WPNT834 Manual: A Road Map for `How to Get There From Here'

The introduction and adoption of any new technology can be a difficult process. Broadband Internet service is considered so useful that more and more people want to set up networks in their home to share a broadband connection. Wireless technology has removed one of the barriers to networking-running wires. It allows more people to try networking while at the same time exposes them to the inherent complexity of networking. General networking concepts, setup, and maintenance can be difficult to understand. In addition, wireless technology adds issues, such as range, interference, signal quality, and security to the picture.

To help overcome potential barriers to successfully using home networks, the table below identifies how to accomplish such things as connecting to a wireless network, assuring appropriate security measures are taken, browsing the Internet through your wireless connection, exchanging files with other computers and using printers in the combined wireless and wired network.

Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To?	What Do I Do?	What's Needed?	How Do I?
Set up a wireless network	1. Set up the RangeMax 240 Wireless Router WPNT834 2. Identify the wireless network name (SSID) and, if used, the wireless security settings. 3. Set up the wireless computers with the settings from step 1.	A wireless network A computer within the operating range of the wireless network. For guidelines about the range of wireless networks, see Observing Performance, Placement, and Range Guidelines.	To set up the WPNT834, see Chapter 3 and follow the instructions provided. To learn about wireless networking technology, see Chapter 4, Wireless Configuration for a general introduction.
Protect my wireless connection (from snooping, hacking, or information theft).	1. Assure that the wireless network has security features enabled. 2. Configure my WPNT834 with the security settings of the wireless network. 3. Use Windows security features.	A wireless network WEP or WPA security enabled. Wireless networking equipment that supports WEP or WPA, such as the WPNT834.	To learn about wireless networking security, see Wireless Communications. To use WEP security features, see Implementing Appropriate Wireless Security and configure your WPNT834 accordingly.
Note: Secure Internet sites such as banks and online merchants use encryption security built into browsers like Internet Explorer and Netscape. Any wireless networking security features you might implement are in addition to those already in place on secure Internet sites.
Share Windows PC files and printers (in a combined wireless and wired network). Note: For sharing files and printers on other types of computers like Macintosh or Linux, refer to the product documentation that came with those computers.	1. Use the Windows Printers and Fax features to locate available printers in the combined wireless and wired network in your home. 2. Use the Windows Add a Printer wizard to add access to a network printer from the PC you are using to wirelessly connect to the network. 3. From the File menu of an application such as Microsoft Word, use the Print Setup feature to direct your print output to the printer on the network.	Windows computers (wired and wireless) you are using to connect to the network need to be configured with the Windows Client and File and Print Sharing. Windows computers (wired and wireless) I am using to connect to the network need to be configured with the same Windows Workgroup or Domain settings as the other Windows computers in the combined wireless and wired network. Any Windows networking security access rights such as login user name/ password that have been assigned in the Windows network must be provided when Windows prompts for such information. If so-called Windows `peer' networking is being used, the printer needs to be enabled for sharing.	Windows Domain settings are usually managed by corporate computer support groups. Windows Workgroup settings are commonly managed by individuals who want to set up small networks in their homes, or small offices. For assistance with setting up Windows networking,see the PC Networking Tutorial on the NETGEAR RangeMax 240 Wireless Router WPNT834 Resource CD and the Help information provided in the Windows system you are using. For assistance with setting up printers in Windows, see the Help and Support information that comes with the version of the Windows operating systems you are using.