A computer network provides connectivity between your computer and the Internet, another computer, or a peripheral such as a printer. For example, with a network set up in a home or small office, you can:
Print to a shared printer.
Access drives and files on another computer.
Share files.
Browse other networks.
Access the Internet.
You can set up a local area network (LAN) using a broadband modem and network cables, or you can set up a wireless LAN (WLAN) using a wireless router or access point.
A Network Connections Wizard guides you through the process of setting up a computer network and connecting to other networks.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about networks, see Windows Help and Support: click Startor® Help and Support.
Local Area Networks (LAN)
1
Cable
2
Router
3
Modem
4
Internet
A local area network (LAN) connects two or more computers with each other through a network cable connected to each computer. This type of computer network generally covers a small area. A LAN can be connected to another LAN over any distance through telephone lines and radio waves to form a wide area network (WAN).
What You Need to Set up a LAN
Cable or DSL broadband modem with Internet access established. For information on broadband connection, see Broadband Access.
Router — A router connects computers and peripherals on the network to each other, allowing the computers to share Internet access provided by the broadband modem. A router has multiple ports, each supporting one computer or one peripheral such as a printer.
Network cables — Use either CAT 5 or CAT 5e cables.
Network interface card
Broadband Access
Broadband access provides much faster data transfer rates than dial-up access. Broadband access is particularly suited to e-mailing large digital photographs, downloading music, or viewing streaming videos.
What you Need for Broadband Access
You can choose between two specific types of broadband access offered by ISPs—cable and DSL. DSL broadband access is marketed by telephone companies, but it is not available at all locations. If you have cable television access, you can obtain cable broadband access through your cable provider.
You must connect your computer or computer network to a cable modem or DSL modem for broadband access. You can purchase your own broadband modem or use the ISP's modem for a monthly equipment fee added to your monthly service charge.
Your computer must have a network interface card.
Your existing phone line or cable television line is used to provide the broadband service; a new line is not required.
Setting up a new LAN
The following steps are general guidelines for setting up a typical LAN. See the documentation provided with your router for specific details.
Setting up the Hardware
Contact your Internet service provider (ISP) to obtain specific information
about the connection requirements for your broadband modem.
Ensure that you have Internet access through your broadband modem.
Install any software required for your router. Your router may have been
shipped with installation media, which usually contains installation and
troubleshooting information. Install the required software according to the
instructions provided by the router manufacturer.
Connecting to the Network
From your computer's Control Panel, click Network and Internet connections®Network and Sharing Center.
The Network Connection Wizard may start automatically, or you may have to click an option for setting up a connection or network.
Actual steps may vary based on the operating system installed in your computer. Follow the instructions on the screen.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about connecting your computer to a network, see Windows Help and Support: click Startor ® Help and Support.
Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN)
1
Router
2
Modem
3
Internet
A wireless local area network (WLAN) connects two or more computers with each other and the Internet over the air waves rather than through a network cable connected to each computer.
In a WLAN, a radio communications device (an access point or wireless router) connects the networked computers and peripherals, and provides Internet or network access. The access point or wireless router and the wireless network card in the computer communicate by broadcasting data from their antennas over the air waves.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about WWAN, see Windows Help and Support: click Startor ® Help and Support. Also, see any device guides for the wireless cards that may have come with your computer.
What you Need to set up a WLAN
Broadband Internet access (such as cable or DSL)
A broadband modem
A wireless router
A wireless network card, an integrated wireless adapter, or a wireless USB adapter for each computer that you want to connect to your WLAN
To confirm that your computer has a wireless network card and to determine the type of card, check the order confirmation that you received when you ordered your computer, or use the Device Manager (see Device Manager):
Windows Vista
Click Start, right-click Computer and select Properties.
Under Tasks click Device Manager.
Click Network Adapters.
Windows XP
Click Start, right-click My Computer and select Properties.
Click the Hardware tab.
Click Device Manager®Network Adapters.
Reinstalling Software and Drivers for Your Wireless Network Card
If the software is removed or corrupted, follow the instructions in the user documentation for your wireless network card.
Verify the type of wireless network card installed in your computer and then search for that name on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about how to determine the type of wireless network card that is installed in your computer, see Checking Your Wireless Network Card.
Setting up a new Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
Contact your Internet service provider (ISP) to obtain specific information
about the connection requirements for your broadband modem.
Ensure that you have wired Internet access through your broadband
modem before you attempt to set up a wireless Internet connection.
