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Preparing Your Network C-1
December 2003
Appendix C
Preparing Your Network
This appendix describes how to prepare your network to connect to the Internet through the 54
Mbps Wireless Router WGR614 v4 and how to verify the readiness of broadband Internet service
from an Internet service provider (ISP).
Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking
Computers access the Internet using a protocol called TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/
Internet Protocol). Each computer on your network must have TCP/IP installed and selected as its
networking protocol. If a Network Interface Card (NIC) is already installed in your PC, then TCP/
IP is probably already installed as well.
Most operating systems include the software components you need for networking with TCP/IP:
•Windows
®
95 or later includes the software components for establishing a TCP/IP network.
• Windows 3.1 does not include a TCP/IP component. You need to purchase a third-party TCP/
IP application package such as NetManage Chameleon.
• Macintosh Operating System 7 or later includes the software components for establishing a
TCP/IP network.
• All versions of UNIX or Linux include TCP/IP components. Follow the instructions provided
with your operating system or networking software to install TCP/IP on your computer.
Note: If an ISP technician configured your computer during the installation of a
broadband modem, or if you configured it using instructions provided by your ISP, you
may need to copy the current configuration information for use in the configuration of
your firewall. Write down this information before reconfiguring your computers. Refer
to “Obtaining ISP Configuration Information for Windows Computers” on page C-19 or
“Obtaining ISP Configuration Information for Macintosh Computers” on page C-20 for
further information.