Connection Diagrams

Wiring Diagrams

Basic diagrammatic scenarios are based upon:

	Internet connection via a USB Modem
	Connecting additional telephone sockets

Beware! a certain amount of software configuration must also be carried out before computers and network peripherals are able to operate or communicate with each other. This includes software driver installation for USB modems, and the correct assignment of IP addresses and related parameters for Ethernet networks.

Key to cable types

Connection diagrams:

	USB Modem direct to a single computer
	USB modem via a sharing computer and an ethernet hub to a network
	USB modem via a sharing computer wireless network cards to a wireless network
	ADSL Ethernet router to multiple computers
	Not illustrated (until I find a suitable graphic!) - ADSL wireless hub router to multiple computers via wireless cards

USB Modem

The easiest, and most popular way to get a single computer online with is via a USB modem. The process involves connecting the USB modem to the ADSL side of your micro-filter, and your computer to the USB modem using a standard type A to B USB cable. Software installation procedure will vary depending upon the equipment purchased.

Standard USB connection

Many users choose to share their USB Broadband connection using software such as Microsoft Internet Connection Sharing (ICS). In this scenario, the computer will act as a gateway for other computers to access the Internet via a Local Area Network (LAN).

USB connection shared over a LAN

The same concept can be extended to wireless network cards instead of the more restrictive fixed approach above. This configuration is often referred to as "ad-hoc networking mode" with the sharing computer operating in "infrastructure mode". Most users will find that sharing their USB connection over a wired network is adequate.

USB connection shared over a wireless LAN

Ethernet Router & Local Area Network

The following diagrams show sample configurations for Internet access via an Ethernet router/modem. Many routers feature a 2, 4 or 8 port inbuilt Ethernet hub or switch (a device used to connect computers together). In this scenario, computers can be connected directly to the router. Each computer is wired using a standard Ethernet cable with one end connected to a spare port on the inbuilt hub/switch and the other end connected to the computers network card.

Standard Ethernet network configuration

If your Ethernet router only has 1 network port, or you want to connect more devices to the network than there are available ports, a Ethernet switch can be used in combination with a cross-over cable to extend the size of your network.

Extended Ethernet network configuration

Page last updated Wednesday, 14 January 2004