Router Setup

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One common problem for users setting up a small network with a router is Windows' built-in ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) feature. ICS is great for networks that do not have a router. With ICS, one computer is outfitted with two network adapters: one connects to the modem, the other connects to a different computer sharing the modem with the host computer. ICS then acts as a gateway to the network. If you later switch to a router system where all of the computers plug in to the same hub, ICS is no longer necessary and interferes with the network connection.

To turn ICS off, return to the window that lists your network connections. Right-click the network adapter icon and choose Properties. Click the Advanced tab and deselect the ICS checkbox.

Next, make sure the former ICS host machine is set up to use the router like any other machine on the network. Typically, a network router assigns IP addresses to computers as they log into the system. Most routers come with a software setup routine that makes the necessary changes to your system automatically. If not, go to the Network Connections screen described above that lists your computer's IP address. Click the option to obtain an IP address automatically from the DHCP server. Click through the OKs to save the change and reboot the system.