home network

1

Home Network

How to Set Up a

- - Table of Contents - -

How to use this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Learn h s PDF to its fullest potential, taking advantage of the linked table of contents. Also contains a description of features and a general order of topics.

If you already have an established network, this section provides a quick shortcut to common

From si

e ram also has a “Configure” ection that lets you sk tasks you can accomplish with that network.

ow to use thi

2

Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

network tasks throughout the guide. It allows you to skip directly to what you want to know.

Home Networking Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Detailed descriptions and photos of everything you’ll find on a home network, including routers and cabling.

Home Network Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

mple two-computer networks to more complex wired/wireless networks and everything in n, these diagrams allow you to see the “big picture”. Each diagbetwe

s ip to specific

TCP/IP Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

If you find yourself in a foreign country, you’ll do much better if you know how to speak

you’ll get up and running quickly with the step by step screenshots in this section.

overing the basics all the way to actually configuring wireless routers, access points, and

File and Printer Sharing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

cedures of first sharing out files or printers, then accessing them from another

ways of accessing

the language. TCP/IP is the language of home networks, and you’ll get the essentials here. Learn how to find out your IP address and much more.

Share your Internet connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

With or without a router, learn how to share the Internet among all of your computers. Broadbandor dialup,

Wireless networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Ccomputers, this section explains wireless in a straightforward manner. Don’t have a wireless router? Ad-Hoc “peer to peer” networks are covered too, as well as how to secure your wireless network.

Step by step proPC, are described visually with screenshots. Print servers are also covered, and you’re shown 3

shared items on your network.

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Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279

Here you’ll find the wisdom of years of experience with actual home networks. Quick tips abound to get at the root of the problem quickly, while examples of real error

If you need help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305

ave any questions about your home network, or what the guide covers? Email me (Ed cAuliffe) at [email protected]

Don’t we all?

messages (and how to solve them) punctuate this section.

HM or [email protected]

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Disclaimer / Terms / Legal This guide is copyright 2007 Kelso Consulting Group, LLC. All screenshots are copyrights of their

spective owners.

elso Consulting Group, LLC is not responsible for any loss or corruption of data that may arise om the use of this guide. Kelso Consulting Group, LLC is not responsible for lost time, lost venue or any distress that may occur as the result of using the techniques suggested in the

uide.

o company mentioned herein has endorsed this guide, nor does Kelso Consulting Group, LLC laim endorsement by any company.

ser agrees to not distribute or re-sell this document in any way. A CD copy for personal use is cceptable.

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation Microsoft screenshots reprinted with permission from Microsoft Corporation

re Kfrreg Nc Ua

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How to Use This Guide addit ccupyinse of the linked “Bookmarks” section in the upper left. Click the Bookmarks tab on the left-hand ide of the PDF, shown below. It will expand into a linked, clickable table of contents. Simply click n the link and you’ll skip directly to that section. Chapters with + signs are further divided, so just lick on the + sign to view the subheadings under that chapter.

inked Table of Contents:

A caution sign means that you’re in danger of really messing things up. I with bringing home a work computer.

In ion to the traditional table of contents o g the first few pages, you can also make usoc L

A light bulb denotes a tip or fact that will save you lots of frustration!

only use it once, and it deals

6

You can use this guide at all stages of home networking, from the first hardware setup all the to troubleshooting an existing home network. The guide follows a log

way ical progression, more or

ss, of the entire process of setting up a home network:

hysical connections

and turned on, and wired/wireless connections established.

net at all computers

time to move on to file/printer sharing. Don’t rget about your firewalls!

roubleshooting

you’re seeing. The TCP/IP and firewall information in this a

Feel free to skip over any chapter that does suggest that you read the TCP/IP basics chapter on page 23. It will make the difference between an average home networker, and a…

Home Networking Genius!

le P Basically, get things plugged in

Establish the Inter Get all computers to be able to surf the web at the same time. This means to get your router talking to your broadband modem, or sharing out the web with ICS. File and printer sharing Once the Internet in established on each PC, it’sfo T Troubleshoot based on the symptomsguide will be of vital importance in this aren .

not apply to your networking situation. However, I

7

Quick Start

hat you want to do.

you…

ant to establish a wireless network, go to page 86.

ant to share a dialup connection or a broadband connection without a router, go to page 1.

ant to share a broadband connection with a router, go to page 81.

ave web access on all computers and want to start sharing files and printers, go to page 34.

Want to hook up a wireless PC to an existing wired network, go to page 100. Want to troubleshoot and existing network, read TCP/IP on 23 and the firewall section on page 134. You’ll also want to take a look at Troubleshooting on page 279.

Depending on where you are in your home network, you can skip directly to a section that applies to w If W W6 W H1

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Components of a Home Network

Modem Whether you have cable or DSL broadband, satellite or dialup, a modem is your path to the Internet. Most of the time, some kind of program on your PC allows you to surf the web through the modem. With most home networks (except for dialup), this program will be eliminated in favor of your router’s connection with the modem. In other words, your router handles the logicconnection to your modem.

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Network adapters These days, most home computers come with a network card. However, you may need to install one or want to convert an existing PC to wireless. You don’t always have to open the case – there are USB network cards that plug into a USB port. These remain outside the PC. You can tell if you have a network card by looking at the back of your PC. If you have what looks like a phone jack, only bigger, then you have a network card. Note the center graphic with the zoomed view of the network port. This is called an RJ-45 port.

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Router This small device will distribute the Internet connection provided by your modem, and allow all of your computers to surf the web. They usually have browser-based setup pages to manage your Internet connection and other settings. In addition, it also provides a single connection point for your computers, allowing them to be on the same network and share files and printers. Routers are most commonly used for cable and DSL broadband, but they can be found for satellite and dialup as well. In any home network, you can opt to go without a router. In such cases, one of your computers will function as a router by enabling ICS (Internet Connection Sharing). A combination wired/wireless router is an ideal central point from which to create a wireless home network. Ethernet cable would plug into network (RJ-45) ports on the back of a modem or router, shown here at right. Note that there’s a port on the router that’s set aside from the others. This is the “WAN” or “Internet” port where you would plug in your broadband modem.

Hub If you’ve run out of ports, a hub is your answer. Hubs are simple devices that merely provide more connections. They lack the logic of a router, and have no setup or configuration – you simply plug them in. You’ll need to be aware of a special “uplink” port on the hub, which is used to connect to a router or modem. Since most routers have 4 ports, you’ll only need a hub for 5 or more computers, or you can just get an 8 port router. You can eliminate the need for a hub if some of your computers are wireless, which won’t take up ports in the router.

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A hub is also used in the case of routerless home networks, when you want to connect 3 or more computers. If you connect a hub to your broadband modem, your computers may be able to surf the web but they will not be able to share files. This is because a hub does not have the capability of separating the Internet from a home network – that’s what a router does.

Switch While a hub simply forwards information to all computers connected to it, a switch will send information to a specific PC, and not broadcast to the other computers. This extra intelligence will cut down traffic on congested networks, and is more or less required in a large office or business setting. Note that the performance difference between a hub and a switch will be unnoticeable on a home network. Most routers will advertise that they have a “built in 4 port switch”.

Bridge A bridge looks much the same as a router, switch or hub. Its job is to segment 2 networks, and keep the traffic between them separate, while still allowing common access outside the bridge. This type of device does not belong on a home network for two reasons: 1. A home network does not need to be bridged - it’s a single network. 2. Bridges are less common today because routers take over the bridging function.

Cabling The type of cabling you’ll encounter on a home network is CAT5 Ethernet cable. It’s also referred to as Ethernet cable, or simply “patch” cable. This cable will run between your computers and router and from your router to your modem. Even on wireless networks, CAT5 plays a role. You’ll use it to connect a wireless router to your broadband modem, or to connect a wireless access point to a PC, hub or router.

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CAT5e and CAT6 are basically the same as CAT5, but offer enhancements in terms of speed and interference protection. CAT5e is the most common sold in stores. All three will suffice on a home network. Ethernet cable can be as long as 300 feet (100 meters). The clips at the ends of a CAT5 cable are known as RJ-45. Much like a phone clip (which is RJ-11), a small plastic tab needs to be pressed in order to release the cable. A positive “click” sound is heard as you plug CAT5 into a network port on a PC or router.

There are two types of Ethernet cable. One is called “straight-through” or “patch cable”. The other is a “crossover”. It is vital that you know the difference.

Crossover cables are only (and must be) used to directly connect one PC to another PC. Patch (straight-through) cables are used to connect routers to computers, routers to modems, or a computer to a modem. If you use a crossover to connect a PC to a router, it will be as if the cable did not exist – there will be no connection. Likewise, if you use a patch cable to directly connect two computers, there will be no connection. How can you tell the difference? Crossover cables are much more expensive, and sometimes brightly colored, such as orange. The way to tell the difference is to look very closely at both ends of the cable. If the order of colored wires is the same, you have a patch or straight-through cable. If it’s different, you have a crossover cable. Let’s take a look at some typical uses of Ethernet cable. Straight-through or “patch” cable: Take a look at the diagram at right. It represents a typical wired/wireless broadband home network, with a cable or DSL modem. The three blue lines represent “straight-through” Ethernet patch cables. Note that the computers are not directly connected.

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Crossover cable: To directly connect two computers, a crossover cable is used. This is most commonly seen in dialup situations, where one computer shares out the Internet to the other with ICS (Internet Connection Sharing). Again, a crossover cable is only used to connect two computers directly.

Home Network Diagrams How do I set up my network? What do I need to buy? Perhaps the best way to explain how a home network can be configured is to show you some diagrams. We’ll start with very simple, two-computer networks without Internet, and work all the way up to wireless routers and print servers. After each diagram description, there’s a “Things you can do with this network” section denoted by a wrench graphic. It describes specific network tasks for that network topology. It’s assumed that for any type of home network, you’ve already gone through the Components section on page 9 and the TCP/IP Basics section on page 23. It will also benefit you greatly to understand how firewalls block file sharing by default, and need to be configured to allow file and printer sharing on your home network. Firewalls are covered in detail on page 134. Simply connecting 2 computers - wired

Here’s a home network at its most basic. Two computers are directly connected with a crossover cable, with a network card in each PC. Sharing the Internet is not represented on this simple network, but both computers are perfectly capable of sharing files and printers. It’s a good idea to assign an IP address to each PC for this setup, covered on page 44.

Assign an IP and Subnet Mask to each PC on page 44

Share files on page 232

Share a Printer on page 157

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Simply connecting 2 computers - wireless

If both computers are wireless, you can set up what’s known as an “ad hoc” wireless network. Ad-hoc means that there is no central point, such as a router. It’s simply a “peer to peer” wireless network. Of course, each PC would need a wireless network adapter. As with the simple wired network above, assigning static IP’s to each PC would work well.

Establish an Ad-hoc wireless network on page 125



Share a printer on page 157

Simply connecting 3 or more computers - wired

A hub is used to join 3 or more computers. Since there are no computers directly connected to each other, crossover cables are not used. Standard, “straight through” CAT5/5e/6 Ethernet cables make the connections to the hub. Assigning IP’s is a good idea here, covered on page 44. You may be wondering, “If I put multiple network cards in my computers, I won’t need a hub”. That may be true, but you’ll spend a lot more money and way more time configuring the network that way.




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Simply connecting 3 or more computers - wireless

You can also set up an “ad hoc” wireless network between 3 or more computers.





At this point, you’re ready to take a look at how to share the web among your computers. We’ll start with using ICS, commonly seen in dialup situations, but it can also be used for broadband as well. Don’t worry – we’ll get to routers and printers soon enough. Sharing the Internet with 2 computers using ICS - wired

Let’s add the Internet to a simple 2-computer network. By enabling ICS (page 61) on the PC with web access, the second computer will be able to surf the web. You can use ICS with broadband or dialup, and it’s a built-in feature of Windows. ICS uses its own IP scheme, so you won’t be manually assigning IP addresses here.

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Enable ICS on one computer on page 61



Sharing the Internet with 2 computers using ICS - wireless

You can also use ICS wirelessly. Enabling ICS is the same whether wired or wireless, and is covered on page 61.


Enable ICS on one computer page 61


Share a printer on page 157 Sharing the Internet with 3 or more computers (using ICS)

With a wired network, a PC running ICS can service 2 or more other computers via a hub. Keep in mind that sharing dialup between just 2 computers is slow enough. 3 or more computers trying to share a dialup connection will be brutal. This network configuration works better with broadband.

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Likewise, an ad hoc wireless network can also share the web via ICS.





Using a router to share the web - wired

If you have cable or DSL (and increasingly satellite) broadband, you’ll find that a router has distinct advantages over ICS. Each PC can access the web independently, and expansion to allow more computers is easy – just plug the new PC into the router. A router can serve from 1 to 4 (and even 8) wired computers. You can add a hub for even more computers, but a significant boost in flexibility is to be had when the router is wireless, described next.

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Configure your router for web access on page 81



What about satellite or “direct wireless”?

Depending on your provider, your modem may or may not be compatible with most broadband routers, which are geared towards the cable/DSL crowd. If it is compatible, then your routered network would look exactly like a cable or DSL environment. However, your modem may have a built-in router, which would allow you to use a hub to distribute the web. Otherwise, you can modify a satellite home network by following the same rules as cable/DSL.

