
72. Click the ADVANCED button and click the bubble for “Any Available Network (Access point Preferred)” then click the close button. Taking you back to the “Wireless Networks Connection Properties” window.

73. Under “Available Networks” click the “VIEW WIRELESS NETWORKS” button, and left click on your SSID broadcast and click the Connect Button.


74. You will now get a pop-up like the one below. Just click YES, as we will add security Later.

75. After a few seconds the list will refresh and it will say “Acquiring Network Address” then it will say “Connected” like this

76. Now click the close button or red x in the upper right hand corner, taking you back to the “Network Connections” Window

77. Now we want to Right click on the Wireless device and select STATUS, then the GENERAL tab. From here we want to verify that under “Activity” the Packets Sent and Received number is 1 or above. If it is not then please submit a post in the forum requesting “No Wireless Connectivity”.


78. Next click on the SUPPORT tab and verify that the “Address Type” is Assigned by DHCP. Click the CLOSE Button, taking you back to the “Network Connections” window. Close this window out now also.

79. Restart the Laptop
80. After the Laptop Boots up, launch internet explorer and see if you can get on the internet. If you cannot then please submit a post in the forum requesting “No Wireless Connectivity”. If you can then Move on to the Security setup next.
81. Move back to Desktop A (Hard Wired)

Desktop A (HARD WIRED)

82. We still should be sitting at the “MAC Address Filter” Screen.

83. Now we want to click the Bubble to ENABLE the Wireless MAC Filter, and “Permit only PC’s Listed to Access the Wireless Network”

84. Now click the EDIT Mac Filter List button, to launch a pop-up.


85. Now click the “Wireless Client MAC List” and put a Check in the box next to your Device for “Enable MAC Filter” and click the UPDATE FILTER LIST button.

86. taking you back to the “MAC Address Filter List” Window which will now have your Mac address already entered for you. Just click the Save Settings button at the bottom.
87. Now move back to the wireless Laptop A

Laptop A (WIRELESS)

88. Restart the Computer
89. After the computer boots verify that you can access the internet. If you cannot then please submit a post in the forum requesting “No Wireless Connectivity after setting Mac Filter”.
90. If you can then move back to the wired Desktop A.

Desktop A (HARD WIRED)

91. With the Routers Browser sewtup still open from the last steps we want to now click on the WIRELESS link and then the WIRELESS SECURITY link.

92. From here want to click the drop down arrow for SECURITY MODE and select WEP. Then click the 1st DEFAULT TRANSMIT KEY bubble, then enter a catchy PASSPHRASE in the space provided and click the GENERATE button. This will automatically fill in the “Key 1, 2, 3, and 4” spaces. We want to copy down “Key 1” on a piece of paper for later use.

93. Now click the SAVE button at the bottom. And then close out your Internet Web Browser.
94. Time to move back to wireless Laptop A.

Laptop A (WIRELESS)

95. As you may notice we have now lost connectivity.
96. Hold down the “Windows” key on the keyboard, and then press the “R” key on the keyboard. This opens the RUN Command.
97. Type in: ncpa.cpl :and press the OK button. This opens the Network Connections Window.
98. Right click on your wireless device and select VIEW AVAILABLE WIRELESS NETWORKS.
99. Next click on your SSID Broadcast and click the “Connect” Button and you will get a prompt asking for a network key.


100. Enter in the “Key 1” you wrote down from step 92 into both lines and then click the CONNECT button. After it is done connecting and acquiring an IP Address you will be brought back to the “Wireless Network Connection” screen.

101. You can now close this screen out by pressing the close button (red x) in the upper right of the screen.
102. Now we are back at the Network Connections window. Verify that your Wireless Device says “Connected” as mine does. If it does not then please submit a post in the forum requesting “No Wireless Connectivity after setting WEP”. If it does then go ahead and close out this screen as well.

103. Launch your internet browser and see if you can now surf the web. If you cannot then please submit a post in the forum requesting “No Wireless Connectivity - Device shows connected”. If it does… then Happy surfing.

If interested in Sharing Files and Printers see the guide for “File and Print Share Setup”

File and Print Share Setup
Windows XP

File Share

Important Notes to read before configuring the File share portion of your Network

1. You can set file and folder permissions only on drives formatted to use NTFS.
2. To change permissions you must be the owner, or have been granted permission to do so by the owner. (owner referring to Administrator account)
3. Groups or users granted Full Control for a folder can delete files and subfolders within that folder regardless of the permissions protecting the files and subfolders.
4. The Sharing option is not available for the Documents and Settings, Program Files, and Windows system folders. In addition, you cannot share folders in other users’ profiles.
5. People from outside your Network can access your shared resources, if you do not have Windows SP2 and also a Firewall (either Windows or a Third Party Vendor).

Follow these steps to Install and correctly setup FILE sharing on your Network.

1. Close out all applications and running programs (including Third party Firewalls, Security Suites, and Virus Detectors)
2. Hold down the “Windows” key on the keyboard, and then press the “R” key on the keyboard. This opens the RUN Command.
3. Type in: ncpa.cpl :and press the OK button. This opens the Network Connections Window.

4. Locate your Connection Type (Ethernet) and right click on to select PROPERTIES.
5. Click on the GENERAL tab.

6. Click the INSTALL button. To launch the “Select Network Component Type” window.

7. Click the ADD button. To launch the “Select Network Service” window.

8. Highlight the “File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks” and click the OK button
9. You should now be back at the “Local Area Connection Properties” window.
..........9A. Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and then click the "Properties" button.
..........9B. Click the General tab, and then click Advanced.
..........9C. Click the WINS tab.
..........9D. Under NetBIOS setting, click "Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP", and then click OK two times.
..........9E. Click Close to close the Local Area Connection Properties dialog box.
10. You should now be back to the “Network Connections” window.
11. Close this window.
12. Hold down the “Windows” key on the keyboard, and then press the “R” key on the keyboard. This opens the RUN Command
13. Type in: netsetup.cpl :and press the OK button. This opens the Network Setup Wizard.
14. When the Network setup wizard appears click "Next"


15. When the second page appears click "Next"

16. When the third Page appears select the "Other" bubble and click "Next”

17. When the fourth page appears select the bubble "This computer connects directly or through a network Hub. Other computer on my network also connect to the internet directly or through a hub."

18. When the fifth page appears under "Computer description" type in Location, and click "next"


19. When the sixth Page appears under "workgroupe name" type in:
<lastname>group :< >insert your last name followed by group and click
"next".