Set up a wired network

Wired networks are the best way to connect your desktop computer to the Internet and to other computers in your home. While wireless networks offer flexibility for portable computers, wired networks offer unbeatable performance, reliability, and security.

If you have a single computer, connecting to the Internet is as simple as plugging a network cable into your computer and your modem. If you have more than one computer, you need to connect a router between your modem and your computers. If one (or more) of your computers is in a different room from your router, you can use a network extender to connect the computer.

Connect a single computer to the Internet

To connect your computer to your Internet connection using a wired network

1.	Contact an Internet service provider (ISP) and have them configure an Internet connection to your home. . If possible, have your ISP place the modem in the room with your computer.
2.	Determine if your computer has a network adapter, and add one if necessary.
3.	Shut down your computer by clicking Start, and then clicking Turn Off Computer. Then click Turn Off.
4.	Connect the network cable supplied by your ISP to your network adapter.
5.	Connect the other end of the network cable to your modem.
6.	Start your computer and log on to Microsoft Windows. Windows automatically detects that you are connected to the Internet.

Connect multiple computers to the Internet

To connect more than one computer to the Internet, you need a router. A router (which might also have wireless networking built in) allows you to connect several computers to each other and to the Internet. The router sits between your computers and the modem provided by your ISP. You connect the router to the modem, and then connect all your computers to the router.

To connect a router and multiple computers to the Internet

1.	Contact an Internet service provider (ISP) and have them configure an Internet connection to your home. .
2.	Connect your router to your modem in one of the two following ways: • If you currently have a computer connected directly to your modem: Unplug the network cable from the back of your computer, and plug it into the port labeled Internet, WAN, or WLAN on the back of your router. • If you don't currently have your computer connected to the Internet: Plug one end of a network cable (included with your router) into your modem, and the other end of the network cable into the Internet, WAN, or WLAN port on your router.
3.	Plug in your router. After a minute or two, the Internet, WAN, or WLAN light on your router should light up, indicating that it has successfully connected to your modem.
4.	Determine whether your computer has a network adapter, and add one if necessary.
5.	Shut down your computer by clicking Start and then clicking Turn Off Computer. Then click Turn Off.
6.	Connect the network cable to your computer's network adapter.
7.	Connect the other end of the network cable to your network equipment.
8.	Start your computer and log on to Windows. Windows automatically detects that you are connected to the Internet.
9.	Repeat steps 6, 7, and 8 for each one of your computers.

Now that you have your computers networked, you can do much more than access the Internet. Computers can share files and printers, and you can play network games on them.

Connect computers in different rooms to the Internet

If you have a computer in a different room from your Internet connection and want to connect it to the Internet, you can extend your wired network across your home's power lines using a wall-plugged network extender kit. Wall-plugged network extender kits offer an alternative to wireless networks. For more information about choosing a network type.
To connect a computer in a different room in your house

1.	Determine whether your computer has a network adapter, and add one if necessary.
2.	Shut down your computer by clicking Start and then clicking Turn Off Computer. Then click Turn Off.
3.	In the room with your computer, plug one wall-plugged network extender kit into a wall power outlet (not a power strip or extension cord).
4.	Connect a network cable to the wall-plugged network extender kit.
5.	Connect the other end of the network cable to your computer.
6.	In the room with your modem, router, or switch, plug one wall-plugged network extender kit into a wall power outlet (not a power strip or extension cord).
7.	Connect a network cable to the wall-plugged network extender kit.
8.	Connect the network cable to your modem, router, or switch.
9.	Start your computer and log on to Windows. Windows automatically detects that you are connected to the Internet.

Your wired connection to the Internet is now ready, and you can browse the Web reliably and securely.

Source :
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/setup/wired.mspx