Computer Networking Expansion - Modem Requirements
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After you have completed the planning stage of your network expansion project, you may need to make some networking adjustments in your DSL or Cable modem to ensure it will meet your new networking requirements. <br>Find the best location for your modem or router. If you have multiple Ethernet devices being connected, it would be best to locate the router in a central location so that running the additional network cables that will be required is less of a burden.<br>If you have a single Ethernet port DSL modem, you should check with your provider to see if a free modem upgrade is available to provide additional PC connection ports. If not, then you will have to purchase a new modem, or purchase a separate router which will provide additional Ethernet ports. If you have a total of 4 PC's that need to be connected, make sure the new modem has at least 4 ports available. If you are considering expansion beyond the 4 initial PC's, make sure your new device has enough ports to cover additional connections.<br>If you purchase an upgraded DSL modem, you may find that a new IP address setting is required. You should confirm this requirement with your DSL provider before proceeding because the new modem will need to be configured with the new IP address. In some cases, you can continue to use your old IP address or allow the new device to use Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to obtain an address automatically. DHCP allows much easier modem configuration because the protocol allows negotiation between the local and remote devices to obtain the IP address automatically.<br>If you purchase a new DSL modem, be sure to record the MAC (Media Access Control) address. This is a unique hardware address which is required for every NIC device manufactured. You will need to provide the MAC address for your new DSL modem to your service provider in order for it to function on the DSL network.<br>If you purchase a separate router instead of replacing your DSL modem, you will have to reconfigure your existing DSL modem to "Bridged Ethernet". This will allow the Ethernet signal to be passed-through the device in order to be managed by your new router. Specific instructions for changing this setting should be provided in the user manual.<br>For Wireless Devices:<br>If you purchased a wireless modem, you will need to secure the Wireless Network from intruders, and disable remote administration unless it is specifically required. If you do not take these steps, then almost anyone in close proximity to your building will be able to access your network wirelessly.<br>Create a unique Service Set Identifier (SSID) code for your wireless DSL modem. Your user manual should describe in detail how to set this ID. Anyone who knows this ID could be able to access your wireless network. You will want to keep this ID secured, and provide it to users only as needed. Wireless modems typically broadcast this ID by default, in order to simplify the process of remote users making a connection to the wireless network. However, for network security purposes it would be best to disable this broadcast feature unless it is specifically required. Your user manual should describe how to disable Wireless Network Name Broadcast.<br>Be sure to record your modem IP Address and administrator password for use when performing administrative functions on your modem.<br>If everything goes as planned, you should be able to proceed with connection, configuration, and testing of all the remaining devices included within your network expansion!
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