Chapter 1: Connections and Setup

Illustrations contained in this document are for representation only.

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Chapter 1

Introduction

Wireless Cable Gateway Features

Thank you for purchasing the DCW725 Wireless Cable Gateway. This device delivers the highest

performance in data over cable technology. Ideal for home and small business users, this easy-

to-use communication device offers reliable connectivity as well as remarkable data transfer

rates – up to 600 times faster than a 56K dial-up modem. Once the DCW725 is activated, you are

online to enjoy real-time 3D animation, video conferencing, and perform other data intensive

tasks.

The Wireless Cable Gateway provides high-speed, reliable and secure transport capabilities and

is designed with DOCSIS upgrade ability for both DOCSIS 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0. The gateway offers

anti-spoofing functions, resulting in greater subscriber privacy and higher system availability.

Advanced features such as WLAN IEEE 802.11b/g, NAT, Firewall, VPN pass through and

CableHome are also available now and can be configured.

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Chapter 1: Connections and Setup

What’s on the CD-ROM

If you connect a PC using the USB port on your gateway, you’ll need the USB drivers found on the

CD-ROM.

CD-ROM Contents:

•

Electronic copy of this user’s guide (.pdf format)

•

Adobe Acrobat Reader — application you can load to read .pdf format, if you don’t have it

loaded already

•

USB drivers — required if connecting by USB

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Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Connections and Setup

Computer Requirements

•

USB 1.0 or 1.1 (PC only), Ethernet (10/100), 802.11b or g

•

A TCP/IP network protocol for each machine

•

A network cable with RJ-45 connector for Ethernet connection

•

Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or later, or Netscape Navigator 4.0 or later. (5.0 and 4.7 or

later, respectively, are strongly recommended.)

•

Windows Me, 2000, or XP for USB

Wireless Cable Gateway Overview

Cable Internet Service Requirements

•

cable company that offers DOCSIS-compliant Internet services

Computer

Internet

Wirelesss Cable Gateway

Cable Company

What the Wireless Cable Gateway Does

The Digital Wireless Cable Gateway serves as a two-way high-speed bridge between your personal

computer and a cable Internet Service Provider (ISP). It converts information that originates from

the Internet or your computer into electronic messages that can be transported over the same

wires your cable company uses to transport video signals.

What the Wireless Cable Gateway Needs to Do Its Job

•

The Right Cable Company:

Make sure your cable company provides data services that use

cable TV industry-standard DOCSIS technology.

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Chapter 1: Connections and Setup

•

The Internet Service Provider (ISP):

Your cable company provides you access to an Internet

Service Provider (ISP). The ISP is your gateway to the Internet. It provides you with a pipeline

to access Internet content on the World Wide Web (WWW).

Check with your cable company to make sure you have everything you need to begin; they’ll

know if you need to install special software or re-configure your computer to make your

cable Internet service work for you.

Contact Your Local Cable Company

You will need to contact your cable company to establish an Internet account before you can

use your gateway. You should have the following information ready (which you will find on the

sticker on the gateway) :

•

The serial number

•

The model number

•

The Media Access Control (MAC) address

Record your information here:

Serial Number: __________________________

Model Number: _________________________

MAC Address: ___________________________

S.N.

MODEL:

MAC:

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

DCWXXX

009064XXXXXX

Please verify the following with the cable company:

•

The cable service to your home supports DOCSIS-compliant two-way modem access.

•

Your Internet account has been set up.

•

You have a cable outlet near your PC and it is ready for cable modem service.

Note: It is important to supply power to the modem at all times. Keeping your modem plugged in will keep it

connected to the Internet. This means that it will always be ready when you are. To disconnect your computer

from the Internet, use the ON/OFF button to put the modem in standby mode.

Important Information

Your cable company should always be consulted before installing a new cable outlet. Do not

attempt any rewiring without contacting your cable company first.

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Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Connections and Setup

System Overview

The Wireless Cable Gateway is connected between your cable company and the PCs within your

home, as pictured previously in the Wireless Cable Gateway Overview. The connection to the cable

company is made by a coaxial cable, and is referred to as the WAN (Wide Area Network) side of

your Wireless Cable Gateway. The connections to your PCs are made by your choice of several

standard home networking methods: Ethernet, USB, or 802.11b Wireless, and are referred to as the

LAN (Local Area Network) side of your Wireless Cable Gateway. Multiple PCs can use any or all of

the LAN side connections simultaneously to share your single cable company connection, up to a

maximum of 254 PCs total.

Unlike a simple hub or switch, the gateway’s setup consists of more than simply plugging

hardware together. You’ll need to configure your networked PCs to accept the IP addresses the

gateway assigns them (if applicable), and you will also need to configure the gateway with

settings provided by your cable company.

Understanding the Wireless Cable Gateway

Connections

Fig. 1