Setting up a Network Connection for Small Business
When it comes to running a small business, it is vitally important for all computers to directly communicate with one another. This is a much more efficient use of time than running between computer stations, transferring data via USB drives and connecting individual printers to each computer. Instead, this can all done with a network connection. By initiating a network connection for a small business, all systems share the same information, so no matter what computer you are working on, it is possible to access the same data as when you worked on a different station the day before. Plus, all the computers share the same hardware, so you save money for your small business on printers and scanners.
Connect Hardware for Network Connection
For starters, you need an Internet modem. Your Internet carrier typically provides this modem, but if not, you can purchase a modem from your local electronics store. Additionally, you also need a wireless router. The router is what allows the hardware to connect to the same network. With the necessary hardware on hand, plug an Ethernet cable into one of the “Out” ports on the rear of the Internet modem. Once the cable snaps into place, insert the other end into the “WAN” port on the wireless router. This sends the wireless Internet signal into the router, which then distributes the information to all wireless devices.
Set up Network Connection for Small Business
With the hardware connected, insert the small installation CD into one of the computers you want on the network. The software should then start installing automatically. With the software appears on screen, you are prompted to create a network name and login password. You can select whatever you want at this point. Type in the desired information and save it to your network connection. Save the input information and exit out of the network configuration page. Power on any of the computers you want connected to the network, and then click the wireless icon (this is usually found in the lower right corner of a PC and upper right corner for a Mac). Select the network name you just created, then type in the created password and the computers connect to the newly created network.
Picture copyright – Vladislav Kochelaevs – Fotolia