Print an Expertek Tip: TCP/IP (Internet) Basics:

Some basics of IP networking, including important info about cable modems.

The IP (or internet) protocol is essential to internet working properly. Without all the proper settings, your connection will fail. Each computer connection requires the following components:

• a working Network card, commonly referred to as a NIC (network interface card) connected via Ethernet
• IP - In the form xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx (ie. 192.168.1.100)
• Netmask - Defines the subnet your PC resides on. Usually in the format 255.255.255.xxx where x is a special binary derivative.
• Gateway: This IS the connection off your subnet and is also your Modem's IP. (typical IP address [using examples above]: 192.168.1.1)
• DNS: This critical component is how your machine turns URLs (like www.yahoo.com) into an IP address (one of Yahoo's many IPs = 66.94.234.13) on the web.

To view these settings, open a DOS prompt by clicking, START, RUN, then type in 'cmd' and press enter or click OK. At the blinking cursor, type 'ipconfig' and press enter. You may have to scroll up to see all the items.

A note on cable modems:

It is important to know that these devices TYPICALLY only give out ONE IP address per power cycle. This is important to know if you don't have a router and periodically power down your PC. to get the connection going again, you will have to power cycle the modem by pulling the power out of it for AT LEAST 10 seconds. Then plug it back in, wait a minute and check the lights and if all looks green, see if your connection is working.