User's Manual

Page 16 of 36
2BDF0-020017 REV.00
Network Setup
Many books have been written about the subject of networking. Therefore, this section is only intended to
provide a brief overview of how Digital Media Player works in a home network environment and covers
only those issues essential to setting up a proper network for using Digital Media Player.
Do You have a Network
If you have a single PC and you connect to the Internet with a phone line, chances are you do not have a
network. At a minimum, you will need a network interface card (NIC) for your PC, or a USB-to-802.11g/b
dongle. You can then attach the Digital Media Player to your PC. See “Wired with Crossover Cable
Connection” on page 23.
If you have a single PC and you connect to the Internet with a cable or DSL modem, check your modem
connection. If the modem has only one network jack, you still don’t have a network. You will need to
purchase a different modem or add a router to your network.
Note: You can create a network of PCs without access to the Internet. The Internet is simply a
common reason to network PCs together.
If you have multiple PCs and can share files between them, or all of the PCs can access the Internet
through a cable or DSL modem, then you do have a network. However, you will need to determine
how your server PC (the PC running the media server software) is assigned a network address.
Hubs, Routers, and Switches
When PCs are networked together, each PC is attached to a central “box” with 4, 8, 16, or more
connections. This box is either a hub, a router, or a switch. They all operate in a similar way, with one
important different: a router will assign a network address dynamically, while a hub or switch will not.
Network Address: Static or Dynamic
A PC (or any network device) is either assigned a network address manually (a static address), or another
device on the network (a DHCP server or router) assigns the address dynamically.
To determine your address settings under WindowsP
®
P
XP:
• Click on Start
• Click All Programs, then Accessories, then Command Prompt
• At the prompt, type ipconfig/all
• Look for the line Dhcp Enabled (you may have to scroll back to see it)
To determine your address settings under WindowsP
®
P
Me:
• Click on Start
• Click Run…
• At the prompt, type winipcfg and click OK
• Click Details… button
• Look for the line DHCP Sercer (if it has an address, DHCP is enabled)
If DHCP is enabled, you have a DHCP server on your network. See “Wired with Dynamic Address” on
page
22.
If DHCP is not enabled, you will need to assign a static address to your Digital Media Player. Take note of
the IP Address and Subnet Mask listed by the ipconfig utility, and see “Wired with Static Address” on
page 23.
Note: If you cannot tell how your network addresses are assigned, then try dynamic address (
DHCP) first. The Digital Media Player will display an error message if it is unable to dynamically
configure its address.
Overview of Home Networks
A Home Network lets you transfer files between PCs as well as share hardware and Internet connections
among several users. If you don’t have a network, you can set one up with a network starter kit, which
typically includes all of hardware and software you’ll need for a small network. Be sure to get a kit that
supports the Windows Plug and Play (PnP) standard, which makes it easier to install the driver software.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Client Protocol) Server
The easiest way for a device to get an IP address is to have it automatically assigned one by another device
, such as a PC or router, so you don’t have to do it manually. If you’re using a cable modem or DSL, cable/
DSL routers typically act as DHCP servers. You can also configure a PC as a DHCP server, as described
in
any good home networking manual.