If you have a general knowledge of hardware and software you may be able to get your network on line quickly, without reading the rest of this tutorial. We assume that you have purchased a broadband router with at least four switch ports.

Get one computer working on the high speed connection.

1. By a modern 10/100 MB Ethernet card, also called a NIC. They cost under $25.
2. Install the NIC. Use the setup diskette or CD to make it function.
3. Ensure that the NIC is bound to IP and that it is set to obtain an IP address automatically.
4. Follow the setup procedure furnished by your cable or DSL provider. Ensure the connection works properly.
5. Ensure that you know how to get back to this state in case you need to troubleshoot the connection.

Build your network.

1. Install a NIC in each additional computer. Set the NIC to obtain an IP address automatically.
2. Assign each computer to the same workgroup. Each computer must have a unique name.
3. Connect each computer to a switch port on the router.
4. Connect the cable or DSL modem to the WAN port on the router.

Set up your router.

1. Read the router instruction manual to learn how to access the router setup.
2. If you are using cable, you need to set the router up for a direct connection. If you are using DSL with line sharing you will need to set up a PPPoE connection, furnishing your user ID and password. If your ISP provides a direct setup then use direct, not PPPoE.
3. Find the router's MTU setup option and set it to 1492.
4. Set the router to be a DHCP server, which means it will assign IP addresses to your network.

Test the network.

1. Power cycle the modem.
2. Bring up your browser on a computer. Go to the setup option and set it to use a LAN connection with automatic detection of a proxy server. Skip the other options, i.e., setting up an e-mail account.
3. See if you can reach a well known Website such as www.MSN.Com.
4. If you can, set up the browsers on the other computers.
5. If they all work, congratulations!