Linksys E4200 - Manual (Page 25)

13
Setting Up: Basics Linksys E-Series
13
How to create a home network
For ALL
What is a network?
A network is any group of devices that can communicate with each other . A
home network can also include Internet access, which requires a router like
this one .
A typical home network may include multiple computers, a printer, a modem,
and a router . A large home network may also have a switch, additional routers,
access points, and many Internet-capable media devices such as TVs, game
consoles, and web cameras .
• Modem—Connects a computer or a router to your ISP (Internet Service
Provider) .
• Router—Connects your wireless and wired network devices to each
other and to the modem (and to your ISP) .
• Switch—Allows you to connect several wired network devices to your
home network . Your router has a built-in network switch (the Ethernet
ports) . If you have more wired network devices than available Ethernet
ports on your router, you will need an additional switch to consolidate
the wired connections .
How to set up a home network
1. Purchase the proper equipment . For a network that includes Internet
access, you’ll need:
• Computers with an Ethernet port or wireless networking capabilities
• A modem for connecting to your ISP (typically supplied by your ISP)
• A router to connect your computers with each other and to the modem
• Internet service to your home, provided by an ISP (Internet Service
Provider)
2. Make sure that your modem is working . Your ISP can help you set up your
modem and verify that it’s working correctly .
3. Set up your router . See “How to set up your router” on page 13 .
4. To connect a computer or other network device to the network, see
“How to connect a computer to your network” on page 16 and “How to
connect other devices” on page 18 .
Where to find more help
For ALL
In addition to this User Guide, you can find help at these locations:
• Linksys.com/support (documentation, downloads, FAQs, technical
support, live chat, forums)
• Setup CD (Troubleshooting Guide, legal and regulatory notices)
• Cisco Connect help (run Cisco Connect, then click Learn More where
available)
• Browser-based utility context-sensitive help (open the utility, then click
Help in the right-side column .)
How to set up your router
For ALL
The easiest and fastest way to set up your router is to run the Cisco Connect
setup software . You can find Cisco Connect on the CD that came with your
router or download it from the router’s support site at Linksys .com/support .
Cisco Connect shows you how to connect your router to your home network,
step by step . To get started, see “How to start Cisco Connect” below .
If you are an advanced user, you can set up your router manually using the
browser-based utility . To get started, see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page 25 .
Setting Up: Basics