Connecting Multiple Computers to TWO



What You Need:

1. Broadband access modem (Usually provided by your ISP)‏

2. Workgroup Router

It’s possible to use a network switch rather than a router if your host facility already uses a router. But a router can provide a separate network from that of the host’s network, and is the preferred networking hardware for Internet sharing.

3. Cat5 Ethernet cables

4. AVG Internet Security software with the Firewall configured as ‘Computer in Domain’

Configure Router Security

Settings

The use of Wireless Networking is not permitted at any site for full client/server networking of TaxWise or use with TaxWise Online. If your router does not have wireless capability or it allows the wireless feature to be disabled, you can skip the following Router set-up instructions, unless using wireless printing.

Wireless networking, for the purpose of printer sharing ONLY, is permitted. Since the same router may also be used with wired connections to access TWO, the same security policy is REQUIRED for any router used in the AARP Tax-Aide program.

Router Security Policy

A router is required to be used for connecting multiple computers to an Internet connection. Because some users will use the same router for wireless printer sharing, it is required that all of the following steps be completed to secure any and all wireless routers used in the AARP Tax-Aide program, regardless of the purpose of the network use.

1. Infrastructure[1] network configuration will be used. Ad-Hoc[2] networks are not permitted.

2. Changing the default username and adding a password will protect the wireless router or access point.

3. The manufacturer’s default SSID[3] will be changed to "TAV" (without quotes).

4. WPA[4] encryption will be used.

5. MAC[5] address filtering is optional and adds extra security when used in conjunction with WPA.

6. A wireless network will never be connected such as to allow connection to the Internet while using wireless networking for printer sharing.

7. High power antennae and/or other signal boosters will not be used.

8. Simple File Sharing must be turned off (uncheck that box in Control Panel, Folder options, View Tab).

See the following pages for policy implementation procedures

Due to the large number of different makes and models of wireless equipment it is not possible to address all settings and methods.

It is the responsibility of the TCS and or TC to ensure that policy requirements are met.

This guide is written around the Belkin Model F5D7230-4 Wireless G Router. For other makes and models read the product manual.

1. If the computer you will connect directly to the Router with an Ethernet cable has built-in wireless capability, then turn off the wireless feature (ex: push button on the HP NX6110 laptops). Wireless can also be disabled in network settings. Right click on the wireless connection and select disable.

2. Do not connect the computer to the Router yet.

3. Install the Router software using the manufacturer’s CD. Accept all the defaults.

4. Connect the Router to the computer with an Ethernet patch cable. Caution: Do not use the WAN port on the router to connect your computer. The WAN port is usually clearly identified, and it is used ONLY to connect the Modem.

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5. Using your web browser access the Router by going to the “site” 192.168.2.1 (some routers may use a different address – see Router documentation)

6. Click on Utilities – System Settings. The current password for the Router access is blank.

7. Enter a new password, and confirm it. No other changes are necessary on this screen. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and click “Apply” – the Router will reboot once you click on OK.

8. Login in to the Router using the password just assigned,

9. Click on “Wireless – Channel and SSID”

a. Change the SSID from its default to TAV

b. Click “Apply changes” and reboot the Router again.

10. Login to the Router again

a. Click on “Wireless – security”.

b. Scroll to select a security mode of WPA.

c. Enter either the WPA key.

d. Remember the WPA key – you will need it. If you forget it just log on to the router and look it up.

e. Click "Apply Changes".

11. OPTIONAL - Log in to the Router again and access “Firewall – MAC address filtering”.

a. Check the “Enable MAC address filtering” box.

b. Enter the MAC address of each of the devices that will be allowed to connect to the wireless network. The list of allowed MAC addresses can be updated later.

c. Click Apply changes.

Your Broadband Router is now configured for secure access!

Connecting Computers to TWO

Preparing Your Computers:

1. Windows ‘as installed’ will have all the settings already enabled for connecting to the Internet

2. The following changes are helpful for verifying and troubleshooting if there is a problem:

a. Show Common Tasks:

• Open any folder, such as ‘My Documents’

• From the ‘Tools’ menu select: ‘Folder Options’

• Click to “Show common tasks in folders”

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b. Auto Search and Use Simple File Sharing:

• From the same ‘Folder Options’ window, select the ‘View’ Tab

• The first item in the list should be disabled (un-checked)‏

• The last item in the list should be disabled (un-checked)‏

• Click "Apply" and then "OK"

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Installing the Router

First connect one CAT5 cable from the WAN port of the router to the broadband modem’s connection and power up the router.

If connecting from another router (as in a Library, Senior Center, etc.), not a modem, you should coordinate with the person irresponsible for IT at the site.