Note: Having two routers on the same network is a bad idea, since they will be in competition with each other. At times, people have used a wireless router to expand an already routered network, by disabling the routing function on one of the routers. In this way, there is only one functioning router on the network.




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Using a router to share the web - wireless

Most wireless routers have room for 4 wired computers as well, which make for a very flexible network. Adding wireless or wired computers is not a problem here. This is a very common home network setup.


Configure the wireless features of your router on page 89

Configure your wireless computers on page 90


Share a printer on page 157 Adding wireless to an existing wired network or expanding wireless range (using a wireless access point)

A wireless access point provides a “bridge” between your wired and wireless network. Note that it needs to be physically plugged in to a router or hub. You could also run the access point from a wireless router, to provide wireless coverage on another floor of your house, or where there is poor signal.

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Configure your wireless access point on page 100

Configure your wireless computers on page 90



Share a printer on page 157 Sharing a printer directly from a PC

There are two ways to share printers. The simplest is to share a printer that’s physically attached to a PC, shown here in various sample home networks. As long as the PC that owns the printer is turned on, all of your other computers will be able to print to it. Here, a wireless PC is sharing its printer.

A wired PC in an ICS-based network shares out its printer.

Share a printer directly from a PC on page 157

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Sharing a printer using a print server

Here, a wired print server connects a printer to the router, accessible by all computers. Increasingly, printers are equipped with network ports, allowing them to be “on the network” directly, and not tethered to any single PC. As long as the printer is on, all computers will be able to print to it. This is just about that same as using a print server, which is used to convert a standard USB or Parallel printer to a network printer.

Likewise, a wireless print server can be used to attach a printer to a wireless network.

Configure a print server on page 193 Examples of how not to set up a home network So far, you’ve seen diagrams of home networks that are connected properly. By showing you what’s wrong with the following networks and why, you’ll be better able to deal with configuration issues.

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Here’s a broadband network shared out through a hub. If you’ve paid for multiple IP addresses, you can share the Internet, but don’t expect to sfiles or printers on this network.

hare

Hubs lack the intelligence to separate your internal network from the external network of the Internet. A router in place of the hub would make things work here. When directly connecting two computers, a crossover Ethernet cable must be used. Using a patch cable here would be like there was no cable at all; you simply will not have a connection. Using a crossover cable here will solve the issue. Where do I begin here? A single PC is connected both to the modem and the router. If you have a router, no PC directly connects to the modem. All computers connect to the router only. Modems that have USB-only connections (and thus can not connect to a router, only to a PC) are pretty much useless on a home network. You’re stuck with running ICS on the PC that has the modem. It’s probably worth trashing the USB-only modem in favor of one that has anetwork port.

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TCP/IP Basics TCP/IP is the language of networks. The Internet, corporate networks, and even your home network run TCP/IP. It stands for Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol. This may seem like a tedious, complicated subject -- indeed it is – but a bit of targeted, basic knowledge will leave you worlds ahead in your understanding of your home network. Your IP address Each computer and device on a network has a unique IP address. 4 numbers separated by three dots represent an IP address. Here are some example IP addresses: 212.34.65.7 45.132.89.5 192.168.1.4 10.0.0.4 121.4.67.5 Quick note: the numbers between the periods are called “octets”, so an IP address is made up of four octets. If two computers on the same network have the same IP address, an IP conflict will occur and one or both of them will not be able to communicate. There are mathematical reasons why each octet cannot exceed 254. Therefore, an IP of 192.345.43.54 is invalid. How your Internet access works All Internet access, regardless of type, works when your ISP supplies you with an IP address that’s compatible with “the rest of the world”. You take your place among millions of other computers that are “on the web”. Those with a single PC that dials up to the web, or with a broadband modem directly connected to your PC, will find that your PC is directly on the web. When a router (or a PC that functions as a router) comes into the picture, things get a bit different. Those computers connected to the router will have a completely separate set of IP addresses from the outside world. Your router acts as a bridge between your local network and the web. Take a look at the two diagrams below. One is a home network with a router, and the other shares out the web via ICS. Even though a PC runs ICS, it functions as a router.

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The red line denotes the dividing line between the world of the web, and your home network.

“Inside” versus “outside” IP addresses This is a huge concept. Your home network will have a different “class” of IP addresses from the Internet. A router (or a PC acting as a router by running ICS) acts as the dividing line between the outside world, and the inside world of your home network. From the diagram, it looks like the router is in both worlds at the same time – indeed it is. It will have two separate IP addresses, one for the web, and one for your home network. Here are some examples of “outside” IP addresses, typical of what you would see at your broadband or dialup modem, as well as the “WAN” interface of your router or PC running ICS: 212.34.76.34 9.123.5.67 100.94.56.3 167.85.44.6 Notice how the above IP addresses are all over the map. They have to be – the Internet is a very big place. When it comes to your local network, there are certain ranges of IP addresses that are “reserved” for your personal, local use. Here are the most common: 192.168.x.x 10.0.0.x 172.16.x.x Note “X” can be any number from 1 to 254 (the last octet will not be zero – more on that later). Here are some devices with typical IP values:

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Typical IP addresses on the “LAN” (Local Area Network) side of a router: 192.168.1.1 192.168.0.1 (This is also the IP of a PC running ICS) 192.168.2.1 10.0.0.1 Why do router IP addresses typically end in 1? Routers are thought of as the “beginning” of the network, and that could be one explanation. There’s nothing preventing a router IP from ending in something other than 1, but why mess with what’s already working? Typical IP addresses of computers connected to a router: 192.168.1.100 192.168.1.101 192.168.0.100 192.168.0.101 192.168.2.100 192.168.2.101 10.0.0.2 10.0.0.3 172.16.x.x, although a valid internal network scheme, is quite rare. How IP addresses are obtained – Dynamic versus Static Dynamic IP’s Most likely, your ISP dynamically assigns you an IP address for your modem from an available pool of free IP’s. Internal home network IP’s are usually dynamically assigned from your router (or your PC functioning as a router via ICS), from an available pool of IP’s. For a PC to be able to receive an IP from a router, the PC needs to be set to “Obtain an IP automatically”. This is the default setting on network cards. As the PC boots up, it broadcasts a request for an IP address. The router answers, and dynamically assigns an IP via DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). The router is acting as a DHCP server, “serving up” an IP address when requested. It’s likely that when you reboot your computer, or turn it on the next morning, it will obtain a different IP address. What happens when a computer requests an IP address, but can’t get one due to connectivity or configuration issues? It’s simple – the PC self-assigns a “bogus” 169.254.x.x IP address. If you find your computer has an IP beginning with 169.254, it’s configured to obtain an IP automatically, and has attempted to do so, but failed. You won’t be getting anywhere with this IP.

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Check your connections – is the PC connected to something that’s capable of supplying IP addresses, such as a router? If so, is that device configured to act as a DHCP server to give out IP addresses? Try rebooting your PC. More in the Troubleshooting section on page 279. Static IP’s When it comes to your Internet connection, “static” or permanent IP addresses are expensive, and are primarily used if you host a web site on your computer. You can also choose to manually configure and permanently assign an IP address to your computers. A manual assignment may also be needed for certain Internet connections, check with your ISP. A static IP comes in handy in the following situations: a. You’re just connecting two computers together without web access and you want to transfer files. b. You’re having trouble “browsing” the network for computer names and find that directly accessing your other computers via their IP address is better. For this to work conveniently, you want to be sure that the computer you want access to has the same IP day after day. c. The DHCP functionality of your router doesn’t seem to like your PC, and refuses to give you an IP. There is no harm in setting one or all computers to a static IP, even when there’s a router set to give out IP addresses, as long as you’re not conflicting with other devices. When assigning static IP’s, you’ll need to be acutely aware of the two other major components of IP addressing: subnet masks and default gateways. Subnet Masks and Subnets: Simply put, this is probably the subnet mask on all of your computers: 255.255.255.0 Each IP has a subnet mask. The subnet mask, when applied to the IP address, determines the “subnet” your computer is on. Here’s an easy way to think of this: Note there are three “255’s”. Watch what happens when we “mask” the three 255’s over our IP address: In the diagram at right, I have a typical subnet mask matched up with a typical home network IP address. Note the thin box around the first three blocks (“octets”) of numbers. The three 255’s “mask over” the first three octets in the IP address. This means that if an IP of 192.168.1.100 has a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, the IP is on the “192.168.1” network.

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This means that an IP of 192.168.1.100 with a mask of 255.255.255.0 is on the 192.168.1.0 subnet. To be perfectly clear, 192.168.1.0 is not an IP address, because it ends in 0. 192.168.1.0 is a subnet and can be translated as “all computers that range from 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.254”. Any IP’s that are not on the same subnet will not be able to directly communicate. Long story short, your subnet mask on all computers will probably be 255.255.255.0, and the first three octets of all of your IP addresses on all of your network devices (computers, routers, etc) must be the same. Don’t confuse the term “subnet mask” with “subnet”. A subnet is a grouping of IP addresses that are on the same network. For instance, the following IP’s would be on the 192.168.1.0 subnet: 192.168.1.100 192.168.1.1 192.168.1.45

Knowing your subnet, and the ability to define it with an expression sas 192.168.1.0, is helpful in configuring firewalls to allow your netwoaccess to itself in order to share files and printers.

uch rk

Ready for some IP fun? I thought so! Try to pick out the one IP address that will not be able to communicate on the sample network below. The first three octets have been highlighted to make it easier for you: Router: 192.168.1.1 PC 1: 192.168.1.100 PC 2: 192.168.1.101 PC 3: 192.168.1.101 Wireless access point: 192.168.0.250 PC 4: 192.168.1.105 Indeed, that wireless access point you’ve just bought isn’t the same brand as your router, and it uses a different IP scheme. Although they may look quite similar, IP’s beginning with 192.168.1 and 192.168.0 are not on the same network, and will not be able to communicate.

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If you find yourself in the above situation, you’ll need to reconfigure the IP on the access point to agree with your 192.168.1 network. Of course, you’ll have to access it first, most likely via a browser-based setup page. To do that, you’ll need to communicate with the access point, but how? Your computers aren’t on the same subnet as the access point and will not be able to communicate with it. No problem – just assign an IP to one of your computers, such as 192.168.0.10, and a mask of 255.255.255.0. That PC will be able to communicate with the access point, enough so that you can change it’s IP to one that fits on your network, such as 192.168.1.250. An excellent tutorial of how to get a new network device to conform to your current network is found in the print server section on page 193. Did you notice something else? PC 2 and PC 3 have the same IP address – conflict here! Reboot one of them to see if it takes a different IP. Default Gateway Default Gateway = the IP I look to for web access This is the IP of the device the computer looks to for web access. In other words, this will be the IP of your router, or the IP of a computer that functions as a router, as with ICS. Typical default gateway (or just “gateway”) values are: 192.168.1.1 192.168.0.1 192.168.2.1 10.0.0.1 Note that router IP addresses tend to end in 1. This is because a router is traditionally at the “beginning” of a network, although this is not mandatory. Let’s look at the whole picture, looking at typical values: Example A: Typical network with router Computer 1: IP: 192.168.0.100 Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 Default Gateway: 192.168.0.1

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Computer 2: IP: 192.168.0.101 Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 Default Gateway: 192.168.0.1 Router: IP: 192.168.0.1 Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 This network is on the 192.168.0.0 subnet. Example B: Typical network with router Computer 1: IP: 192.168.1.100 Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1 Computer 2: IP: 192.168.1.101 Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1 Router: IP: 192.168.1.1 Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 This network is on the 192.168.1.0 subnet. Example C: Typical network with router Computer 1: IP: 10.0.0.2 Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 Default Gateway: 10.0.0.1

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Computer 2: IP: 10.0.0.3 Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 Default Gateway: 10.0.0.1 Router: IP: 10.0.0.1 Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 This network is on the 10.0.0.0 subnet. Example D: 2 Computers without web access directly connected These values are assigned manually Computer 1: IP: 192.168.1.100 Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 Default Gateway: <leave blank> Computer 2: IP: 192.168.1.101 Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 Default Gateway: <leave blank>

MAC Addresses No, I’m not talking about Apple’s Mac line of computers. MAC stands for Media Access Control. Each network card on your PC (wired or wireless) will have a unique MAC address assigned to it. It’s a hex value that looks like this: 00-0D-56-12-4B-AA. It’s a hard-assigned value that is built in to the network card. The first 6 characters represent the manufacturer. The last 6 represent the individual network card from that manufacturer. Therefore, no two MAC addresses are alike, and a MAC address singly identifies a particular network card, regardless of its IP address.

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You can find out your computer’s MAC address by getting expanded IP information, covered on page 32. Routers will have two MAC addresses, one associated with the LAN (internal) side, and one associated with the WAN (Internet) side. You can find out both by exploring the setup pages of the router. You can use MAC addresses to lock down your network, by only allowing your MAC addresses web access. An overview of this is on page 111, where I only allow my specific wireless cards (as identified by their MAC address) wireless access.

DNS Servers DNS stands for Domain Name System. Without this, you would not be able to type in a web address, such as www.google.com, and get to a web site. DNS translates IP addresses into ‘domain names’ such as www.pcguidebook.com. Without DNS, you would be typing in the following to get to Google: http://216.239.37.99 As far as TCP/IP settings go, there is a place to specify your DNS server IP address, where your PC would look to in order to surf the web using names rather than IP addresses. This information is usually obtained automatically, but you’ll need to be aware of your DNS server IP addresses (there are usually 2) if you choose to go with manual IP assignment. A quick look at your router’s setup pages, or an expanded IP command on your web surfing PC will reveal your DNS servers, covered on page 32.

