Most Internet radios have a WiFi Wireless network connection; some also have a wired Ethernet connection.
You should check the specification of each radio to see exactly which network connections each product offers. There are links underneath each product on the Internet radio page to help with this.
Assuming the radio you are interested in has a WiFi connection you will need to have a wireless router, or wireless access point installed in your home (NOT bluetooth), connected to a broadband Internet connection.
If you just have an ADSL modem connected to a single computer, you will need to buy and install a WiFi wireless router. A router enables more than one piece of equipment to be connected to a home broadband connection.
There are a number of ways that a home network can be configured. Understanding how your home network is configured will help you easily connect your Internet radio to your home broadband connection.
If enabled DHCP generally makes life much simpler when connecting equipment to your home broadband connection. DHCP automatically assigns an IP address and other settings to your equipment (PC and Internet radios). IP settings can be applied manually, but you will need to look at the User Manual for your products to see how to do this. Typically, routers come with DHCP enabled by default, but you should check the routers User Guide.
Routers have NAT software included in them. It is what makes them different to a simple network switch. NAT is required when you want to connect more than one piece of equipment to your home broadband connection. NAT converts the IP addresses of your network connected equipment at home, into the IP address that has been allocated to you by your ISP. Your ISPs IP address allocation for your home broadband connection is nearly always performed using DHCP.
WiFi networks can optionally have a security key, to prevent unauthorised use ( i.e. to prevent your neighbour from connecting to the internet using your wireless connection). There are three basic types of security relevant to home broadband.
(1) WEP
(2) WPA 1 (TKIP) with PSK and
(3) WPA 2
The first two security types are generally supported by Reciva technology, but please check the information about each particular radio first. Where security has been enabled, you will be asked to enter the network key via the radios controls the first time you connect to a network. The radio will remember the key for future use.
Typically, the Internet radios for sale on the Netsets web site support 802.11(b) and 802.11(g) wirless. One of these two WiFi standards are nearly always supported by Home wirless routers.
If you are configuring your router for the first time, make sure you know exactly what you are doing before changing any of the settings. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) should be able to advise you of the exact settings required for your wireless router.If you are considering changing settings from default settings, It is worth calling them to find out exactly what settings are required.
There is a comprehensive HELP section on the Reciva web site, that can assist you should you have problems making your radio work.
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