1 Overview

1.1 This subsection describes how to create your network by connecting PCs and laptops to the OfficeConnect device.

The PCs and laptops you are going to connect to the device should have been set up and configured first. If they are not, refer to the section Setting Up a PC.

To connect to the OfficeConnect device you need:

  • The OfficeConnect device and power adapter and the user guide that accompanies it.
  • The rubber pads if it is to stand on a horizontal surface.
  • A 'straight-through' (the most common type) Category 5 twisted-pair cable.

Category 5 twisted-pair cables are not telephone cables. The network will not work with telephone cables.

1.2

  • If your OfficeConnect device is not positioned and powered on, go to Positioning the device.
  • If your OfficeConnect device is already positioned and powered on, go to Connecting the new unit.
  • If the OfficeConnect device does not have enough ports, use this subsection to connect some of the PCs and laptops to the device, leaving one port free to connect another OfficeConnect unit. Then refer to the subsection Adding Another Hub or Switch for guidance on connecting another OfficeConnect unit to the current one.
  • If you wish to connect a coaxial network to the OfficeConnect device, go to the subsection Connecting to utp Network.

 

2 Positioning the device

2.1 The first task is to decide on a location for the device within cabling distance of a power outlet and all the PCs and laptops that you are going to connect to it.

Make sure that it is in a secure place where it will not be knocked or disturbed easily. If you want to place the device on a horizontal surface (such as a table), stick the rubber pads to the underside of the device, as described in the user guide that accompanies the device.

If you want to wall mount the device, refer to the user guide that accompanies the device.

OfficeConnect user guides can be found in the Manuals section of this CD.

2.2 Connect the device's power adapter to the power outlet and the device's power socket. The device's LEDs should light briefly as it powers on. Afterwards, the green PWR LED should remain lit and the orange Alert LED should be off:

  • If the green PWR LED is on and the Alert LED is off, the device is ready for use. Go to Connecting the new unit.
  • If the green PWR LED is off, or the orange Alert LED is on, there is a problem with the device or its power adapter.

3 Connecting the new unit

3.1 If the device is positioned and powered correctly you are ready to connect your PCs and laptops.

To connect the PCs and laptops to the device:

Ensure that the device is powered on.

If the device is already a part of an active network, you can connect the new PCs and laptops to it without affecting the network.

3.2 For each PC, take a 'straight-through' Category 5 twisted-pair cable. For each PC, connect one end of the cable to the appropriate socket on the PC's NIC in the back of the PC.

3.3 Connect the other end of the cable to an RJ-45 port on the back of the OfficeConnect device. Keep the Uplink/Normal (MDI/MDI-X) port free unless no other ports are available. This is usually the highest numbered port on the device and can be used for expansion unless no other ports are available.

3.4 For each laptop, take a suitable PCMCIA cable with an RJ-45 connector. Connect the PCMCIA end of the cable to the appropriate socket on the PCMCIA card in the laptop and power on the laptop.

3.5 Connect the other end of the cable to an RJ-45 port on the back of the OfficeConnect device.

Keep the Uplink/Normal (MDI/MDI-X) port free. This is usually the highest numbered port on the device and can be used for expansion unless no other ports are available.

Ensure that all the PCs and laptops are powered on.

3.6 On the front of the device, check that the Port Status LEDs are lit for the ports that you have used.

If you have used the Uplink/Normal port on the device, push the Uplink/Normal switch in and out (located on the back of the device) until the appropriate LED lights (the port is now an Normal port).

  • If all of the appropriate LEDs are lit, go to Checking the new network connections.
  • If some of the LEDs are not lit for ports that you have used, there is a problem with those connections. Go to Hub or Switch LEDs Indicate a Problem.

4 Checking the new network connections

4.1 The computers and laptops should now be connected via your OfficeConnect device.

To check the new network connections:

Ensure all of the PCs and laptops are powered on.

4.2 For one of the PCs or laptops:

In the Windows desktop, double-click My Network Places icon.

4.3 In My Network Places window, from the View menu select Refresh.

The Network Neighborhood window should contain an icon for each PC and laptop in the network (including the new PCs and laptops you have just connected):

  • If all of the new PCs and laptops are shown they are ready to use on the network.
  • If some of the new PCs and laptops are not shown, the Network Neighborhood has not been updated. Go on to the next page to ensure that they are connected correctly.

4.4 If your new PCs and laptops are not all shown in the Network Neighborhood:

From the Start menu choose Find and then Computer.

 

4.5 In the Find: Computer dialog box specify the name of one of the PCs or laptops that is missing and click Find Now.

Windows searches for the PC or laptop. If it is found it is displayed in the listbox that has appeared and that PC or laptop is ready for use on the network.

Repeat this step for every PC and laptop not shown in the Network Neighborhood.

Close the Find: Computer dialog.

4.6If any of the PCs or laptops were still not found there is a problem with the network setup for those PCs and laptops.

If PCs and laptops that were found in the Find: Computer dialog are still not shown in the Network Neighborhood do not worry. The Network Neighborhood is sometimes slow to show changes in the network.

4.7 There are number of things you may want to do now or in the future as you expand and improve your network:

  • If you want to add more PCs and laptops follow the tasks in Setting up a PC for each PC and laptop.
  • If you want to add a printer to your network go to Adding a Printer.
  • If you are expanding your networkand want to connect another OfficeConnect unit the the current OfficeConnect device go to the subsection Adding Another Hub or Switch.
  • If you wish to set up file sharing, e-mail or IP go to Using Your Network.

 

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