What’s my IP address? I love this question – the answer can tell you a world of information, such as: - Will that new wireless access point I bought fit into my existing network? - Do I have at least basic connectivity to my router? - Does the router have a connection to my Internet service? - Are all my computers on the same network? In addition, knowing the IP addresses of your computers can help out tremendously in all aspects of home network troubleshooting. Take IP addresses very seriously. They are at the very core of your home network.

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In fact, when you contact me for help – most of the time the first thing I’ll ask you is “What are your IP addresses?”

When finding out your IP address, there are two levels of information. The basic level includes: IP address Subnet Mask Default Gateway This basic information is usually enough for most troubleshooting. However, there is also a way to get the following additional information: DNS servers MAC Address DHCP status (enabled or not?) For each operating system, I’ll show you how to get both basic and expanded IP information. Find out your IP: Windows Vista Click the Windows icon in the lower left, then type cmd in the search box and penter.

ress

32

In the resulting black command window, type ipconfig and press enter, shown below.

Lots of stuff here – but the important information is right up top. It’s the “IPv4” address, and in the above example it’s 192.168.2.103. IPv4 is the worldwide standard for TCP/IP. Windows Vista also has IPv6 enabled by default, and this is why you’re also going to see lots of “Tunnel” adapters, and long hex addresses. IPv6, and the values it spits out at you, can be safely ignored. It’s IPv4 you want.

33

For expanded IP information, you can also run ipconfig /all in the command window to get your DNS server values and MAC address, shown here. The MAC address is labeled as a “physical address”. Find out your IP: Windows XP Home/Pro Go to Start > Run: In the Run dialog box, type cmd and click OK:

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In the resulting black DOS window, type ipconfig at the prompt and hit enter. Your IP, subnet mask, and default gateway are reported. Expanded IP information with XP Home/Pro: Sometimes you need a bit more information, such as the MAC address of your network card, or the DNS server addresses. Type ipconfig /all in the command window, and you’ll get lots of additional information about your network connection and settings. Your MAC address is ras the Physical Address, which is partially blurred he

eported

re.

35

If I ask you for your ipconfig /all output, there’s an easy way to send it to me.

o send the output to a text file that you

config /all > pc1.txt

othing will appear to happen, but a text file named

tc.

t right is the text file ready to be attached to an email.

ind out your IP: Windows 2000

o to Start > RUN.

ype cmd and click OK.

Tcan email to me, just run ip N“pc1.txt” will be in the directory you were in when youran the command. In this case, we’ll find pc1.txt in My Computer, C:\Documents and Settings\Ed. With multiple PC’s, name the files “pc1.txt”, “pc2.txt”, e A F G T

36

Type ipconfig in the

w.

y

xpanded IP information: Windows 2000

you need to know a little

addition to standard

d along

resulting black windoYour IP address, subnetmask, and default gatewaare reported. E Ifbit more about your network, run ipconfig /all instead of just ipconfig. Ininformation, your MAC address (Physical address) is reportewith DNS and DHCP information.

37

Find out your IP: Windows 98

o to Start > RUN.

the RUN box, type winipcfg and click OK.

elect your network card from the dropdown. I

PP and AOL adapters are not network cards.

nce you select your network card, your MAC

G In Shave a Netgear card in this case. P Oaddress, (called Adapter Address), IP, subnet mask, and default gateway are reported.

38

Expanded IP information: Windows 98

lick on the More Info button to access your DNS

ind out your IP: Windows Millennium

ou’ll find that Windows ME is quite similar to 98.

o to Start > Run:

Cand other expanded information. F Y G

39

In the Run dialog box, type winipcfg and click OK:

rom the dropdown, select your network card. I

ote: PPP and AOL adapters are NOT network

addition to your IP, subnet mask, and default

Fhappen to have an “Intel 8255”. Ncards. Ingateway, your MAC address is also reported. Windows ME refers to the MAC address as the“Adapter Address”.

40

Expanded IP information: Windows Millennium

ou can click the “More Info” button on the

indows ME refers to the MAC address as

o matter which version of Windows you have, you can run a utility called “ping” to determine if

lthough you can ping a computer name, it’s best to try to ping the IP address.

ere are the general steps:

YIP Configuration dialog box to get additionalinformation such as your MAC address. Wyour “Adapter Address”.

Ping – A basic test of connectivity Nyou have basic connectivity to another device on your network. You can choose to ping your router, a network printer, or another PC on your network. A H

41

1. Find out the IP address of the PC or router you want to ping

terpreting the results of ping

uccess:

you can successfully ping the target device, it means you have at least basic network

ing

ailure:

here is no connectivity – you’ll get absolutely nowhere trying further communications until you fix

heck for bad cables (remember the proper usage of a crossover cable, page 12).

firewall could be blocking everything – page 134.

e sure that the IP information is correct at each device. For example:

e sure that the two devices are on the same subnet

lt gateway

ow that you have some background on ping, let’s try it out. You’ll see what success and failure

he key is to get to a command prompt, then do the ping.

ith Vista, go to the Windows logo in the n

2. Open a command window on one of your computers 3. Ping the IP address of the target device In S Ifconnectivity. TCP/IP is configured properly at both your PC and the target. The network connection is sound. File sharing or web access is not guaranteed, but a successful pcertainly means that the foundation is there. It’s possible a firewall could still be in the way. F Tthe underlying issue. C A B BBe sure that they have the same subnet mask If applicable, be sure they have the same defau Nlook like. T Wlower left, type cmd in the search area, thepress enter.

42

For all other Windows versions,

o to Start > RUN.

ou’ll type in a command here.

P/2000: cmd

8/ME: command

lick OK.

successful ping...

the resulting command

ing 192.168.1.100

nd then hit enter. Of

r

eply from” means that

G Y X 9 C A Inwindow, type p acourse, change the sample IP address toreflect your target PC odevice. “Ryou have successfully pinged the device.

43

A ping failure…

equest timed out” as

ssentially, most of you with or without routers, or whether you’re on broadband or dialup, won’t

hat being said, there are a few reasons why one may want to access their TCP/IP settings:

Temporarily change the IP on one PC in order to communicate with a certain device, like a s.

Confirm your settings for troubleshooting purposes

Permanently assign specific IP addresses to your computers. Usually, you are not guaranteed

Simply assign an IP address to two computers (not on the web) to get them to share files.

“Rmeans that the ping hfailed.

Accessing TCP/IP Settings Eneed to touch your TCP/IP settings. This is because most home networks are geared to give the computers the network information they need automatically. This works well, because by default, all network cards (wired or wireless) are set to “obtain an IP automatically”. Along with the IP, other information such as the Default Gateway and DNS servers are also given to the PC automatically. T - newly bought print server that is not on the same IP scheme (subnet) as your other computerOnce you can access the new device, you can change its IP to be “in line” with your existing network, then set your PC back to its previous IP settings. - - the same IP address each time you boot your PC. Assigning an IP overrides this so you’ll know, for instance, that the PC upstairs will always be 192.168.1.102. This is useful if you want to map network drives via IP address, which is much more likely than a network browse to be successful when sharing folders. -

44

Remember that if you manually assign your IP and subnet mask – don’t

wo computers connected via a crossover cable without web access do

ou never need to change TCP/IP settings on a dialup adapter.

eady? Let’s take a look at how to access TCP/IP settings.

CP/IP Settings: Windows Vista

ight-click on the network icon in the lower right,

lick on “Manage network

forget about your Default Gateway and DNS settings if you are surfing the web via a router or ICS! Tnot need a Default Gateway – just leave it blank. They still need an IP and subnet mask. Y

R T Rnear the clock, and select Network and Sharing Center. Cconnections” on the left.

45

If you haven’t noticed by now, Vista loves to pop up a “Windows needs your permission to continue” message - get used to it! Here, you’ll see all of your network adapters – wired, wireless, dialup, and any directly-connected broadband modems. Usually, TCP only need to be lat on the Local Area Connec(your wired adapter) or Wireless Network Connection.

ooked tion

Right-click on the connection you want to take a look at, and select Properties. Lots of stuff. For TCP/IP settings – you’re only after one thing: IPv4. Highlight it and click Properties, shown here. Note that IPv6 is here - ignore it. See the two “Link-Layer Topology” items at the bottom? Those are installed by default on the adapter, and they are responsible for allowing Vista to “see” other Vista machines on your network, via the Network Map. More on that when we get to file/printer sharing.

46

In most cases, the defaults here of “obtain automatically” will work. If, and only if, you need to assign settings, here are some typical values that would work on a network that has a router IP of 192.168.2.1. No need to click Advanced. Note my alternate DNS server is an “outside” address, and I got this from my broadband modem settings.

47

TCP/IP Settings: Windows XP Home/Pro Go to Start > Control Panel In Control Panel, I’ve selected the Classic View. I can toggle back to Category View on the left if I want to. Double-click on Network Connections.

48

You’ll see your wired network card, dialup connection, and wireless connection if you have them installed. Note there’s a “1394 Connection”. This is present on most newer PC’s, and simply means you have a FireWire port. Why Microsoft decided to put it here is beyond me. My Local Area Connection, which is my wired network card, is the one I want to access. Right-click and select Properties on Local Area Connection. If you had a wireless connection instead, you would right-click on it rather than Local Area Connection. Double-click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) in the list. Alternatively, you can highlight Internet Protocol and click Properties. A quick note here – the Advanced tab will let you configure the Windows firewall (more on that later).

49

Here’s what you’ll see on most home networks – everything is “obtained automatically”. However, if for some reason you want to manually assign IP information, read on. Only if you want to manually assign settings, click the “Use the following IP address” rbutton. You’ll notice that the bottom sectionfor DNS servers also becomes editable.

adio

ve inserted typical values that would be on

ok to the

he Alternate DNS server is optional. I’ve t

gain, static values like this are kind of a

I’a home network. Note my Default Gateway and one of my DNS addresses is 192.168.1.1 – the router, since I lorouter for both values anyway. Tfound that sometimes it’s not enough to puthe IP of the router (or the PC functioning as a router, in the case of ICS), and you need a “real” DNS server address to get things going. I got the value from my router setup pages. Apain unless you have a special reason fordoing so.

50

TCP/IP Settings: Windows 2000

ight-click on My Network Places and select Properties.

ight-click on your network rties.

ocal Area Connection refers to a

R Rconnection and Select Prope Lwired network adapter. If we had a wireless card, it would be here and we would be right-clicking on that instead.

51

Double click on Internet Protocol, or highlight it

ere are the default settings for most home

hese settings are perfect for most all home

and click Properties. Hnetworks – everything is obtained automatically. Tnetworks.

52

If you need to manually assign an IP for

e

on’t forget that you may need DNS server

d to

CP/IP Settings: Windows 98

n your desktop, right-click on the Network

troubleshooting or other reasons, click th“Use the following IP address” radio button and fill in your values. Daddresses if this is a shared Internet connection behind a router or attacheanother PC. T ONeighborhood icon and select Properties.

53

In the list, double-click on “TCP/IP -> Your

ntry

ere, it’s TCP/IP on the Netgear FA310TX. Note

gain, dialup adapters need not be messed with.

uick note – The File and Print Sharing button re

btain an IP automatically is what one normally

you need to manually assign an IP for a special

Network Card”. You can also highlight the ethen click the Properties button. Hthere is another entry for the Netgear, representedby a green circuit board. You don’t want that – you need “TCP/IP > (your network card)". A Qhere will become important once we want to shafiles from 98. Osees on a home network. Ifreason, read on.

54

Click the “Specify an IP address” radio button, and

on’t forget that we need to also tell the PC what its

lick the Gateway tab. Shown is the typical setting

you are manually assigning, type your gateway in

ve never really heard of multiple gateways, but it e

fill out the IP and subnet mask. DGateway is, as well as DNS. Con a home network – the setting is blank, and will beassigned automatically by a router or ICS. Ifthe space provided and click Add. It will appear below in the Installed gateway section. I’appears there’s room for lots of them here. Just onwill do.

55

Click the DNS configuration tab. Supply your DNS

CP/IP Settings: Windows ME

o to Start > Settings > Control Panel.

server information provided by your ISP, or you canfind out via the setup pages on your router. T

G

56

Be sure to click on the text link “view all

ouble-click on the Network icon.

Control Panel options” if you don’t see a Network icon. D

57

Double-click on “TCP/IP - > Network adapter”.

this case, we have an Intel 8255.

s with any home network, automatic settings

hould you need to manually assign an IP, click

In Aare usually best, shown here. Son the ”Specify an IP address” radio button.

58

Here, I’ve typed in a typical IP and subnet mask

you have web access through a router or other e

nce I click on Add, the gateway IP will appear in

usually found with home networks. IfPC, be sure to add your gateway IP address on thGateway tab. Othe “Installed gateways” section.

