How to Connect the Devices in Computer Networking
Computer networks are designed with the intention of allowing various pieces of computer equipment to communicate with one another. This can include other computers, fax machines, scanners and many different types of hardware. It is important that each device is properly connected to the network.
Things You Will Need:
- Router
- Wireless adaptors
- Ethernet cables
Wired Network
- Connect the router to the power source by plugging it into the wall outlet. Install an Ethernet cable in order to connect the router to the modem and thereby connect the computer network to the Internet. The router will have a dedicated port for the Ethernet cable, which is most likely situated on the back of the router.
- Connect an Ethernet cable from the router to each computer or piece of hardware that you wish to connect to the network. As you connect each device, turn the device on to confirm that it is, in fact, connected to the router.
- Test the network's connection to the Internet. On one of the computers, open up a Web browser and type in the IP address for the router. In most cases, the router's IP address will be 192.168.1.1. If the network is established with a default username and password, both the username and password are typically "admin." Once you log in to the network, you can change the username and password or assign each user their own individual log-on ID.
Wireless Network
- Plug the router into the wall outlet in order to establish a power connection. As you would in a wired network, install the Ethernet cable into the dedicated Ethernet port. Type in the router's IP address and username and password.
- Set your router to its wireless setting. Create a name for your wireless network. If desired, establish the necessary encryption schemes from the router.
- Install a wireless adaptor into all of the devices that you wish to connect to the wireless network. Some computers and printers come standard with wireless adaptors. In this case, you will not need to install an additional wireless adaptor.
- Turn on the computer and search the wireless networks that are in range of the computer. Your network name should appear in the options. If you set up an encryption scheme, you will need to enter that information when prompted. The computer will now connect to the wireless network that you have established.