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TOPIC
How to create a small Ethernet network in your home or office.
DISCUSSION
You can create a small Ethernet network between several computers. This is useful if you have one or more computers at your home or office and want to transfer information between them, or share a printer or DSL (Digital Subscriber Line). And, with an AirPort Base Station, all users on the Ethernet network get access to the Internet.
Setting up the network
To set up a small Ethernet network, you need an Ethernet hub, which is a device that has multiple Ethernet ports. You can purchase an Ethernet hub at an Apple-authorized retailer or electronics retailer.
The built-in Ethernet capabilities of your computer allow you to connect to any standard Ethernet network using 10/100Base-T twisted-pair cables, thin or thick coaxial cables, fiber optic media, or other standard Ethernet cables.
You can connect directly to an Ethernet network that uses 10/100Base-T twisted-pair cable. The use of other cables will require a special transceiver, available from the network vendor or an electronics retailer.
The Ethernet port on the back of your computer is marked with the Ethernet icon:
Figure 1
Ethernet Port
Note:
Do not confuse the Ethernet port with the modem port. Though they look similar, connecting a phone line to the Ethernet port may cause damage to the phone or computer.
Configuring Your Network Connection
After connecting your computer to an Ethernet network, configure the software for your network connection. You can use either the AppleTalk control panel or the TCP/IP control panel, or both.
Use the AppleTalk control panel to set up your connection to an AppleTalk network (that is, a network using the AppleTalk protocol). Use the TCP/IP control panel to set up your connection to the Internet and to a TCP/IP network. TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, a standard system for connections between computers of different types, as well as the Internet.
For help with setting up and using your AppleTalk and TCP/IP control panels, see Mac OS Help.
You may need additional information about the network to which your computer is connected, or about the service through which your computer is connected to the Internet, to configure these control panels properly. To get this information, you may need to contact your network administrator or your Internet service provider.