59

Don’t forget your DNS values. Remember, you

ere, I’ve added both the router and a “real” DNS

One a home network, there are two ways to sha your Internet connection. Essentially, one

ithout a router – Internet Connection Sharing

ternet Connection Sharing, or ICS, is a built-in feature of Windows since Windows 98. Mostly

addition to your physical Internet connection on the PC, you’ll need an available network

ince your other computer(s) will be surfing the web “through” your web-connected PC, it will g

can either put the IP of your router, or the “real” DNS IP’s found on your router’s setup pages. Hserver IP. You’ll need a host name as well, be sure to enter the same name as your computername. You can leave the domain blank.

Sharing the Internet

re method entails using a router, the other does not. W Inseen with dialup connections, it enables you to share out the web from one PC to your other computers. It can also be used with broadband connections such as DSL, cable or satellite. Inconnection, wired or wireless, to be able to “transmit” the web to your other computer. Shave to remain turned on in order for the other computer to surf the web. Your PC is functioninas a router when ICS is enabled.

60

The ICS version on 98 is known to be buggy, so it’s best to run ICS on a newer PC running Vista

hen ICS is enabled, it assigns an IP of 192.168.0.1 to the network card. That card then ter

nd

ith a router

or most broadband connections, a router is the best option. It connects to your modem and

.

ery few routers are compatible with dialup, since it doesn’t make much sense to share a dialup

asic router setup to connect to your broadband modem and share the web begins on page 81.

nabling ICS on Windows Vista

ight-click on the network icon in the lower right,

or XP. Wbecomes capable of automatically assigning an IP (like a DHCP server) to another computhat’s connected to it. The ‘connected’ computer should be set to “obtain an IP automatically” acome up with an IP beginning with 192.168.0.x. W Fmanages your Internet connection through browser-based setup pages. Wireless routers alsoprovide your wireless computers with web access. Each PC, wired or wireless, can access the web independently. The router always stays on and maintains the connection with your modem Vconnection among 3 or more computers. B

Enabling ICS E Rnear the clock, and select Network and Sharing Center.

61

Click on Manage network connections

ight-click on the connection you

this example, I’m right-clicking on

sta

ou would actually be right-clicking

on the left. Rwant to share out, then click Properties. Inone of my ‘standard’ network interfaces, since I don’t have adirect web connection on this Vimachine. Yon the connection named “dialup” or“charter broadband”, etc.

62

On the Sharing tab, check off “Allow other

you have more than one available network e

only have one other adapter, so I don’t get a

IP.

deed, ICS has properly assigned an IP,

b.

network users to connect..”. Ifinterface (wired or wireless), you’ll get a choicas to which one you want ICS to be offered through. I choice. Once I click OK, I’ll check my other adapter to see if ICS has applied the proper Inand any computers connected to this interface should be able to surf the we

63

Enabling ICS on Windows XP Home / Pro

o avoid a warning message later, it’s a good idea to enable your dialup properties to be for “all

o to Start > Control Panel, Network Connections.

nder “Save this username and password”, check

ow for the actual enabling of ICS.

Tusers”. GRight-click on your dialup connection (or high-speedconnection), and select Connect. Uthe “Anyone who uses this computer” radio button. This will ensure a minimum of fuss when trying to surf the web through this PC, no matter who’s logged on. N

64

Go to Start > Control Panel.

his is the “classic” Control Panel view. You can

ouble click on Network Connections.

Ttoggle between Classic and Category views by the text link on the left. D

65

Right-click on the

nt to

e’re sharing a dialup

” -

ou’ll notice a wireless

ut

d

gain, the 1394 ply

ing

n the Advanced tab of your chosen Internet

et

he other checkboxes below it will be checked by

e happen to have more than one network interface

connection you washare, and select Properties. Wconnection here, but if you have a “high speedconnection, you’ll be rightclicking on that instead. Yand a Local Area Connection here, bthese are not Internet connections, they are simply network cards. One of them will be useto “deliver” the shared Internet connection to another PC. Aconnection is simFireWire and has nothto do with networking. Oconnection (most likely dialup), check off “Allowother network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection” under InternConnection Sharing. Tdefault, so you can keep them checked if desired. Won this PC, a wired and wireless one, so we need to select which one we want to use to “broadcast” ICS. Note the “Select a private network connection” drop-down box.

66

Here’s a zoom of the drop-down, where I need to

y

lick OK to enable ICS. If your Internet connection isn’t set up for “all users”, described

his doesn’t mean much, but you may have to manually connect to the web in order for the

ow do I know ICS is running?

o matter what your previous TCP/IP

ith

rms

ote that simply assigning these values d to

select a network interface through which ICS will work. I’ll choose Local Area Connection, which is mwired network card. Cpreviously, you’ll get a rather nasty message:

Tsecond PC to surf the web. No big deal, since you do it every day anyway. H Nsettings were on the network card, ICSshould have changed it to 192.168.0.1 wa subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, and a blank default gateway. A quick look confithis: Nmanually does not enable ICS – you neeactually enable ICS.

67

Enabling ICS on Windows 2000

o to Start > Settings > Network

ight-click on the nt to

this case, it’s our dialup

Gand Dial-up Connections. Rconnection you washare out and select Properties. Inconnection.

68

On the Sharing tab, check off “Enable Internet

y default, on-demand dialing will be enabled,

lick OK.

indows 2000 is nice enough to let you know that the IP will be changed to 192.168.0.1, shown

lick Yes to enable ICS.

Connection Sharing”. Bwhich is fine. C Wbelow.

C

69

Enabling ICS on Windows 98


ouble click on Add/Remove Programs.

G D

70

Ooff Internet Tools, then click Details.

n the Windows Setup tab, scroll down and check

heck off Internet Connection Sharing, and then

lick OK again.

Cclick OK to get back to the previous dialog box. C

71

Uh oh. It looks like we need g

ich

s\cabs if

le

hile it was copying files from the

, so

he wizard will launch. Click Next.

the 98 CD. It’s actually lookinfor the 98 “.cab” files, whmay be in c:\windows\optionyou’re lucky. We happen tohave the CD, so there’s no problem here. If you’re unabto point Windows to where the 98 cab files are, you won’t be ab

le to use ICS.

WCD, it asked about which file version we wanted to keep. Always keep the existing filewe’ll say Yes every time this message appears. T

72

Select the type of web access

floppy? You’ve got to be kidding

e’ll go through the motions, click

you’ll be sharing. Ame. WNext.

73

I’ll click Cancel to skip the floppy

lick Finish.

nce you reboot, ICS should be

creation. There’s absolutely no need for it. C Oenabled.

74

Enabling ICS on Windows ME

o to Start > Settings > Control

Control Panel, click “view all ft if

his allows you to see all the control

t

GPanel. InControl Panel options” on the leyou haven’t already done so in the past. Tpanel items at once without having to guess which category they may fiin.

75

Double click Add/Remove Programs.

n the Windows Setup tab, select

OCommunications, and then click Details.

76

Check off Internet

ou’ll be back to the

erties

he Wizard starts. Click

Connection Sharing in the list, and then click OK. YAdd/Remove Programs Propbox above. Click OK out of there as well. TNext.

77

Here, I select a direct

lick Next.

e sure to specify which

ere, it’s my wired network

lick Next

connection to the web using my dialup account. C Bnetwork interface the webwill be shared out from. Hcard. C

78

If desired, enable “on

nt .

lick Next.

ou really don’t want to

on’t worry – everything

lick Next.

demand” dialing by providing your accouusername and password C Ycreate a floppy here. Dworks without it. C

79

Click Finish.

lick Yes to restart your PC.

nce rebooted, you get a congratulatory

C Omessage. Click OK and check to see if your network card is now set to 192.168.0.1.

80

Router Settings

All routers, wired or wireless, will have the same basic scheme for getting connected, and be able to perform the following: 1. Accessing its setup pages via your browser 2. Telling the router how to connect to your broadband modem 3. Confirming that the router is connected to the modem 4. Change passwords, enable security, and other advanced features such as port forwarding In addition to all of the above, wireless routers will have the additional responsibility of managing wireless connectivity, discussed on page 89. Connect the router’s WAN or Internet port to your broadband modem, and connect at least one PC to the router’s remaining ports. Now that you’ve connected the router to at least one PC and the modem, it’s time to access its setup pages by typing in the IP address of the router in your browser. Keep in mind that almost all routers give out IP addresses to computers automatically, so you’ll be in good shape if your PC is set to “obtain an IP automatically” (page 44). Here, I’ve typed in the IP address of the router in my browser, which I found out by reading the router’s instructions. Other common IP addresses would be 192.168.0.1, 192.168.2.1 and 10.0.0.1.

81

You’ll most likely be confronted with a logon prompt. Consult your router’s documentation for default username and password values. You’ll probably want to change the default password later on, to protect against unauthorized access to your router. Click OK. First step: Connect the router to broadband By default, the first page you’ll see, Internet Setup, will probably have “Obtain an IP automatically” as its Internet connection type. This actually works quite well for cable modems, and you may find you’ll be able to surf the web without any settings changes at the router.

82

If you don’t have a cable modem, and have DSL, you’ll probably need to select another Internet Connection Type. By far, the most common alternative to the default of “obtain automatically” is PPPoE (PPPoA in Europe and elsewhere). It’s used for most DSL modems. A typical router configuration for a DSL modem In this example, we’re using PPPoE as our connection type, which is common with DSL. Note for DSL users:

Most, but not aDSL uses PPPoE. It could be that your DSL uses the same connection scheme as cable

broadband. The only way to be sure is to contact your DSL provider.

ll

We also need a user name and password, which were provided by the DSL company. This is not the information we log into the router setup pages with – this is the information our DSL company needs so we can surf the web. Whenever you change settings, be sure to click “Save settings” (or similar) at the bottom.

83

Every router will have some type of Status page, where you can determine whether the router is connected to your modem. On the Status > Local Network page, there’s a DHCP client table button, where you can see who’s attached to the router. I have two computers, one wired, and one wireless, that are currently turned on, so I expect to see two computers here. I recognize their computer names. If I see another wireless PC here, that can only mean one thing – my neighbor is connected to my networ

84

Changing your router access password With any router, wired or wireless, you’ll want to change the password as soon as possible. This is the password you use to initially access the router’s setup pages through your browser – this password has nothing to do with your Internet provider. This Linksys has an “Administration” setup tab where I can change the password. The username is always blank for this particular router, but feel free to change that as well if applicable. If you lock yourself out of the router by forgetting the password, you can always reset the router to factory defaults by pressing a button somewhere on the unit itself. Be aware that the router will behave exactly like it did when you first bit, so you’ll need to configure it again from scratch.

ought

Advanced Router Settings Port Forwarding Routers limit Internet traffic somewhat by only allowing “common” web activity to take place. Web surfing takes place on port 80 (there are more than 65,000 ports). Other programs that use the web will use different ports. For example, FTP, a simple file transfer program, uses ports 20 and 21. On a Linksys router, I wasn’t able to use FTP until I forwarded ports 20 and 21 to my computers.

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Configuring a DMZ If directly specifying ports does not seem to work for your application, you can completely expose one of your PC’s to the web, effectively opening “everything”. On the Linksys, this is known as “putting the PC in the DMZ”, and you can specify a PC by its IP address: Here, the DMZ is disabled. However, if I wanted to open things up for a single PC on my network, I would specify its IP address here. You may want to statically assign an IP to the DMZ PC, so it does not change with a reboot.

Wireless Overview What is wireless? Essentially, a wireless network behaves in exactly the same way as a wired network – except there are no wires. Radio waves are used instead of wires to transmit network data. There are two frequencies that wireless networks can use, 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Both of these frequencies are in the public domain, along with lots of other devices, which can lead to… Interference! Let’s put the interference issue aside for now and review the three (almost 4) wireless standards available. Keep in mind that your wireless router and wireless cards must use the same standard – not all are compatible with each other.