You may need to change the IP address on the second router, as the two routers must have different IP addresses, to create a different subnet. If at first you do not have an Internet connection when opening ‘Internet Explorer’, sometime a power cycle of the router will correct the problem.

Example: Library Dhcp router address 192-168-2-1. AARP Router address could be 192.168.5.1 or anything other then the library router. If you are permitted to use the Library network router as a Dhcp server, then Dhcp on the AARP router must be turned off! With Dhcp off you are not in a separate network, and have basically configured your router as a switch.

Connecting the Computers:

Connect one CAT5 cable from the router’s LAN ports to each computer

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3. Congratulations! You are now connected.

▪ To verify your Internet connection simply open the ‘Internet Explorer’

4. To add additional computers, repeat procedures for "Preparing Your Computers" and "Connecting Cables" shown above.

Add a Printer

1. Network-connected Printers

Some printers are “network ready” in that they can be connected using a network cable. For those familiar with networking, this connection can be used. However it is more common that the printer connection be either USB or Parallel. If you are using a network-connected printer, set the printer you will use for TaxWise as the Windows default printer on all computers on your network.

2. Decide which computer will be the Print Server

The computer with the printer directly connected to it using either a parallel printer cable or a USB printer cable will be the Print Server.

3. If the printer driver needs to be installed on the Print Server computer do it now, following the manufacturers instructions, and physically connect the printer. The computer will recognize it. When done, print a test page, just to be sure.

The printer installation process will give the printer a generic name based on the printer model. It is better to give the printer a unique name so it is easy to recognize. If you have a network that has two HP 1022n printers installed, it will be MUCH easier if they each have a unique name rather than both being called “HP LaserJet 1022n” or whatever the default name is. Names should be short and simple. For example LASER1, INKJET3, PRINT2, or something similar. To name the printer, click on Start, move to Settings, then Printers and Faxes. Click Printers and Faxes. Highlight the printer and right click on the name. Click on Rename and type the new name. Press the tab or enter key to finish the name change. Put a label on the printer showing its name (Don’t use a marker pen; it’s almost impossible to get off without damaging the plastic).

4. Share the printer to the network

Right click on the printer name you want to share and select “Sharing.” In the window that opens check “Share this printer.” The printer name will show automatically to whatever it was named in step 2. Set the printer as the Windows default printer. Close Printers and Faxes.

5. Set all the other computers on the network to access the shared printer.

Before setting up the printer on all other computers, the Firewall status must be checked on each computer. If AVG is installed, the Firewall profile being used must be “Computer in Domain” or “Small home or office network” with the LAN network adapter marked “safe.” Open the AVG user interface and look at the Firewall status. If it is not one of these profiles, then see Appendix C for how to configure the Firewall.

Do this on all the connected computers that do not have the printer directly connected:

Click Start, move to Settings, then “Printers and Faxes.” Click on “Printers and Faxes.” Double click on “Add Printer.” The Add Printer Wizard will start (it’s OK to use this Wizard). Click Next. Select “A network printer, or a printer attached to another computer”. Click Next. “Browse for a printer” will be selected. Click Next.

You should see the network information, VOLGROUP, and under VOLGROUP the name of the Print Server Computer. Under that should be the name of the shared printer that you want to add. If a line of information has a tiny + sign double click on it to expand the information. You may need to wait a short while for the two computers to find each other and the printer. If you cannot see the printer, double check the Firewall setting, sometimes turning off the Firewall makes the printer easier to find. Once you see the name of the printer highlight it and click Next.

If you cannot find the printer on the network try shutting down and restarting the computers. Always start the server first.

Windows will give a warning about printer drivers and viruses; just confirm that you want to go ahead. Then click “Finish.” If you disabled the Firewall it should be restarted.

It is a good idea to print a test page from each computer. On each computer, right click on the printer, select properties, and “Print test page.”

Set the printer you will use for TaxWise as the Windows default printer on all computers on your network.

Assistance with any of the above procedures is available from AARP Tax-Aide, 800-424-2277, ext 36099, or email taxaidetech@.

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[1] Infrastructure A wireless network centered about an access point. In this environment, the access point not only provides communication with a wired network but also mediates wireless network traffic in the immediate neighborhood.

[2] Ad Hoc Computers communicate directly with one another without using an access point (AP) or any connection to a wired network.

[3] SSID The SSID is a sequence of up to 32 letters or numbers that is the ID, or name, of a wireless local area network.

The SSID is set by a network administrator and for open wireless networks, the SSID is broadcast to all wireless devices within range of the network access point. A closed wireless network does not broadcast the SSID, requiring users to know the SSID to access the network.

[4] WPA Short for Wi-Fi Protected Access and it is extra strong encryption for Wi-Fi networks.

[5] MAC Media Access Control address, a hardware address that uniquely identifies each node of a network.

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