Network & Internet Communications Guide Business PCs
© Copyright 2006 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.
About This Book 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. WARNING! Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions could result in bodily harm or loss of life.
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Table of contents 1 Network Communications Ethernet Network Structure .................................................................................................................. 2 NIC-Based Alerts .................................................................................................................................. 2 Wake-On-LAN Support (WOL) .............................................................................................................
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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.
Ethernet Network Structure All Ethernet networks include some combination of the following elements. Figure 1-1 Ethernet Network Structure (1) Ethernet cable (3) Drop cables (2) Information packets (4) Workstations Refer to the Hardware Reference Guide on the Documentation and Diagnostics CD for network connector identification. NIC-Based Alerts Some NICs feature Alerting Capabilities, which allow a system administrator to monitor the computer over the network remotely.
NOTE NICs featuring Alerting Capabilities comply with Alert Standard Format (ASF) specification 2.0 and support Remote Management and Control Protocol (RMCP) based alerts. ASF 1.0 implementations will not support RMCP due to lack of security in the ASF 1.0 specification. NIC-Based Alerts are enabled and configured by installing the ASF 2.0 agents for the NIC you are using. These are available at http://www.hp.com. ASF alerts can also be enabled and configured using the Common Information Model (CIM).
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.
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. Windows 2000 1. Select Start > Settings > Control Panel. 2. Double-click Network and Dial-up Connections. 3. Right-click Local Area Connection. 4. Click Properties. 5. Click Configure. 6. Click the Advanced tab. 7. Select Link Speed/Duplex Mode in the Property list box. 8.
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.
card, you can easily add one. Refer to the Hardware Reference Guide on the Documentation and Diagnostics CD for installation instructions. Advantages of Wireless Networking Wireless local area networking (WLAN) brings new levels of flexibility and accessibility to your business. The many advantages of wireless networking include: ● There is no need to install labor-intensive and expensive wiring in a workplace. ● Entire workplaces can be added or moved with minimal downtime.
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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.
Content Advisor The Internet provides you with access to a wide variety of information, but some information may not be suitable for every viewer. With Content Advisor, you can: ● Control Internet access ● Set up a password ● Set up a list of Web sites that people who use the computer cannot view ● Adjust the types of content people who use the computer can view with or without your permission Restricting Internet Content Windows XP If you have not previously enabled Content Advisor: 1.
Windows 2000 If you have not previously enabled Content Advisor: 1. On the Windows desktop, select Start > Settings > Control Panel. 2. Double-click Internet Options. 3. Click the Content tab. 4. In the Content Advisor area, click the Enable button. 5. 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. 6. Click OK, then type your password in the Password box.
Solving Internet Access Problems If you encounter Internet access problems, consult the ISP or refer to the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Table 2-1 Solving Internet Access Problems Unable to connect to the Internet. Cause Solution Internet Service Provider (ISP) account is not set up properly. Verify Internet settings or contact the ISP for assistance. Modem is not set up properly. Reconnect the modem. Verify the connections are correct using the quick setup documentation.
Table 2-1 Solving Internet Access Problems (continued) Internet takes too long to download Web sites. Cause Solution 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. Under Device status, verify that the modem is working properly. 8. Under Device usage, verify the modem is enabled.
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