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Wireless N (as of February 2007 this is actually Pre-N / Draft N) OK, so you fell for the hype and packaging of a Wireless N router that touts superfast speeds and ultra-long range. Sorry to disappoint, but it’s not really Wireless N. It’s based on a draft standard – read the fine print of the unit. Perhaps a firmware update on the router or wireless card will bring a Draft-N device up to true N when the final version is available, but there’s no guarantee. Wireless N runs at 2.4GHz and is supposed to be fully compatible with G and B. Wireless G or 802.11G: This is the most common standard. Operating at 2.4GHz, it has a transmission speed of 54MBps, or about 20 to 50 times faster than a standard broadband Internet connection. Like all wireless standards, you’ll lose speed the further away from the router you get. One router should be able to cover a typical home. Wireless B or 802.11B: Operates at the same frequency as G, 2.4 GHz. Its transmission speed is slower than G, being 11MBps, or about 5 to 15 times faster than a broadband Internet connection. With G about the same price, there’s really no reason to opt for this standard. Wireless G and B are compatible. You can have a wireless G router, and wireless B computers, however the data transfer speed will be limited to 11 MBps. You can also use a B router with G computers, but again you’ll be limited to the slower B standard. Interference issues: Both G and B run at 2.4GHz, which is a public domain frequency. Some cordless phones, baby video monitors, and even microwave ovens run at the same frequency. Turn the microwave on, and you’ll be bumped off the web. If you have nearby neighbors, and they also have a B or G wireless network, there might be trouble. Everything from being able to see your neighbors’ wireless network to a total lack of connectivity is possible when you have two overlapping clouds of wireless signal. There are ways to minimize interference, including changing the channel, SSID and other settings. However, nothing will eliminate the fact that 2.4GHz signal will interfere with other 2.4GHz sources. There is a more powerful way to avoid interference, and it’s done by opting for another standard that uses a completely different frequency: Wireless A or 802.11A: Wireless A runs at 5GHz, has less range, and is a bit more expensive then G or B. However, it will not be interrupted by a microwave oven, your neighbors aren’t as likely to have it (they will probably be on G or B), and you’ll only have to worry about 5GHz cordless phones. In crowded

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places, this is your best bet. However, if your close neighbor happens to have wireless A as well, you’re out of luck. Another drawback is that laptops with built-in wireless capability tend to be G. You’ll need to disable the built-in G wireless on the laptop and buy a wireless A card. Wireless A is less common and rarely built-in to wireless laptops. Even if your neighbor uses B/G, you can still successfully use B/G. In fact, this has happened in my office, where I can see a neighbor’s wireless network, but function fine with my own. “Ad-hoc” versus Infrastructure mode There are two ways of organizing a wireless network. Ad hoc: Ad hoc is a “peer to peer” wireless network without a central point. Each PC simply has a wireless card that directly communicates with your other wireless computers. Infrastructure: A wireless network based on a central point, such as a wireless router. Your wireless computers will want to know if they are to connect to an Ad- hoc or Infrastructure wireless network. SSID (Service Set IDentifier) Also known as the ESSID, this is the “friendly name” for your wireless network. All computers must have the same SSID in order to communicate. Here are some example SSID’s: linksys default homewireless d5gr92s How the Windows versions handle wireless Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP and Vista can all accept wireless cards, check with the wireless card manufacturer for compatibility. Windows Vista and XP has the built-in ability to configure wireless settings. Windows 2000, ME and 98 will need to be configured through the wireless adapter’s own setup program. However, once you learn the basics, there’s not much difference between them – wireless is wireless. Wireless Security Overview Besides the ever-present scourge of viruses, scams and spyware plying their way around the web, wireless adds its own vulnerabilities. Since it’s only radio waves, the signal can carry out into the street or into the next house or apartment.

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In theory, anyone with a laptop within range of your wireless signal can surf the web through your wireless network, and quite possibly gain access to your computers. To combat this, you can employ security measures such as changing and hiding the SSID. By default, routers usually broadcast the SSID and wireless PC’s can pick this up and automatically connect. By hiding the SSID, you force each PC to require the SSID to be physically typed in. By changing the SSID, you also further protect yourself from the throngs of hackers that know the most popular default (or factory-set) SSID’s. Another option which can be in addition to the SSID method is to encrypt your wireless communications. This is done by enabling WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) or WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) at the router and at your wireless computers. Of the two, WPA is stronger but more difficult to configure. WEP WEP has been around for a while. While it will protect you against the average neighbor trying to get into your network, readily available tools on the web have cracked WEP wide open. Essentially, this encryption standard just won’t do for business applications. WPA A newer standard, WPA is also stronger against snooping. You can only enable WEP or WPA, not both. If you’re paranoid about your neighbors, WPA is the way to go. Be aware that WPA is not supported on some wireless devices even to this day. In addition, you can permit only your wireless computers to access the router, which is explained on page 111. WPA2 comes with Windows Vista, and has been released for XP SP2 in April 2005. Other devices such as routers and access points will take some time before they implement it fully. Wireless Router Settings By default, your wireless router will have settings geared toward letting you connect easily. This also makes it easy for your neighbors to connect to your wireless network. It’s a good idea to initially connect with default settings to establish a “known working” condition, and then gradually lock your wireless network down with the methods described above. Just like any router, we access the wireless router via its IP address typed in a web browser.

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Here on the Basic Wireless Settings tab, we find that Wireless is enabled. Our SSID is “linksys” and it’s being broadcasted. The wireless channel is 6. With these default settings, our computers should be able to automatically detect a “linksys” wireless network. These default settings make it ridiculously easy for your neighbor to connect to your network, but you’re trying to establish an initial connection here. Basic wireless settings – Windows Vista Right-click on the network icon in the lower right, near the clock, and select Connect to a network.

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You’ll see a list of wireless networks in range, below. If you live in a city or suburban area, it’s highly likely that you’ll be seeing you neighbors’ wireless networks. In this case, it looks like my neighbor is also using a Linksys router. I see multiple wireless networks. How do I know which one is mine? Long story short, the one with the strongest signal is probably yours. Above, I also know that the default SSID of a Linksys router is “linksys”. My neighbor, although he’s enabled encryption on his network, has failed to change his SSID from the default, and he’s also failed to prevent the broadcast of his network. I’ll highlight my network and click Connect.

91

ecurity comes later – I’m just trying to establish a wireless network here. I’ll Connect Anyway.

fter a moment, I should be connected, shown below. Check off Save this Network and Start this onnection automatically, and then click Close.

S Ac

92

Basic wireless settings – Windows XP It’s time to make sure our PC can “see” this “linksys” wireless network. Right-click on the wireless icon in the lower right, near the clock. Select View Available Wireless Networks.

93

94

Below, we see that there’s a “linksys” wireless network, and we can click Connect to join it. As long as encryption is not enabled, XP will complain it’s an “unsecured” network. This is not an issue when you’re initially trying to establish a connection.

e’ll “Connect Anyway” here.

W

Note that we are now “Connected”. This PC should now be able to surf

The wireless icon in the lower right no longer has an X on it, meaning that we are connected. It bears mentioning that there’s a wireless control center for XP, which is helpful when changing or confirming settings. Here’s how to access it.

XP’s Wireless Control Center Go to Start > Control Panel.

the web wirelessly.

95

Double-click Network Connections (Classic View).

ight-click on Wireless Network Connection and elect Properties.

Rs

96

Click the Wireless Networks tab. Note that inksys” is in our Preferred Networks section. By ighlighting a preferred network and clicking roperties, you can adjust its settings.

ou can’t change the SSID (note that it’s grayed ut), but you can add encryption such as WEP or PA.

ctually, if you need to alter the settings of an xisting wireless network, it’s usually best to just emove’ the old one and start from scratch with a

ew one. This tends to be cleaner, as you’ll see hen we delve further into wireless security.

“lhP YoW Ae‘Rnw

97

Configuring Wireless on a non-Vista / non-XP PC

you don’t have Vista or XP, you’ll need to rely on the wireless control program provided by your > Programs list, and you may have a little icon in the

as an example.

o to Start > Programs, and nd your wireless setup rogram.

lternatively, I can right-click on the wireless icon near e clock, and Open the setup program.

oose to make a New ireless connection, or Edit my xisting one.

Ifwireless adapter. It’s probably in your Start lower right, near the clock. I’ll use Windows 2000 Gfip Ath Your interface may vary, but the rules are the same as far as the SSID, channel and encryption settings. I can chwe

98

In a walk-through fashion, I can set have a wireless router, so this ill be Infrastructure mode. I

hard-hannel on a PC, and

uto will be fine here.

ixed mode refers to both B and capability.

, .

” to WEP so this PC

an join the wireless network.

up my wireless PC.

I wwould use Ad-hoc if there were no wireless router. You usually don’t have tocode the cA MG It lets me choose my TCP/IP settings, which I can also access through Network Connections. Note that WPA is not supportedonly WEP If I had WPA enabled on my wireless network, I would need to“dumb it downc

99

The last panel is a “confirm settings” panel that will activate your settings.

r near the clock.

can only access wireless settings via the rogram, but I still can change TCP/IP information

ional manner.

0 calls my wireless onnection “Local Area Connection 2”, but does

pter.

Using a wireless access point

he best way to describe a wireless access point would be to compare it to a wireless router. It’s ke a wireless router, except it does not have any logic to connect to a broadband modem. You ould connect a wireless access point to a router just like you would a PC. You can also directly onnect a wireless access point to a PC – but that begs the question of “Why not just install a ireless card in the PC?”

ame rules as wireless routers. They also have browser-based ssed by IP address, just like routers. You’ll notice that instead of IP’s ending in

, access points tend to end in higher numbers, such as 245 or 254. This keeps them well above utered network, which will tend to end in 100 to 105. This

t conflict with your existing network.

A status icon should appea I pon the wireless card in the tradit Note that Windows 200cidentify it as a Wireless-G PCI Ada

Tliwcw Access points need to follow the ssetup pages, acce1the range of most computers on a roassures that the access point won’

100

When buying an access point, you need to be aware that the default IP address of the access point is

92.168.1.245 and your computers begin with 192.168.0, there’s going to be trouble. If you don’t nderstand why, review the TCP/IP section on page 23. To rectify a situation like this, when a etwork device is not on the same subnet as your network, see the print server exercise on page 93.

wireless access in an established wired network. ou can also use a wireless access point to extend the range of your existing wireless network repeater” mode), but this may require that the hardware be from the same manufacturer. With a ireless router downstairs and an access point upstairs, you can effectively cover your entire ouse – even if you have to create two separate wireless networks.

hat about those plug in “range extender” things?

ell, it didn’t work for me. There are no setup pages, so how could I input wireless information uch as my SSID - not to mention encryption? Anything without configuration options leaves you ithout a troubleshooting avenue.

ade sure it was powered on

uch like a router, I got to the ccess point’s setup pages by ping in its IP address into y browser.

ere’s the main configuration age. Note that the Gateway set to 192.168.1.1, which is e IP of my router.

nder the Wireless section, ixed” mode refers to the

bility of this access point to do B and G at thThe other choicr just G.

age 89, since they are

age 103.

point may not agree with your current network. In other words, if the access1un1 Access points are commonly used to provideY(“wh W Wsw Let’s take a look at how I added a wireless access point to my existing network. First, I mand connected to one of the ports in the back of my router, just like a PC would be. Matym Hpisth U“Ma

e same time. es are just B

o The other wireless settings (and then actually connecting to the access point wirelessly) are covered in detail in the wireless router section on pidentical. Wireless Security (encryption) is identical to a wireless router, and is covered on p

101

Here on the “AP Mode” panel, there are a few options as to how I want the unit to ehave.

evices to form a chain in some form or

quire the MAC address of the other

areful reading of the note at the bottom uter (which is a

able to s point.

y options to ifferent

area of your e

wireless asement

y main router, and one alled “access” on the first floor provided y the access point. KCG runs on channel

el 1, to

b The Access Point option simply provides a wireless network. The others connect to other wireless danother. Note that all the other options redevice; you can review MAC addresses on page 30. Creveals that my wireless roslightly older Linksys) will not beplay along nicely with the acces Even if you can’t get the fancwork, you can still establish a dwireless network for eachhouse – they all point to the samgateway. For example, I have anetwork called “kcg” in the bprovided by mcb11 and “access” runs on channminimize interference.

102

your wireless network

already established a wireless network with the default r network, but it will also make it more difficult for you to

less network.

y established a wireless network before attempting

ireless routers or wireless access points.

hange and hide the SSID

ffers a minimum of protection, but it will be enough to keep most neighbors out. It involves hanging and hiding the SSID at the router, then specifying the new SSID at each of your omputers. You can also specify that only certain MAC addresses have wireless access (namely e MAC addresses of your own wireless computers).

hen:

nable WEP Encryption

addition to the SSID method, you can enable WEP. It’s old and overcome by readily available ols on the web, but it’s better than not having it at all. When WEP is enabled on one device, it ust be enabled on all devices.

Securing

If you’re reading this, I’ll assume you’ve settings. The steps below will secure youcreate a wire

Be sure you’ve alreadto secure it!

The following steps are the same for w Do this first: C Occth T E Intom

103

Or: Enable WPA Encryption If your hardware supp s it, you can opt for the stronger WPA encryption. You can’t enable WEP and WPA at the samemust be enabled on Or: Enable WPA2 Encryption Included with Windows Vista and released as a downloadable enhancement to XP SP2, this is tronger than WPA.

his begins the first of a series of ever-increasing wireless lockdown procedures that will

y securing your wireless network, you’ll make it more difficult for your ireless computers to connect.

to change and hide your SSID

’s setup pages, and change the SSID. Also, set the SSID broadcast to

ort time – it’s one or the other. When WPA is enabled on one device, it all devices.

s Tmake your wireless network more secure, but also have a distinct side effect:

Bw

How Access the router“Disabled”.

104

105

hese steps alone will make it difficult for your neighbors to use your wireless network.

nce I click “Save Settings”, my wireless computers will be bumped off until I configure the new settings at each wireless PC. Now it’s time to go to each wireless PC and tell each one what the new SSID is. Since we’ve changed the SSID, we’ve essentially created a new wireless network. The old one no longer exists, and since the SSID broadcast is disabled, your computers will not be able to automatically detect the new wireless network.

T O

Configuring the new SSID on Windows Vista Right-click on the network icon in the lower right, and select Network and Sharing Center. Click Manage wireless networks on the left.

emove.

Feel free to highlight your

ld network and click oR I’ll leave my old one for now, and Add the new SSID.

106

Click “Manually reate a etwork profile”

ere, type in your etwork name he SSID), and et the security to o

ttom oxes, then click

cn HN(ts“Nauthentication (Open). Check off the two bobNext.

107

Click “Connect

should

e

e this uide, so my ireless onnections will e a bit messy.

to”. Itautomatically connect. Click thupper right-handcorner X. Note that in mylab, I’m constantly messing with thewireless settings to makgwcb

108

Configuring the new SSID on Windows XP

Control Panel, Network Connections, right-click n Wireless Network Connection and select roperties.

