Network & Internet Communications Guide Business PCs Document Part Number: 384570-001 May 2005 This guide provides definitions and instructions for using network interface controller (NIC) features that are preinstalled on some models. It also provides information about Internet Service Providers and solving Internet access problems.
© Copyright 2005 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty.
Contents 1 Network Communications Ethernet Network Structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NIC-Based Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wake-On-LAN Support (WOL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interpreting the Network Status Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disabling 802.
1 Network Communications The following items are covered in this section: ■ Ethernet Network Structure ■ Network Interface Controller (NIC)-Based Alerts ■ Wake-On-Lan (WOL) Support ■ Interpreting the Network Status Lights ■ Disabling the Autosensing Capabilities ■ Installing Network Drivers ■ Wireless Networks This section provides information about Ethernet networks and the hardware connectors and software device drivers that allow you to access an Ethernet network.
Network Communications Ethernet Network Structure All Ethernet networks include some combination of the following elements: 1 Ethernet cable 3 Drop cables 2 Information packets 4 Workstations Ethernet Network Structure Refer to the Hardware Reference Guide on the Documentation and Diagnostics CD for network connector identification. 1–2 www.hp.
Network Communications NIC-Based Alerts Some NICs feature Alerting Capabilities, which allow a system administrator to monitor the computer over the network remotely. The computer can send hardware and operating system alerts over the network before the operating system is loaded, while the operating system is loaded, while the computer is in low power states, and when the computer is powered off.
Network Communications Wake-On-LAN Support (WOL) Wake-On-Lan (WOL) can be enabled and disabled in Windows XP and Windows 2000. To enable or disable Wake-On-Lan: Windows XP 1. Select Start > Control Panel. 2. Double-click Network Connections. 3. Double-click Local Area Connection. 4. Click Properties. 5. Click Configure. 6. Click the Power Management tab, then select or clear the check box to Allow this device to bring the computer out of standby. Windows 2000 1. Select Start > Settings > Control Panel.
Network Communications Interpreting the Network Status Lights Some Ethernet network interface controllers include network status lights: ■ Link light—illuminates when the system is physically connected to an active network. ■ Activity light—illuminates when the computer detects network activity. When the system is connected to a highly used network, the activity light will remain on almost constantly. ■ Operating Speed light—illuminates during 1000 Mbps or 100 Mbps operation.
Network Communications Disabling 802.3u Auto-Negotiation Capabilities Auto-Negotiation NICs automatically determine the maximum network operating speed and duplex capabilities of the attached network and configure themselves on the highest common combination. The computer begins Auto-Negotiation whenever it obtains a valid network link, or when the NIC driver is loaded. In addition to determining the network operating speed, the computer determines if full-duplex is supported.
Network Communications 6. Click the Advanced tab. 7. Select Link Speed/Duplex Mode in the Property list box. 8. Change the speed and duplex values to the appropriate values, depending on the capabilities of the network. 9. Click OK. You may be prompted to restart the computer for the changes to take effect. Refer to the documentation provided with the network controller for additional information. and 1000BaseT operation requires the use of CAT5 UTP ✎ 100BaseTX cabling or better (CAT5, CAT5a, CAT6).
Network Communications Wireless Networks A wireless LAN provides the same functionality of a wired network, but it eliminates the need to install networking cables and other networking equipment, making it easier to deploy. A wireless LAN can be configured for two different modes of operation. While each method has its advantages, one may be better suited for your needs. Review the following configuration information to determine which mode is best for you.
Network Communications Additionally, the wireless Infrastructure can provide access to an existing wired LAN. This link allows computers on the Infrastructure wireless LAN to access the other wired LAN’s resources and tools, including Internet access, email delivery, file transfer, and printer sharing. HP can provide all of the installation services you need to extend your wired LAN with a wireless LAN.
Network Communications ■ A WLAN can often be installed faster and more cost-effectively than a wired network. ■ Additional computers can be added to a WLAN quickly and with minimal cost. ■ WLANs are potentially easier to maintain and manage than wired networks. ■ Wireless local area networks give workers the freedom to access real-time business information anytime and anywhere within your office or campus environment. For more information on wireless networks, go to www.hp.
2 Internet Communications The following items are covered in this section: ■ Choosing an Internet Service Provider ■ Content Advisor ■ Solving Internet Access Problems Choosing an Internet Service Provider An Internet service provider (ISP) provides you with access (dial-up, cable, DSL, or wireless) and software you need to connect to the Internet. Most ISPs also offer e-mail, access to newsgroups, space to create Web pages, and technical support.
Internet Communications ■ ISPs typically offer a variety of service plans for different customers’ needs. Be sure to review and compare plans, services offered, and price to find the provider that is right for you and your needs. Content Advisor The Internet provides you with access to a wide variety of information, but some information may not be suitable for every viewer.
Internet Communications If you have previously enabled Content Advisor: 1. Select Start > Control Panel. 2. Double-click Internet Options. 3. Click the Content tab. 4. To change the settings: a. Click the Settings button. Type your password and click OK. b. Click a category in the list, then drag the slider to set the limits you want to use. Repeat this process for each category you want to limit. 5. To disable Content Advisor: a. Click the Disable button. Type your password and click OK. b.
Internet Communications 4. To change the settings: a. Click the Settings button. Type your password and click OK. b. Click a category in the list, then drag the slider to set the limits you want to use. Repeat this process for each category you want to limit. 5. To disable Content Advisor: a. Click the Disable button. Type your password and click OK. b. A dialog box will inform you that Content Advisor has been turned off. Click OK.
Internet Communications Solving Internet Access Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Unable to connect to the Internet. (continued) The CAT5 UTP cable is disconnected. Connect the CAT5 UTP cable between the cable modem and the computer’s RJ-45 connector. (If the connection is good, the “PC” LED light on the front of the cable/DSL modem will be on.) IP address is not configured properly. Contact your ISP for the correct IP address. Cookies are corrupted.
Internet Communications Solving Internet Access Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Internet takes too long to download Web sites. Modem is not set up properly. Verify that the correct modem speed and COM port are selected. Windows XP 1. Select Start > Control Panel. 2. Double-click System. 3. Click the Hardware tab. 4. In the Device Manager area, click the Device Manager button. 5. Double-click Ports (COM & LPT). 6. Right-click the COM port the modem uses, then click Properties. 7.
Internet Communications Solving Internet Access Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Internet takes too long to download Web sites. (continued) Modem is not set up properly. (continued) Verify that the correct modem speed and COM port are selected. (continued) Windows 2000 1. Select Start > Settings > Control Panel. 2. Double-click System. 3. Click the Hardware tab. 4. In the Device Manager area, click the Device Manager button. 5. Double-click Ports (COM & LPT). 6.
