Connections and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)WorkCentre® C2424 Copier-Printer6-3Choosing a Connection MethodYou can connect the system to the network via Ethernet or USB. Hardware and cablingrequirements vary for the different connection methods. Cabling and hardware listed below aregenerally not included with your system and must be purchased separately.EthernetEthernet can be used for one or more computers. It supports many printers and systems on anEthernet network.USBIf you are connecting to one computer, a USB connection offers fast data speeds. However, aUSB connection is not as fast as an Ethernet connection. To use USB, PC users must haveMicrosoft Windows 98 SP2, SE, Windows Me, Windows XP or Windows 2000. Macintoshusers must use OS 9.x or later.Connecting via Ethernet (Recommended)An Ethernet connection is recommended because it is faster than a USB connection. It alsoallows the user direct access to CentreWare Internet Services (IS). CentreWare IS provides asimple interface that enables you to manage, configure, and monitor networked systems fromyour desktop using an embedded web server. For complete information about CentreWare IS,click the Help button in CentreWare IS to go to the CentreWare IS Online Help.Network ConnectionDepending on your particular setup, the following hardware and cabling is required forEthernet.■ If you are connecting to one computer, an Ethernet “crossover” RJ-45 cable is required.■ If you are connecting to one or more computers with a hub, an Ethernet hub and twotwisted-pair (category 5/RJ-45) cables are required.■ If you are connecting to one or more computers using a cable or DSL router, a cable orDSL router and two or more twisted-pair (category 5/RJ-45) cables are required. (Onecable for each device.)If you are connecting to one or more computers with a hub, connect the computer to the hubwith one cable, then connect the system to the hub with the second cable. Connect to any porton the hub except the uplink port.TCP/IP and EtherTalk are the most common protocols used with Ethernet. To print using TCP/IP, each computer and system requires a unique IP address. For more information,see "Configuring the Network Address" on page 6-5.Standalone (Cable or DSL) Network ConnectionFor information about setting up a cable or DSL connection for your system, go to the table ofinfoSMART Knowledge Base documents at the end of this section.