Install any software required for your wireless router. Your wireless router
may have been shipped with installation media, which usually contains
installation and troubleshooting information. Install the required software
according to the instructions provided by the router manufacturer.
Connecting to a WLAN
NOTE: The following networking instructions do not apply to internal cards with Bluetooth® wireless technology or cellular products.
This section provides general procedures for connecting to a network using wireless technology. Specific network names and configuration details vary.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: To Learn more about connecting your computer to a WLAN, see the device guides that came with your computer or look for related topics in Windows Help and Support: click Startor ® Help and Support.
Windows Vista®
Click Start ®Network.
Click Network and Sharing Center on the navigation bar at the top of the
Network folder.
Click Connect to a network under Tasks.
Select the desired network from the list and click Connect.
Windows® XP
Click Start®Control Panel®Network and Internet
Connections® Network Connections.
Select the desired network from the list and click Connect.
NOTE: Your available selections may differ based on any configuration or changes your may have made to your Start menu.
NOTE: If you select a secure public network, you must enter the network's WEP or WPA encryption key when prompted.
Whenever you log on to your computer within the range of the wireless network that you selected, the same pop-up notifies you of the wireless network connection.
NOTE: Your computer can take several minutes to connect to the network.
Connecting to a Secured Wireless Network (Using WEP or WPA Keys)
If you select a secure network, you must enter the network's WEP or WPA key when prompted. This value is unique to your network and is established when the wireless router is configured. You may be able to obtain this information from your network administrator.
Connecting to a Public WLAN (Hotspot)
If you want to connect to a public wireless network, follow the procedure described in Connecting to a WLAN. Add this network to your lists of available networks and enter any encryption keys if the network is a secured network.
Some computers may even display a pop-up indicating that a public WLAN is within range of your computer.
HINT: Follow the instructions for connecting to a public wireless network one time, and whenever you come into range of the same wireless network, your computer will detect it and connect to it.
Enabling/Disabling the Wireless Card With a Wireless Switch
Your laptop computer may include a wireless switch. You can use this switch to turn your wireless card on or off.
NOTE: By default, the wireless switch is turned Off while shipping your computer. The wireless switch must be turned On to detect and connect to a wireless network.
On some computers, you can also use the wireless switch to scan for a wireless network by sliding and holding the wireless switch in position for a few seconds. Other computers may use a separate button or switch for scanning.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about how to find out if your computer has a wireless switch and where it is located, see your computer's documentation.
Ad Hoc Networks
Ad hoc networks are simple networks that connect two or more computers in close range without the use of a router or access point. Generally ad hoc networks are used for sharing files and playing games. Some of the Dell wireless printers use an ad hoc network to configure the wireless adapter for the printer.
The Windows Vista operating system provides an easy-to-use wizard to help you set up the network.
From the Network and Sharing Center, click Tasks®Setup a connection
or network.
Click Set up a wireless ad hoc (computer-to-computer) network®Next.
The Set up a wireless ad hoc network information screen appears. This screen explains what an ad hoc network is and tells you that your computer must be within 30 feet of the other computers you are connecting to.
Click Next to begin.
Follow the instructions on the screen.
HINT: The ad hoc network does not become active until at least one other computer joins the ad hoc network.
Mobile Broadband (or Wireless Wide Area
Network) Networks
A Mobile Broadband network, also known as a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN), is a high-speed digital cellular network that provides Internet access over a much wider geographical area than a WLAN, which typically covers only from 100 to 1000 feet.
Your computer can maintain Mobile Broadband network access as long as the computer is within a cellular-data coverage zone. Contact your service provider for coverage details.
NOTE: Even if you are able to make a call from your cellular phone in a specific geographical location, that location may not necessarily be within a cellular-data coverage zone.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about Mobile Broadband networks (Wireless Wide Area Networks), see the following resources:
Windows Help and Support: click Startor ® Help and Support
Any device guides for the Mobile Broadband cards that may have come with your computer
Any device guides that may have come on the media that accompanied your card if you purchased it separately.
Establishing a Mobile Broadband Network Connection
NOTE: Depending on your computer, you can use either a Mobile Broadband ExpressCard or Mini Card, but not both, to establish a Mobile Broadband network connection.
