Computer Networking

A modem (modulator-demodulator)

See below links.

Yes. In most cases you can reset your D-link DP-300 series or DP-301 series print server yourself even if you don't know the password or IP. This comes in handy in situations such as when the server has made up its own password after being connected to a new router.

Cross your fingers and try the following steps...

1) Install the psadmin software if you have not already. If you have lost the psadmin software then search for it on the web.

2) Start the psadmin software and click "factory reset".

3) If the software demands a password, try "SYSxxxx", where xxxx stands for the last four digits of the MAC address located on the underside of your server. (Example: if your MAC address were "63 XE 29 44 F2 96", then your password would be SYSF296.)

4) Click yes to confirm the reset.

5) Follow the non-intuitive instructions provided with your server to set it up again. (Note that a Quick Install Guide will likely be more useful than a manual for this step. If you have lost your Quick Install Guide then try downloading it from D-link's website, http:/www.dlink.com/default.aspx Locate your model via "product quick find" or "find your product" then click on "support resources" and look for a quick installation guide.)

Good luck!

This is a great question. I ping a lot just to find out if I have a working internet connection.

Open a command prompt.

If you don't know open to open a command prompt, see below at 1.

Type "ping yahoo.com" without the quotes, hit enter.

if you do not see time-out replies, you have a connection to www.yahoo.com.

1.

type in cmd in the box that opens and hit enter

type in ipconfig /all in the windows that opens and hit enter

scroll down/up to find Wireless Networking Connection

you will find the Mac address on the line with Physical Address

Select all programs

Select accessories

Select command prompt

type in ipconfig /all in the windows that opens and hit enter

scroll down/up to find Wireless Networking Connection

you will find the Mac address on the line with Physical Address

Select all programs

Select accessories

Select command prompt

type in ipconfig /all in the windows that opens and hit enter

scroll down/up to find Wireless Networking Connection

you will find the Mac address on the line with Physical Address

Explain the classes of IP address

IP addresses are organized into classes. For convenience of humans, IP addresses are expressed in the decimal format. Every number in each class is represented as binary to computers.

The four numbers in an IP address are known as 'octets'. Each of them has eight bit positions. The octets are divided into two sections: Net and Host. The first octet represents Net for identifying the network and the Host contains the last octet. There are five IP classes.

Class A: The class A is used for very large networks. There are 1 to 126 are part of this class. That means there are 126 Class A networks. Class A networks accounts for half of the total available IP addresses.

Class B: It is used for medium size networks. The IP address with a first octet from 128 to 191 is part of this class. Class B networks have a first bit value of 1 and a second bit value of 0 in the first octet.

Class C: Class C is used for small to middle size networks. IP address with a first octet starts from 192-223. Class C networks have a first bit value of 1, second bit value of 1 and a third bit value of 0 in the first octet.

Class D: It has first, second and third bit value as 1 and the fourth bit as 0. The other 28 bits are used for identifying the group of computers which is intended for multicast messages.

Class E: Class E is used for identification purpose. The four bits value is 1. The other 28 bits are used for identifying the group of computers which is intended for multicast messages.

The best router technical support for each brand of router is the support team of each manufacturer. They provide their support services for free and know their products inside and out, so they are able to resolve any problems that arise.

In my professional experience, I have found TP-Link to be the most helpful and most willing to assist with any problems that have arisen, even going so far as to create a custom firmware version to resolve a unique configuration issue for one of my clients.

As far as brands of routers to avoid, in my experience Asus and Belkin routers have been the worst in terms of longevity and reliability. While other brands (even off-brands such as Buffalo) have their issues and are not as user-friendly or as stable as the top-tier brands (TP-Link, Cisco/Linksys, Trendnet, D-Link, Netgear), they at least tend to remain fully functional for years. Asus and Belkin routers, as I have found in various client environments--both business and residential, tend to start having problems in as little as six months, sometimes making it to a year or so and all have needed to be replaced within no more than three years due to complete failure (no power, no lights, dead as a doornail).

I hope this helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to drop me a line. If you happen to be in the northeast Kansas area, let me know and I will be glad to have my company give you professional assistance if you wish.