HP Deskjet 6980 User Guide - Windows 2000 - Page 50

Chapter 4 Hubs, switches, and routers can look similar, but there are important differences: ● Hubs are passive. Other devices on the network plug into the hub in order to communicate with one another. A hub does not manage the network. ● A switch allows devices on a network to communicate directly with one another in a smooth and efficient manner. A switch monitors and directs network traffic in order to allow each transmission the most possible bandwidth. By monitoring network traffic, a switch minimizes collisions and maximizes speed. ● Routers primarily connect different networks (for example, connecting a home network to the Internet). Routers are active. Routers have network administration tools, such as firewalls and DHCP. A router can act as a gateway, while a hub and a switch cannot. Cables Use a CAT-5 Ethernet cable to connect the printer to an Ethernet network. Ethernet cables have an RJ-45 plug. 1 RJ-45 plug Network communication TCP/IP Devices on a network communicate with one another using a "language" called a protocol. The printer is designed to operate on networks that use a popular protocol called TCP/IP. IP address Each device on a network identifies itself with a unique IP address. Most networks use a software tool, such as DHCP or AutoIP, to automatically assign IP addresses. Internet connections Networks might not be connected to the Internet. If you place the printer on a network connected to the Internet, it is recommended that you use a gateway so that the printer's IP address is assigned through DHCP. A gateway can either be a router or a Windows computer running Internet Connection Sharing (ICS). For more information about ICS, see the documentation that came with the Windows computer. Ethernet network examples To see some examples of Ethernet networks, see the Ethernet network examples page. 48 HP Deskjet 6980 series