3Com 3CRWE50194 User Guide - Page 19

3 Basic Installation Introduction This chapter will guide you through a basic installation of the HomeConnect Home Wireless Gateway, including: I Connecting the wireless gateway to the Internet. I Connecting the wireless gateway to your network. I Setting up your computers for wireless and/or wired (Ethernet) networking with the gateway. NOTE: You can use your wireless gateway for either wireless networking or Ethernet networking, or both. You can also set up your home wireless gateway for home networking only; connecting to the Internet is optional. Home Networking and Wireless Networking Basics A home network is a way to connect all of your computing devices together (computers, printers, scanners, modems) in order to share files and resources. Once you've created your home network, you will be able to connect to the Internet from any computer in your house. If you have a printer, scanner, or fax connected to your home network, you will also be able to print, scan, or fax from any computer in your house. With the addition of the 3Com Home Wireless Gateway to your home network, you can combine both wireless and wired networking. Your wireless gateway uses radio signals to transmit and receive data without wires. You can communicate with the network by establishing radio links between your computer(s) and the gateway. To do so, every computer you want to use for a wireless connection must be equipped with a wireless network interface card (NIC). The gateway also uses Ethernet cables for connections to your wired network, as well for connecting to the cable/DSL modem for connecting to the Internet. Ethernet networking uses special Ethernet cables to connect computers, printers, and other devices together. Among the advantages of Ethernet networking is a higher network speed (up to 100 Mbps), and the ability to use Ethernet hubs to expand your network. 11