’s a good idea to keep things clean. On the ireless Networks tab, highlight your old referred Network and click Remove.

InoP ItWP

109

With a blank slate, now click Add.

n the Association tab, type in the name of the new SID.

elect Open for Network Authentication, and be sure at Data Encryption is set to Disabled.

this was a peer to peer wireless network without a uter, check off “This is a computer-to-computer

etwork” at the bottom.

lick OK.

OS Sth Ifron C

110

Click OK again to complete the configuration.

ou should be able to connect after a few seconds.

ow to allow only your wireless computers access (via MAC address)

t any time during wireless security setup, you can enable MAC filtering at the router. This entails

ere you can restrict wireless

xpanded IP address information in rder to obtain your wireless MAC ddresses, such as using the config /all command, covered in e “What’s My IP?” section on page

AC ddresses, so make sure you’re

wireless card MAC ve supplied my two

Y H A Your wireless router should have an area whaccess based on MAC address.

e aware that you’ll need to view Beoaipth32. Computers with multiple network cards will have multiple Malooking at theaddress. I’

111

wireless computer’s MAC addresses (the last 4 characters are erased here, since these are my AC’s).

nabling WEP at your router or access point

EP is an older standard, but you’ll find ’s easier to implement than WPA.

t the router, under Wireless Security, it’s isabled by default.

e drop-down.

ss,

M E Wit Ad By clicking Enable under Wireless

ecurity, we’re able to select WEP from Sth “RADIUS” has to do with remote acceso we won’t be using it.

112

For the Encryption Level, we can use 64 it or 128 bit.

28 bit is more secure and easier to plement.

.

ence, since y at each of

our wireless computers.

nce Save Settings is clicked, all ireless computers will be bumped off ntil you physically type in the WEP key t each wireless PC.

ote: an easy key to remember is 234567890abcdef1234567890.

b 1im Leave Passphrase blank, and supply a 26 character WEP key, using 0-9 and A-F Remember the exact sequou’ll need to input that key

y Owua N1

113

Enabling WEP at your wireless computers

ndows Vista

ight-click on the network icon in the lower right, and select Network and Sharing Center, then lick Manage Wireless Networks on the left.

ouble-click on your wireless etwork.

EP on WiW Rc Dn

114

On the Security tab, select No authentication for

e Security type. Select WEP for the Encryption pe, and type in the same WEP key you did at e router.

ne I’ve type at the router in this guide – but pe in the

our router and

oments.

nabling WEP on Windows XP

t your XP PC, right-click the wireless icon near e clock and select Open Network Connections.

thtyth

es, the key I’ve typed here is different than the Yothese are only examples. Be sure to ty

xact same WEP key at yewireless computers. Click OK and you should connect in a few m E Ath

115

Right-click on your Wireless Network Connection,

nd then select Properties.

e current network by highlighting it and clicking roperties.

a You can either alter the existing wireless network to include the WEP key, or Remove it and start from scratch by clicking Add. Here, we’ll just alter thP

116

On the Association tab, select Open for Network

uthentication and WEP for Data Encryption.

ype in the WEP key, character for character, ice.

lick OK out of all dialog boxes and you should e able to connect.

not, Remove the wireless network and start om scratch to add WEP, as on page 112.

you still can’t get WEP to work, disable WEP t the router and restore your “known working” ondition.

A Ttw Cb Iffr Ifac

117

Enabling WPA on your wireless router or access point

ireless

PA-PSK).

ur choices. TKIP is vailable on more devices.

ve typed in an 8 character key it can be any combination of tters and digits.

nce I click Save Settings, all ireless computers will be umped off until I configure PA at each of them.

On the Wireless > WSecurity page of the router, Enable wirless security and select WPA – Pre-Shared Key (W For the algorithm, TKIP and AES are yoa I’–le OwbW

118

Enabling WPA on Windows Vista To get to the panel shown here, right-click the

etwork icon in the lower right and select haring and Security Center, then click on anage Wireless Networks on the left. Finally, ouble-click your wireless network.

n your wireless network properties Security KIP as the ame key that you

you should soon be connecting the WPA-enabled network.

nSMd Otab, select WPA-Personal, Tencryption, and type in the sdid at the router. Click OK, andto

119

Enabling WPA on XP

ns reless Network

onnection.

and click

elect WPA-PSK for Network Authentication, and KIP for encryption.

ype the WPA key in both the Network key and onfirm network key boxes.

lick OK out of all dialog boxes, and you should oon connect automatically.

Go to Start > Control Panel >Network Connectioand right-click Properties on your WiC On the Wireless Networks tab under PrefferedNetworks, highlight your current networkProperties. ST TC Cs

120

In a few moments, I’m connected to the WPA-enabled wireless etwork. Here’s what I see in Control Panel > Network onnections.

WPA2: A new (and not yet widely supported) encryption standard

PA2 is a new standard that is available for Vista, and XP Service Pack 2 as of April 2005. It uilds on WPA by being more secure. However, as with all “new” standards, it will be a while efore the marketplace catches up.

ista, select it as a Security Type on the wireless network properties.

an ad hoc wireless network among Windows use wireless routers, access points, or print servers, keep in mind

at they probably won’t support WPA2 for a while to come.

this update would allow you to view “hidden” wireless networks, hich one would think defeats the purpose of hiding your SSID. I was unable to confirm this, and looks like the magazine misinterpreted the feature description of “…contains Wireless rovisioning Services (WPS) Information Element support, which enables improvements in ireless network discoverability.”

ow do I enable WPA2 on XP?

ou’ll need to download an update from Microsoft. It’s update KB893357. I got to it by searching oogle for “wpa2 xp download”, but you can also search Microsoft’s site.

nC

Wbb To enable WPA2 in V You should have no issue establishing WPA2 in Vista and XP machines. If youth A magazine source said that witPw H YG

121

. Here’s a portion of the update page.

he install did not require a reboot.

Once the update is downloaded and run, a short install wizard appears. This is your standard “next – I agree – next” affair. T

122

I was currently connected to a WPA access

oint, so I was curious as to how the update ould effect my current connection. I was till connected to my WPA network, but oticed that I now had more options under etwork Authentication, namely WPA2 and

looks like the AES/TKIP encryption mains the same for WPA2, and I would

till use a 26 character HEX key for WPA2.

could create an ad hoc wireless network etween XP machines with this update.

owever, I’ll leave it at WPA, which is the ighest encryption level that all my wireless evices can support.

owever, back at the routeran’t use WPA2 on

grade might add WPA2

n the Linksys site, I look r firmware downloads

ased on the model of my ccess point or router.

pwsnNWPA2-PSK. Itres I b Hhd H /access point, I do not have the option to do WPA2. Therefore, I cmy network. Perhaps a firmware upfunctionality. Ofoba

123

I’m a bit disappointed that the last firmwaupdate is old, and not much newer than mycurrent firmware. WPA2 certainly can’t be a part of the firm

re

ware upgrade, and a read of e update description confirms this. I won’t other with this update, but I’ll check back

A2.

owever, if I did choose to ownload the firmware, a “Help” ection of my access point provides means to do it on one of its setup ages.

se for the

is uploaded the access point (or router), the

ew functionality should take effect.

thbevery so often as they may include WP Hdsap Here, it wants me to browfirmware file I downloaded from the web. Once the firmwareton

124

Ad Hoc Wireless Networks

ess router. Each wireless PC simply ss computers.

to have the same SSID, things should go

twork at one of your wireless computers. We’ll use indows Vista and XP as an example, since they have uniform wireless controls.

stablishing an Ad Hoc Network with Vista

lower right, near aring Center.

nage wireless networks on the left.

lick Add, shown here.

In an “ad hoc” wireless network, there is no wirelcommunicates directly with your other wirele Essentially, as long as you configure each PCsmoothly. First, you must establish the new ad hoc neW E Right-click on the network icon in thethe clock, and select Network and Sh Click Ma C

125

lick Next.

Click “Create an ad hoc

etwork”. n C

126

Provide an SSID

etwork name),

with No uthentication to tart out.

lso check off ave this

etwork”.

our Ad Hoc etwork is stablished.

you’re not using S, then you’ll

lso need to onsider setting

roperly. Merely reating an Ad oc network does ot configure CP/IP.

ow, do the same n your other ista machines.

(nand it’s usually best to go as A“Sn Yne IfICacup TCP/IP pcHnT NoV

127

Establishing an Ad Hoc Network with XP

ontrol Panel > nnections.

ight-click on your Wireless etwork Connection and select roperties.

less Networks tab, click Add.

Networks tab is a bit messy attempts at connecting, feel

ny unused wireless d click Remove.

Go to Start > CNetwork Co RNP On the Wire If your Preferredwith previous free to highlight anetworks an

128

Let’s keep things simple at first to increase

nce of success.

ype in an SSID, I used “adhoc”.

bled data

ncryption.

is is an ad ” at the bottom.

lick OK.

m back at the Wireless Networks tab, and ur new network is in the Preferred etworks section.

e configuration.

ou may notice that your PC will now

ure your other omputers in the exact same way, or simply ook” for the new network, which we’ll do ext from a second computer.

the cha T I’ve selected Open for NetworkAuthentication and Disae It’s very important to check off “thhoc network C I’oN Click OK out of this dialog box to completeth Y“connect” to the new wireless network, even though it’s the only computer on it. The next step will be to configc“ln

129

Now that you’ve established an Ad-hoc wireless signal from one PC, it’s time to have your other omputers join it.

PC, I’ll right-click on the ireless network icon in the lower right, and select

.

stablished on

ow visible from

c From a second wireless wView Available Wireless Networks I see that the ad hoc wireless network we ethe first computer is nthis PC. Click Connect.

130

I’m warned that this is not a secure

etwork, so just Connect Anyway.

elow, we find that we’re connected and trying to acquire an IP address.

his brings up an important issue. You’ve just created an ad hoc wireless network between two omputers, but they still lack TCP/IP configuration on their wireless cards. At this point, you’ve one the equivalent of physically connecting them with a “wireless cable” – the logical network till needs to be configured.

you’re using ICS, see page 61 and be sure to use the wireless interfaces. ICS will handle CP/IP configuration for you.

n B

Tcds IfT

131

If web access is not an issue, feel free to assign static IP’s to each computer’s wireless network ards on page 44.

Ad Hoc wireless network

ou can enable WEP, WPA or WPA2 (only with updated XP) encryption on each of your wireless omputers. Whatever you do to one computer, you’ll need to do the exact same thing on your ther computers.

As always, it’s best to first establish your ad-hoc wireless network without any type of encryption. Once established, then you can go ahead and tighten it down. Get to the Wireless Properties by right-clicking and selecting Properties on your wireless connection in Control Panel / Network Connections. Highlight your established Ad-hoc network and click Properties, shown here.

c Establishing Security on an Yco

132

For WEP encryption, select Open for Network Authentication and WEP for Data Encryption. Uncheck “The key is provided for me utomatically”.

ype in a 26 character HEX key, containing e letters A-F and the numbers 0-9.

ype it again in the “Confirm Network Key” eld.

lick OK. Be sure to do this at each of your ireless computers.

in the n box, and TKIP for data

umbers 0-9 nd letters A-F, and again in the Confirm etwork key box.

lick OK, and be sure to do this at each of our wireless computers.

s always, if it doesn’t work, simplify the ettings (turn encryption off), and start again om a “known working” condition.

a Tth Tfi Cw For WPA encryption, select WPA-None

etwork AuthenticatioNencryption. Type in a 26 character HEX key - nan Cy Asfr

133

Prepare for file and printer sharing

efore you try sharing files and printers, it makes sense to have a sound network already in f the web through ICS or a router.

t a minimum, all computers should have valid IP addresses and be properly connected.

neral steps:

ring this guide since 2003. Since then, helming cause for

the inability to share files and printers:

EWALLS.

Norton Internet Protection, ZoneAlarm, the list goes on. Firewalls MUST BE PROPERLY CONFIGURED to allow file/printer sharing – and that section starts next.

. Set the same workgroup name for each PC. This is not absolutely required, but does give you ore ways to access your computers.

. Share out a resource (folder or printer), then access the shared resource from another PC

. I kid you not on the importance of step #1. You must understand how to configure firewalls allow file and printer sharing.

I know if I have one on my PC?

irst, a bit of background as to what a firewall is. A firewall is designed to block certain traffic (like be on the web with reasonable safety.

ince the web is rife with an enormous amount of garbage, and shows no signs of improving, the portance of firewalls will only increase. Hence, your interaction with firewalls will increase as

sed, such as a firewall built into a router, or software based, ontained in a program you run on your PC.

