LAN Settings (Static)

In Windows XP, you can access the settings for your Local Area Network (LAN) connection through the control panel. This document is intented as a reference for troubleshooting. This document reflects an alternate method for statically assigning an IP address, which is typically not necessary. For Sonic.net's recommended settings, please see our LAN Settings (DHCP) screenshots.

Note: if you use this alternate setup method while sharing a connection with systems that are using DHCP, networking problems may arise. Customer LANs should either be configured so all systems use DHCP, or none.

Categories

1. Getting to your LAN Settings
2. LAN Properties
3. TCP/IP Properties
   1. IP Settings
   2. DNS Settings
   3. WINS Settings
   4. TCP/IP Options
4. Authentication
5. Advanced Settings

Screenshots

1. Getting to your LAN Settings

   1. First, open your Start menu and click on "Control Panel."

      

   2. Click on "Network & Internet Connections."

      

   3. Click on "Network Connections"

      

   4. Double-click on your Local Area Network connection.

      

   5. You will be shown you current LAN Status. Provided that you system is connected to an active Ethernet device, this should indicate that your connection is enabled. Click on the button labeled "Properties" to review or change your LAN settings.

      

2. LAN Properties

   Your general LAN Properties screen will show you the network device your system is connected to the network through. In this example, a 3Com Ethernet card is being used. To review or change your TCP/IP settings, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click on the button labeled "Properties."

   

3. TCP/IP Properties

   Your TCP/IP Properties window will allow you to specify vital network information such as your IP Address, Gateway Address, Subnet Mask, and DNS Server IP addresses.

   

   1. TCP/IP IP Settings

      Your IP Settings window displays your IP address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway. These settings are supplied to you during the DSL order confirmation process. If you do not what what your IP, Subnet, and Gateway should be, please contact us.

      

   2. DNS Settings

      DNS servers are used by your system to find other servers online. Make sure that both "208.201.224.11" and "208.201.224.33" appear under "DNS server addresses, in order of use." Optionally, enable "Append these DNS suffixes" and add "sonic.net."

      

   3. WINS Settings

      Your Sonic.net connection does not require WINS resolution.

      

   4. TCP/IP Options

      By clicking the button labeled "Properties," you can change your default TCP/IP Filtering options. Excersize caution when changing these settings, as you may filter out legitimate traffic.

      

4. Authentication Settings

   It is unnecessary to enable IIEE 802.1x authentication on a Sonic.net DSL conneciton.

   

5. Advanced Settings

   The default Internet Connection Firewall provides a modicum of network security for your Windows XP system. Be sure to keep your system updated with Windows Update.