To set up a Mobile Broadband network connection, you need:
A Mobile Broadband ExpressCard or Mini Card (depending on your computer's configuration)
An activated Mobile Broadband ExpressCard or activated Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) from your service provider
The Mobile Broadband Card Utility (already installed in your computer if you purchased the card when you purchased your computer, or on the media that accompanied your card if purchased separately from your computer)
If the utility is corrupted or deleted from your computer, see the Mobile Broadband Card Utility user's guide in Windows Help and Support (click Startor ® Help and Support) or the media that accompanied your card, if you purchased it separately.
Checking Your Mobile Broadband Card
Click Startor ® Help and Support.
Search for Computer Information, Use Tools, or System Information to
view your computer information and diagnose problems.
HINT: The Mobile Broadband card is typically listed under Modems on Windows Help and Support.
Connecting to a Mobile Broadband Network
NOTE: These instructions only apply to Mobile Broadband ExpressCards or Mini Cards. They do not apply to internal cards with wireless technology.
Activating Mobile Broadband Service
Before you connect to the Internet, you must activate Mobile Broadband service through your cellular service provider.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about using the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility, see:
The user's guide typically available through Windows Help and Support: click Start or ® Help and Support
The user's guide available on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com
The user's guide available on the media included with your Mobile Broadband card if you purchased the card separately from your computer
Managing the Network With the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility
Click the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility icon in the Windows
notification area to run the utility.
Click Connect.
Follow the instructions on the screen to manage the network connection
with the utility.
HINT: Dell offers an easy method for getting started with Mobile Broadband. Click Start®All Programs®Dell Wireless®Dell Wireless Broadband and follow the instructions on the screen.
WiMAX
NOTE: WiMAX is not supported on all computers.
WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a standards-based telecommunications technology that provides wireless data.
WiMAX enables delivery of last mile wireless broadband access as an alternative to wired broadband like cable and DSL. It is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard, which is also called WirelessMAN and provides fixed and laptop connectivity without the need for direct line-of-sight with a base station. Mobile wireless broadband support is expected in the near future.
WPAN
NOTE: WPAN is not supported on all computers.
WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network) helps interconnect wireless devices centered around your personal workspace.
WPAN technology supports communication over a short distance. Bluetooth, used as the basis for a new standard, IEEE 802.15. is an example of WPAN.
Managing Your Network
Securing Your Network
To protect your network and computer from intrusions, install some of the internet countermeasures that are available to help protect your network from hackers, spyware, and invasion of your privacy.
Secure your router.
If your network's router is unprotected, a hacker can access your computer through your broadband Internet connection.
To improve the security of your network, change the network name and administrator password to unique values using the router configuration software, and change the administrator password periodically.
When setting up the router, enable data encryption. To set up data encryption on the router, use your router's configuration software.
Set up a firewall.
A firewall helps protect computers within the network from unauthorized access from outside the network. Some firewalls also restrict unauthorized transmittal of information from within the network, as in the case of spyware software sending information through the Internet to an unauthorized party.
The Windows Vista and Windows XP operating systems incorporate a firewall. Follow these steps to check that the Windows firewall is enabled:
Click Start®Control Panel®Network and Internet Connections.
Select the Windows Firewall icon.
If the Firewall option is disabled, select this option to enable the firewall.
Use up-to-date software.
Software companies regularly update their products to add security fixes. Install the latest version of your Internet browser and operating systems on all computers on your network, and check for updates regularly.
Securing Your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
Change the Default Router Administrator Password Setting and Default Wireless Network Name (SSID).
Your wireless router uses an administrator password and wireless network name (Service Set Identifier [SSID]), which are set to default values by the router manufacturer.
To improve the security of your wireless network, change the network name and administrator password to unique values using the router configuration software, and change the administrator password periodically.
Set up encryption.
When setting up your wireless router, enable data encryption. The most common types of encryption standards include:
Wired Equivalency Privacy (WEP)
Wireless Protected Access (WPA)
Wireless Protected Access 2 (WPA2)
WPA and WPA2 encryption are more secure than a password-based system because the encryption key changes dynamically.
All hardware on your network must support the same encryption standard.
To set up data encryption on the router, use your router's configuration software.
Set up MAC filtering.
If you configure your wireless router to use MAC filtering, the router will limit access to wireless adapters with MAC addresses that you specify.
Open the Command Prompt window and type ipconfig/all.
Under the wireless network connection, note the 12-character hexadecimal Physical Address value. This value is the MAC address for the computer's wireless adapter.
Repeat step 1 and step 2 on each computer in your network to obtain the MAC address of each computer's wireless adapter.
