Gateway M250B, M250ES, M250, M250A, M250E User Manual

Gateway Notebook

Networking Guide

Networking Your Notebook

Wireless networking is the latest advance in
computer communication. With a wireless
home network, you can use your notebook
wherever you like. From the comfort of your
sofa, kitchen, or patio, you can browse the
Internet, send and receive e-mails, transfer files,
and use your printer.

You can even browse the Internet and check
your e-mail when you are away from your home
by connecting to public “hot spots” commonly
available in airports, libraries, book stores, and
coffee shops.

For the computer user on the go, wireless
networking just makes life easier.

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Networking Your Notebook

Wireless networking

A wireless network uses radio waves to communicate. Typically, a wireless
network is made up of an access point, a cable or DSL modem (for Internet
access), and your wireless computers.

An access point is a small electronic device that serves as the central
control point for your network. You connect your modem to the access
point, set up a network connection, then browse the Internet, send
e-mail, share files and folders with other networked computers, and
access other devices, like a printer or scanner.

Cable or DSL
modem

Access point

Buying wireless equipment

For a wireless network you need:

■ Your Gateway notebook with built-in wireless networking

■ A broadband Internet connection

■ An access point

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www.gateway.com

Setting up your wireless network

Tips & Tricks When you buy your access point, make sure it has:

■

IEEE 802.11g support. 802.11g (also known as 54g™)
is the fastest method for wireless communications.

802.11g is compatible with the older IEEE 802.11b
format but not with the competing IEEE 802.11a format.
Make sure that you get the correct format that matches
your notebook.

■

DHCP server/dynamic IP address assignment capability
that makes it easier to set up and access your network.

■

Internet security features like a firewall to keep intruders
out of your network.

■

Wireless security features like SecureEasySetup™ or
128-bit WEP encryption.

If you are not sure what to buy, check out Gateway’s
accessory store at accessories.gateway.com

.

Setting up your wireless network

Setting up your wireless network involves three steps:

1 Make sure your broadband connection works.
2 Set up your access point and network security.
3 Set up your notebook.

Making sure your broadband connection works

Before you change anything about your home setup, make sure that your
broadband connection is working correctly. To test the connection, log
onto the Internet using your current setup. If the connection is not
working, contact your Internet service provider.

Important If you do not have a broadband connection already

installed, make the necessary arrangements with your ISP.
Be sure to find out when the line will be activated. Also
ask your ISP about any specific instructions you need to
follow when you set up your network.

www.gateway.com

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