Setting up your wireless router

51

Mac OS X

Set up the computer that is connected to the cable or DSL modem FIRST using these steps.

You can also use these steps to add computers to your router after your router has been set up

to connect to the Internet.

To manually configure network adapters in Mac OS X:

1

Click the

System Preferences

icon.

2

Select

Network

(1) from the

System Preferences

menu.

3

Select

Built-in Ethernet

(2) next to

Show

in the

Network

menu.

52

Setting up your wireless router

4

Select the

TCP/IP

tab (3). Next to

Configure

(4), you should see

Manually

or

Using

DHCP

. If you do not, check the

PPPoE

tab (5) to make sure that

Connect using

PPPoE

is NOT selected. If it is, you will need to configure your router for a PPPoE

connection type using your user name and password.

5

If

Manually

is selected, your router will need to be set up for a static IP connection

type. Write the address information in the table below. You will need to enter this

information into your router.

6

If not already selected, select

Using DHCP

next to

Configure

(4), then click

Apply

Now

. Your network settings are now configured for use with your router.

Recommended Web browser settings

In most cases, you will not need to make any changes to your Web browser's settings. If you

are having trouble accessing the Internet or the Web-Based Advanced User Interface, then

change your browser's settings to the recommended settings in this section.

Setting up your wireless router

53

To change settings in Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher:

1

Start your Web browser. Open the

Tools

menu, then click

Internet Options

. The

Internet Options

page opens.

2

Click the

Connections

tab.

3

Select

Never dial a connection

. If you cannot make a selection, go to the next step.

54

Setting up your wireless router

4

Click

LAN Settings

. The

LAN Settings

page opens.

5

Make sure there are no check marks next to any of the displayed options:

Automatically detect settings

,

Use automatic configurational script

,

Use a

proxy server

. Click

OK

to close the page, then click

OK

again in the

Internet Options

page to exit.

To change settings in Netscape® Navigator® 4.0 or higher:

1

Start Netscape, then open the

Edit

menu and click

Preferences

. The

Preferences

page

opens.

2

Click

Advanced

, then click

Proxies

.

3

In the

Proxies

area, click

Direct connection to the Internet

, then click

OK

to exit.

Troubleshooting

55

Troubleshooting

Placement of your router for optimal performance

Your wireless connection will be stronger the closer your computer is to your router. Typical

indoor operating range for your wireless devices is between 100 and 200 feet. In the same

way, your wireless connection and performance will degrade somewhat as the distance

between your router and connected devices increases. This may or may not be noticeable to

you. As you move farther from your router, connection speed may decrease.

Factors that can weaken signals simply by getting in the way of your network’s radio waves

are metal appliances or obstructions, and walls.

If you have concerns about your network’s performance that might be related to range or

obstruction factors, try moving the computer to a position between five and 10 feet from the

router in order to see if distance is the problem.

Note

: While some of the items listed below can affect network performance, they will not

prohibit your wireless network from functioning. If you are concerned that your network

is not operating at its maximum effectiveness, this checklist may help.

1. Placement of your router

Place your router, the central connection point of your network, as close as possible to the

center of your wireless network devices.

To achieve the best wireless network coverage for your “wireless clients,” (for example,

computers enabled by Wireless Notebook Cards, Wireless Desktop Cards, and Wireless USB

Adapters):

•

Make sure that your router’s antennas are parallel to each other, and are positioned

vertically (toward the ceiling). If your router itself is positioned vertically, point the

antennas as much as possible in an upward direction.

•

In multistory homes, place the router on a floor that is as close to the center of the

home as possible. This may mean placing your router on an upper floor.

•

Try not to place your router near a cordless 2.4 GHz phone.

2. Avoid obstacles and interference

Avoid placing your router near devices that may emit radio “noise”, such as microwave ovens.

Other objects that can inhibit wireless communication can include:

• Refrigerators

•

Washers or dryers

•

Metal cabinets

•

Large aquariums

•

Metallic-based, UV-tinted windows

If your wireless signal seems weak in some spots, make sure that objects such as these are

not blocking the signal’s path between your computers and router.