Run the wireless router's configuration program and enable the MAC filtering option. (This option may also be designated as "Access Control" or a similar term.)
Enter the MAC addresses you obtained in step 2 and step 3.
When you set up the wireless network, specify the same encryption type and encryption key on each wireless device in your network.
Ensuring Security When Using Public Wi-Fi Networks (Hotspots)
Before connecting your computer to a public wireless network, you should configure your computer's network settings to reduce security risks.
Update your software.
Before using public wireless networks, update your operating system and security software with the latest security patches and virus information.
Use a firewall.
If you are using the Windows Vista or Windows XP operating system, ensure that the Windows firewall feature is enabled. See Using a Firewall to Secure Your Computer.
If your operating system does not include a firewall, purchase and install an integrated Internet security software package or, at a minimum, standalone firewall software.
Disable file and print sharing.
Disable file and print sharing before using a public Wi-Fi network connection:
Click Start ®Control Panel.
Double click the Security Center icon, then click the Windows Firewall option.
Select the Exceptions tab on the WindowsFirewallSettings dialog box.
Uncheck File and Printer Sharing and then click OK.
Configure your Windows network security settings for a Public Place.
When you first connect to a wireless network, your computer requires you to specify the type of network, and then configures the firewall settings accordingly. For a public, non-secure network, you should select the Public Place option.
Subscribe to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or secure hotspot wireless service provider.
If you use public wireless access frequently, subscribe to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service or secure hotspot wireless service.
Do not access online financial websites from a public WLAN.
Even if you follow the preceding guidelines, do not access online banking or brokerage websites when using a public WLAN.
Locating Networks With the Dell Wi-Fi Catcher™
Network Locator
Your computer may include a wireless switch. To find out if your computer has a wireless switch and where it is located, refer to the "About Your Computer" section of your documentation.
The wireless switch uses the Dell Wi-Fi Catcher Network Locator to scan specifically for wireless networks in your vicinity.
Scanning for a Wireless Network
On some computers, you can use the wireless switch to scan for wireless networks in your vicinity. To scan for a wireless network, slide and hold the wireless switch in position for a few seconds (see Enabling/Disabling the Wireless Card With a Wireless Switch).
Other computers may use a separate button or switch for scanning. Follow the instructions in the documentation for using the wireless switch or button.
The Wi-Fi Catcher Network Locator functions regardless of whether your computer is turned on or off, or in a sleep mode, as long as the switch is enabled and configured to control Wi-Fi network connections.
NOTE: The light turns on only when the computer is turned off.
Enabling the Network Locator
Because the Wi-Fi Catcher Network Locator may be disabled and not configured for use when your computer is shipped to you, you must first enable and configure the switch to control Wi-Fi network connections. You can accomplish this task through:
Dell ControlPoint Connection Manager
System BIOS, available through the system setup program (see System Setup)
Dell ControlPoint Connection Manager
You can access the Dell ControlPoint Connection Manager from the Dell ControlPoint (DCP) application.
Dell ControlPoint Connection Manager is a network connectivity application that enables you to manage all networking from a single place on your computer. You can use the ControlPoint Connection Manager to manage network types, such as:
Wi-Fi
Mobile Broadband
Dial-up
Ethernet (or "wired")
Bluetooth and UWB
GPS
To access the ControlPoint Connection Manager to enable and configure your computer's Wi-Fi Network Locator feature:
Click the ControlPoint icon (DCP icon) on the taskbar. The Dell
ControlPoint window is displayed.
Click Connection Manager. The Connection Manager Overview window
appears.
From the Connection Manager Overview window, select Manage
Connections and follow the instructions.
For help, click the Connection Manager help? (question mark).
FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about using the Dell ControlPoint application, see the helpavailable from the main ControlPoint screen.
Managing Networked Computers With Intel®
Active Management Technology
For some systems, Dell uses the Intel® Active Management Technology (Intel AMT, or iAMT®) to allow network administrators to manage networked computers. With this technology, administrators can:
Discover and manage computing assets on a network regardless of whether the computer is turned on or off.
Remotely repair systems even after operating system failures — In the event of a software or operating system failure, Intel AMT can be used to access the computer remotely for repair purposes.
Protect networks from incoming threats while keeping software and virus protection up to date across the network
See the Dell™Systems Management Administrator's Guide for details on the use of the Intel® Active Management Technology. This guide is available on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
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