Bplace. In other words, each PC can already sur A Here are the ge

1. I’ve been offethere has been one, single, overw

FIR

2m 3 4to

Firewalls So how do I configure a firewall? How do Ffile sharing between computers) so you can Simwell. Firewalls can be either hardware bac

134

Since it’s the software firewalls that will most likely give you trouble, I’ll go over the different kinds f software firewalls:

. Window P ervice Pack 2, it’s enabled by default but configurable to allow file and printer sharing. If by ome reason you don’t have SP2 yet, the earlier version is not configurable and must be disabled order to share files. We’ll take a look at XP SP2’s firewall.

h antivirus and ther system tools. Norton Internet Protection 2007 is a prime example, and we’ll take a look at

as ZoneAlarm, are usually downloaded from the web. These tend be more functional by not only blocking incoming attacks, but by blocking outgoing requests for

web access as well. In this age of spyware and other garbage, it’s good to know which programs are trying to “phon ”. We’ll take a look at ZoneAlarm. No matter what type of fire 1. Access the firewall’s control settings 2. Look for a “safe”3. Input your home tion so the firewall “know” your home network 4. S Co wall

o

1S

s Vista and XP have a built-in firewall. In Vista it’s disabled by default, but in X

sin 2. Increasingly, firewalls are coming packaged in “suite-based” programs along witoits firewall component. 3. Stand alone firewalls, suchto

e home

wall you run, you’ll be following these basic steps:

or “allowed” zone network IP informa

ave settings and test file sharing

nfiguring Vista’s fire Go to the Windows logo >Control Panel. Click Security.

135

Under Windows Firewall, click Turn Windows Firewall on or off. I was shocked to find that by default,

e firewall was not on, so I turned it n here.

erhaps it was because my Vista PC ame pre-loaded with Norton 2007.

lick the Exceptions tab.

tho Pc C

136

Be sure that File and Printer Sharing

checked off. In my case, it wasn’t.

his means that if Windows Firewall on, you won’t be sharing files and rinters until you check this box.

is Tisp

137

Configuring XP SP2’s firewall

ctions. Right-ions and select

n the Advanced tab, click Settings under indows Firewall.

Go to Start > Control Panel > Network Conneclick on one of your network connectProperties. OW

138

I have mine off here, because I prefer

ird party firewalls.

ours will probably be on.

indows Firewall, be ure to allow File and Printer Sharing, hown here on the Exceptions tab.

th Y The important item will be the Exceptions tab, which we’ll look at next. f you do use the WI

ss

139

Of note, you can turn the firewall on or

rs on

onfiguring Norton Internet Protection 2007 (Norton Firewall)

ll use Norton 2007 on Vista as an xample. XP would be similar. Right-lick on the Norton icon, and select pen Norton Protection Center.

off for different network adaptethe Advanced tab. C I’ecO

140

Under Settings, click Personal irewall, then click Configure.

n the left, under Personal Firewall, lick Trust Control.

F Oc

141

On the Trusted tab, click Add.

ype in your subnet, and then click OK. As a fresher, 192.168.2.0 means “all computers from

92.168.2.1 to 192.168.2.254”.

Tre1

142

Configuring ZoneAlarm

ight-click on the ZoneAlarm task bar icon, nd select Restore ZoneAlarm Control enter.

hoose Firewall on the ft, then Zones on the ght.

lick Add, and then

ere, I add my subnet information and click OK.

RaC Cleri Cselect Subnet. H

143

Now my home network is allowed to

ccess itself.

er control? Now you’re ready for some more network configuration.

indows Vista initial networking steps

esides the workgroup name, shown next, there are a few things to consider when preparing for le/printer sharing with Vista:

1. While you’ll still be able to “see” other computers from Vista, the “network map” feature of Vista only works with other Vista machines, or XP SP2. Even with XP SP2, you’ll need to install a patch. It installs the LLTD protocol, Microsoft KB922120)

2. You’ll need to set Vista’s network scheme to “private”, covered next.

s to be in the permissions list of both the Sharing and Security tabs of

etting Vista’s network to private

elow, right-click on the network icon, near the clock, and select “Network and Sharing Center”.

a Firewalls und

W Bfi

3. “Everyone” need

shared folders. S B

144

145

xpand “password protected sharing”, and turn it off, then click Apply. This will allow you to ccess files and printers on Vista from other machines with a lot less fuss.

Ea

Setting the Workgroup and Computer Name To be able to browse My Network Places or Network Neighborhood (and the Network Map in Vista) and “see” other computers, you need to observe the following rules: 1. All computers have the same workgroup name. Typical workgroup names are: mshome workgroup mynetwork home pcguidebook Avoid spaces or cr@zy ch@r@ct#rs when naming your workgroup. There’s no need to get silly with the workgroup name. 2. Each computer has a unique computer name. Typical computer names are: upstairs fastpc laptop1 laptop2 xphome If you have two computers named “superpc” on your home network, you’re in for some trouble. Again, avoid funny characters.

I’m not a big fan of “browsing” and “seeing” your other computers through My Network Places, etc. It requires the most overhead, and is

. you won’t

be able to browse for other computers, you can still share files and printers using IP addresses by mapping a drive on page 263 or using a UNC path on page 275.

ead the above red text again – it’s one of the core concepts that set this guide apart, and will ave you a lot of time and frustration.

orkgroup vs. Domain

workgroup is a loose association of local computers. Each PC logs into itself, but since they all elong to the same workgroup, they’ll be able to browse the network. Workgroups are found on ome networks.

the least likely to work (wait till you get to the Vista sharing section!)Having the same workgroup name is not mandatory. Although

Rs W Abh

146

A domain is defined at a central server, running a Server-class Windows operating system. Computers on a domain don’t log into themselves, since your user account exists on the server.

ou’ll find this setup in most businesses – and probably on any computer you bring home Yfrom work. Once you log on once to the domain, it will let you log in even when you’re not onnected to the corporate network. This will give you the impression that you have control over our work PC. You don’t.

Warning for Vista Business Versions,

Windows 2000

is a member of a domain, DON’T TOUCH THE SETTINGS. EAVE THE DOMAIN INTACT.

If you change from a domain to a workgroup – you will most certainly lock yourself out of the PC. You will not be able to log in, since your account existed on the domain. If you think you can just chang at your workplace, un Long story short, Don’t despair if this

brought a laptop ngs to the “supercorp” domain. This means my omputers will not be on the same workgroup. Can I still share files and printers?

C Network Places.

cy

Windows XP Pro, and

f you find that your computer IL

e the PC back to a domain again – think again. Time to call the IT people less you know the local administrator password.

don’t ever touch a domain.

describes you:

home from work but it belo“Ic Yes – but you’ll need to use alternative access methods such as mapping a drive or doing a UNath. You will not be able to browse My p

147

Setting the computer and workgroup name: Windows Vista Go to the Windows logo, right-click on My Computer and select Properties.

orkgroup is orkgroup”. I

on’t be changing ese.

Near the lower ight, click r

Change Settings nder Computer u

name, domain, nd workgroup a

settings.

ote that my Ncurrent computer name is “Vista” nd my a

w“wwth

148

On the computer

ame tab, click

ou can change e settings here,

you need to atch the orkgroup name your other

omputers.

etting the workgroup and computer name: Window

right-click on My Computer and select

nChange. Ythifmwtoc S s XP Home Go to Start, thenProperties.

149

n the CoO

mputer Name tab, click Change.

desired, change the computer and/or orkgroup names here.

lain letters and numbers will do fine for ither value here. Stay away from spaces nd odd characters.

you’re here to just verify your settings, lick cancel. Otherwise, click OK to apply our changes, and you may be prompted reboot your PC.

Ifw Pea Ifcyto

150

These are some of the message boxes you may see if you hange the computer or workgroup name.

etting the workgroup and computer name: Windows XP Professional

o to Start, then right-click on My Computer and select roperties.

c S GP

151

On the Computer Name tab, click Change.

you’re here to just verify your settings, click Cancel. therwise, make your changes.

void spaces and odd characters – numbers and letters nly. Capitalization does not matter. You may be rompted for a reboot.

ote there is an option for a Domain under “Member Of”. you find your PC is a member of a domain, DO OT TOUCH IT – YOU’LL LOCK YOURSELF OUT OF HE PC.

IfO Aop NIfNT

152

Setting the workgroup and computer name: Windows 2000

ight-click on My Computer and select Properties.

n the Network Identification tab, your urrent computer and workgroup name re shown.

you want to change one or both, click e Properties button.

R Oca Ifth

153

You can change your computer name, workgroup name,

you find your PC is a member of a domain, DO NOT OUCH IT – YOU’LL LOCK YOURSELF OUT OF THE C.

f course, just click cancel if you’re satisfied with the urrent settings.

etting the workgroup and computer name: Windows 98

click on the Network Neighborhood on and select Properties.

or both. After you make the changes, click OK out of all ialog boxes. You’ll likely be asked to reboot. d

IfTP Oc S On your desktop, right-ic

154

On the Identification tab, you’ll see your current computer and workgroup name. If you’re here to just verify settings, click Cancel. Otherwise, type in your new values and click OK. Be sure to stick with numbers and letters only – no paces or s!ll#y characters. You may be prompted r the Windows 98 CD, and you’ll most likely be

ettings the workgroup and computer name: Windows ME


sfoprompted for a reboot. S G

155

Double click on the Network icon. On the Identification tab, you’ll see your current omputer and workgroup name.

you’re here to just verify settings, click Cancel.

therwise, change your values and click OK. Stay way from spaces and funny characters here –

c If Oanumbers and letters will do fine. You may be

rompted for a reboot. p

156

Sharing a Printer ere are some key issues to keep in mind:

ar operating systems. In other words, it’s easy to have XP another XP machine.

’s certainly possible to have differing operating systems share and access printers, but you’ll run to driver issues. You’ll need to make sure that the PC that wants access to the printer “knows” e printer, meaning it will have the drivers on hand. The best way to ensure this, although a bit borious is to physically install the printer on the other machine. This allows the PC to have the rivers “on hand” when it accesses the printer remotely.

nother concern: the printer must be compatible with the PC that’s trying to print to it. In other ords, if you have a “Turbo5000” printer on your XP PC and want to share it out to a 98 PC, the urbo5000 printer better have 98 drivers available. If not, 98 will not be able to print to it.

he host PC has to be turned on in order for other computers to print to its printer.

haring a printer from Windows Vista

.

nder Hardware and Sound, click Printer.

H It’s best to share a printer between simil

ccess a printer that’s connected toa Itinthlad AwT T S

o to the Windows logo > Control PanelG U

157

n the Sharing tab, click Change haring options.

Right-click on the printer you want to share, and select Sharing. Os

158

Check off “Share this printer”, then lick OK.

s a quick aside, these are the default

permissions when you share out a printer.

ost importantly, “Everyone” has Print ghts, which is a good thing.

c

A

Mri

159

ows XP

Go to Start > Control Panel > Faxes.

ight-click on the printer you are, then select

haring.

Sharing a printer from Wind

Printers and

Rwant to shS

160

Selecrovide an appropriate share

name. Click OK.

A “sharing hand” icon will appear beneath the printer

dicating that it’s shared and ready to be accessed by your other computers.

t “Share this printer” and p

in

161

Sharing a printer from Windows 2000

Go to Start > Settings > Printers.

ck on the printer you ant to share, then select

Sharing.

Right-cliw

162

Click “Shared as” and provide a

Click OK.

A “sharing hand” appears below the printer, indicating that it’s being shared out. You’re ready to access this printer from your other computers.

share name. Keep it short and simple – no spaces.

163

Sharing a printer from Windows 98 Unlike XP and 2000, you must first enable printer sharing for Windows 98. On your desktop, right-click on Network Neighborhood

ct Properties.

Click the File and Print Sharing button.

and sele

164

heck off the appropriate box to enable print sharing. Since I’m here, I’ll also check off file haring. Click OK.

We’re back to the Network box. Click OK.

Click Yes to reboot your PC

C

s

165

nce rebooted, we’re ready to actually share the printer. Go to Start

Settings > Printers.

ight-click on the printer you want to share, then elect Sharing.

you don’t have Sharing as an option, be sure to first enable printer sharing described previously.

O

>

Rs If

166

Click Shared As, and provide a share name. Keep it short and simple. Click OK.

ars under the printer, showing me that this printer is ready to be accessed by my other computers.

Back in the Printers folder, a “sharing hand” appe

167

Sharing a printer from Windows ME

Just like Windows 98, you first need to e printer sharing. On your desktop,

ght-click on My Network Places and select roperties.

lick the File and Print Sharing button.

enablriP

C

168

printers”. While I’m here, I’ll also check off file sharing.

Click OK.

e’re back at the Network box. Click K.

lick Yes to reboot your PC.

heck off “allow others to print to my C

WO

C

169

nce you get back to the desktop, you’re ready to actually share out the printer. Go to Start > Settings > Printers.

Right-click on the printer you want to share, and select haring.

If you don’t see Sharing as an option, be sure to first enable printer sharing, described previously.

O

S

170

Click the “Shared as” button, and provide a share name. Keep it short and simple. Click OK.

Back in the Printers folder, a “sharing hand” appears under the printer, which eans that this printer is ready to be access by your other computers.

m

171

Printing to a Shared Printer Basically, you’ll be looking for the shared printer icon through browsing the network or doing a UNC Path. By double-clicking on that icon, you’ll begin the install. Here are some things to keep in mind: 1. If you have an “all-in-one” printer, you may be able to print to it from another PC, but the other functions may be lost. In other words, scanning and faxing will probably have to be done on the

ain” PC.

2. When 95/98/ME tries to access a printer on Vista/XP/2000, you need to make sure the printer ally compatible with 95/98/ME. In other words, if you have 98 and want to access a printer

n XP, the printer had better have 98 drivers available and be 98 compatible.

the sharing PC is the same Windows version as the “accessing” PC, the drivers should r” and all should be well. In other words, the sharing PC will supply the

esting PC with the printer driver automatically. . If the operating systems differ, you’ll probably be prompted to select the printer from a list. If ou can’t find the exact model printer in the list, there’s going to be trouble. You need to ake sure the exact printer model is in the list. The best way to do this is to first physically install e printer on the “accessing” PC. I actually run into this on page 187 with Windows ME, but other

ows versions would be similar in the way they react to this.

ctually, Vista, XP and 2000 provide an “additional drivers” feature, whereby you can install lternate (95/98/ME) drivers on the Vista/XP/2000 PC, so they would “float over” when required.

However, actually getting this to work is a bit tricky.

printer on all er.

ccess a shared printer:

wsing” the network via The Network Map, My Network Places or Network Neighborhood. his involves “drilling down” until you actually see the shared printer icon. A double-click on the rinter icon will initiate the install.

order to browse the network, your computers must have the same workgroup name (page 146) nd firewalls must be properly configured (page 134)

“m

is actuo 3. If automatically “float overequ

4ymthWind

Aa

If you run into driver issues, it’s always best to first physically install thecomputers. This way, you guarantee that the PC “knows” the print

There are two ways to a 1. “BroTp Ina

172

2. You can do what’s known as a “UNC path”. This is a small command that you issue from the Start > RUN line, and it can be done from any windows version. It bypasses the higher protocols ecessary for a network browse, and thus has a higher chance of success. Firewalls must still be

under control, but having the same workgroup name is not necessary. The UNC path method can be used to access either files or printers, and is covered in detail on page 275.

Printing to a shared printer from Windows Vista

k, we’ll start with the “fanciest” and “prettiest” ay to connect to another printer.

Right-click on the network icon in the lower right,

clock, and select Network and Sharing enter.

In the upper right, click View full map.

n

Ow

near the C

173

In order to appear in the map (only 2 of my computers have, shown here), they must be

nning Vista, or XP Service Pack 2. Even then, XP SP2

eeds a special patch in order to be in the map!

he patch that XP SP2 requires KB922120, available at icrosoft’s site.

Note there’s a “penalty box”

ction below, where my ning 2 computers appear.

One of them is running XP SP2, but I haven’t patched it yet with KB922120! Whether it’s in the map or down below in the penalty box,

e-click on the PC that is haring out the printer. In this

case, the printer is on my PC named “athlon64”.

hared printers. It’s the HP Deskjet I’m -click on that to

ru

n

TisM

seremai

doubls

You’ll see the shared folders and any safter, so I’ll doubleinitiate the install.

174

I’ll go ahead and Install driver, and I should soon connect to the printer and e able to use it.

the shared printer icon

you can do a UNC Path to the PC that’s sharing the printer.

kely to work uses the IP addre

dows logo, and type \\ipadress

b

Alternate ways of finding As with any Windows version, The method most li ss of the PC you want access to. Go to the Win

the box, and press enter. Be sure to use nt IP address of the PC that’s

osting the printer.

lternatively, you can use the computer ame. If this works, it’s actually better to use

in the long run. Why? The computer name ill not change, but IP addresses do.

you connect to a printer with a PC that’s at 192.168.2.102, and a week later that IP

nges to 192.168.2.104, you’ve just lost e connection to the printer and will have to

nnect. The computer name stays the ame, no matter what the IP is

inthe curreh

An

w If

chathre-cos

175

rinting to a shared printer from Windows XP Go to Start > My Network Places.

o to Start > My omputer, and My Network Places would

be under “Other Places” on the left.

In My Network Places, click on View orkgroup computers under Network asks.

P

Alternatively, you can gC

wT

176

ou should see a list of your computers. ouble click on the computer that is sharing e printer.

If you don’t see your PC, go to page 263 or 75 to look at other ways of access.

Be certain firewalls are configured on page 134. If you get an “access denied”, or it prompts ou for a password, go to page 285.

list of shared items is presented. Double click on the printer to start the install.

YDth

2

y

A

177

system, in this case XP, the driver will message, so click Yes. For examples of when this cing you to choose from a list) see the 98 (page 183)

fter some file transfer, the print queue of our newly installed printer will appear. Your printer is

now installed.

ou can simply dismiss the above by clicking the upper left hand corner X, or you can take the pportunity to print a test page:

o to Printer > Properties.

When both computers have the same operating automatically be installed. We get a warningautomatic driver install does not happen (fornd ME (page 187) printer access waa lkthroughs.

A

Yo

G

178

Click Print Test Page.

Click OK whether or not it printed, since the Troubleshoot function isn’t of much use. If it didn’t print, check the “real” print queue on the host PC to see if there are any errors.

179

Printing to a shared printer from Windows 2000

n your desktop, double click on My Network Places.

ouble click on Computers Near Me.

Double click on the computer that has the rinter.

puters here, or you only ee your own, try accessing the printer via the NC path method on page 275.

O

D

p If you can’t see comsU

180

Both printers and shared folders, if any, will be isplayed. Double click on the printer to start

the install.

Below, I get a message saying that before we can use the printer, it has to be set up. Makes sense, right?

Since this is 2000 accessing an XP-based rinter, the drivers are usually the same. I just aited a bit as the drivers were automatically

installed. For examples of when you’re forced to choose the printer from a list, see the Windows 98 (page 183) and Windows ME (page 187) printer access walkthroughs.

d

pw

181

he new print queue automatically pops up, and the printer is now installed. You


T

can close this, or take the opportunity to print a test page. Go to Printer > Properties.

182

rinting to a shared printer from Windows 98

work Neighborhood.

ble click on the computer that has the printer. rill down” through Entire

you can’t get anywhere with Network Neighborhood, try using the UNC path method, described on page 275.

You’ll see the printer as well as any shared lders. Double click on the printer.

P On your desktop, double click on Net DouIf you don’t see the PC, “dNetwork until you do. If

fo

183

an use it.

I don’t think I print from DOS based programs. Click Next.

I get a message saying I need to set up the printer before I c

184

This step is critical. It’s forcing me to choose the printer from a st of “known” printers. Since

this is 98 accessing an XP printer, XP is not capable of sending me the driver automatically. Well, actually it is capable, but it’s a pain to configure.

he only reason why I’m able to select the exact model (3840)

om this list is because I’ve previously physically installed the printer on this 98

C.

or an example of what happens when the printer is not

this list, see the Windows ME rinter access walkthrough on page 18

Click Next.

s further evidence that I’ve previously installed this printer

cally, it wants me to keep the existing driver.

Click Next.

li

T

fr

P

F

inp 7.

A

lo

185

Provide a printer name (don’t get silly here), and select whether you want this to be the default printer. Click Next.

The print queue will automatically pop up. The printer should now be installed. You can dismiss this, or

ke the opportunity to print a test

tapage. Go to Printer > Properties.

186

lick the Print Test Page button.

rinting to a shared printer from Windows ME (contains print driver issues)

y Network Places icon.

C

P

On your desktop, double click the M

187

e need to find the computer that has the printer. e’ll need to “drill down” until we find it. Double lick Entire Network.

you have no luck with My Network Places, try to ccess the printer via the UNC path method,

lick “View the entire contents of this folder”.

WWC Ifaoutlined on page 275.

C

188

Double click on your workgroup. In

is case, all of my computers belong to a workgroup named “Workgroup”. Pretty inventive, huh? It took me a while to think up that ne.

Double click on the computer at’s sharing the printer.

Any shared folders will be present as well. Double click on the printer

start the install.

th

o

th

to

189

efore I can use it, it needs to be set up. Sounds fair to me.

rams.

ed to choose the printer from a list. It’s an HP 3845, but it’s nowhere to be found under the list of HP printers.

his means big trouble. That must be in this list rint to it.

B

I don’t print from DOS prog Click Next.

I’m forc

Tprinter simplybefore I can p

190

I’ll click cancel and physically install and attach the printer to this PC. This will guarantee that the next time I’m presented with this list, the printer will be here.

Here, I’ve started the process over. The printer is no longer connected to this PC, but back on the other machine where it belongs. Note the huge difference – I can hoose the printer!

f note, this PC has made a ew “Hewlett-Packard” category at was not present before. The 845 was not to be found under

r Hewlett-Packard.

lick Next.

s evidence of the prior physical stallation, it recommends I eep the existing driver.

lick Next.

c Onth3HP, but unde C

Aink C

191

The printer name may default to a “copy 2” version if you’ve had to physically install it first. No

.

printer queue will automatically appear, and your rinter is installed. You can choose to close this out, or ke the opportunity to print a test page.

o to Printer > Properties.

problem, name it what you wish Choose whether it will be the default, then click Finish.

Apta G

192


Setup

A print server is a small device that attaches to your printer with a USB or older parallel cable. The print server would also have a network interface to connect to a router, or it may be wireless.

our example, the print server has both wired and wireless capabilities.

hings to keep in mind:

. Print servers are notorious (even in 2007) for not working with “all in one” printer/fax/scanner nes. Read the packaging very carefully. You may be able to get the printing function to

ork, or it simply won’t work altogether. Stick with plain printers.

. A print server is a network device and will require an IP address that is on the same subnet as e network. You need to understand that the print server will have a default IP address,

hich may or not be compatible with your home network. You have two choices at this point:

ake the “newcomer” conform to your existing network by changing its IP address or nge your entire home network IP scheme to conform to the print server.

Print Server

In T 1machiw 2your homw MCha

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Are you thinking what I’m thinking? That’s right, I’m going to change the IP of the print server to onform to my existing network.

If your router and print server are the same brand, you probably will not have to change IP’s, since the manufacturer wants to keep things compatible within its own line of products.

lso pay attention to the “boot order” – in this case, the instructions wanted me to connect the printer to the print server, turn on the print server, then turn on the printer. This assures proper

cognition of hardware.

First and foremost, you need to determine the default IP address of the print server as it came out of the box. To do this, consult the instructions, or in this case, we’ve read the PDF guide for our print server, which happens to be a DLink:

t right is a portion of the instructions

at tells me the default IP address f this print server.

Note that there’s only a one sentence explanation as to how you would handle the IP addressing. e’ll let’s see how an IP of 192.168.0.10 would work on our current home network:

outer: 192.168.1.1 PC 1: 192.168.1.100

C 2: 192.168.1.101 C 3: 192.168.1.102 C 4: 192.168.1.103

Print Server: 192.168.0.10

h oh. That print server is not going to work without an IP change. Back in the TCP/IP basics chapter, specifically on page 26, you learned about subnets. An IP beginning with 192.168.0 is

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not compatible with one that begins with 192.168.1. No device on my current network will be abto access or communicate in any way with the print server. Here’s what happens when I try to access the print server via my browser as per the instructions:

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We’re not getting anywhere.

have to come up with a new IP for the print server. Which IP do I choose? I know that it can’t be

the same IP as any of my other devices, since that would cause a conflict. Usually, with statically assigned IP addresses, you tend to see them at the low or high range (like below 10 or above 240), so as not to interfere with the “meat” of the central IP range, which is taken up by computers. This is reflected in the fact that the default IP ends in a 10, which is at the low end. Let me digress a moment – you may be wondering why I’m going to assign a static IP here. After ll, wouldn’t it be easier to get an IP automatically? Network devices other than computers, such

as routers and network printers, tend to have static IP’s as this makes them easier for the omputers to find. Imagine the chaos if your corporate laser printer changed its IP every 3 days.

Your computer would be saying “Last time I printed to 192.168.7.5, but now it’s gone!” You’ll have

c ed on the IP. It’s on my subnet, and does not conflict with any other o my ne

a quick ti munication via wires before making the leap to wireless.

Now here’s the conundrum: If I can’t even access the print server, how do I change it’s IP? The nswer is simple:

I’ll temporarily change the IP of one of my computers to be on the same subnet as the print server. Let’s see how this is done:

ote: If you find you don’t need to change the IP of your print server, skip directly to the bottom of age 197, which assumes you can access the print server via a web browser.

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to reinstall the printer, since it’s now at 192.168.7.8. Hence, a static, permanent IP is the way to go.

I’ve de id 192.168.1.10 fordevice n twork. Here’s p: establish com

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ll go to Start > Control Panel,

Network Connections and right-click n my Local Area Connection.

ere are my current settings – everything is automatic, just like

ost home networks with a router.

he print server is connected to the router, just like this PC is.

I’ll change my IP to 192.168.0.20, provide a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, and leave the DNS ervers blank. I won’t be surfing the

web anyway. I could have changed it to almost anything beginning with 192.168.0:

192.168.0.2 192.168.0.5 192.168.0.56, etc

e in conflict with the print server!

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I could not have changed the PC’s IP to 192.168.0.10, since that would b

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Now that my PC’s IP address is changed to be compatible with the print server, I’m ble to access it via a web browser,

shown here. I can’t surf the web, but I don’t care – the goal was to temporarily access the print server. My first task is to change the print server’s IP.

n the Network onfiguration tab, I’ll anually assign the roper IP, subnet mask nd default gateway.

nce I click Apply, I

won’t be able to access e print server from this

PC until I change the PC’s IP back to what it

as!

changed my PC back to “obtain an IP

automatically, and now I’m able to access er at its new IP:

Note that the print server is no longer at 192.168.0.10, it’s now at 192.168.1.10.

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his also happens to be a wireless print server, which

troduces an added level of complexity. I suggest making sure it works “wired” first, then go on to wireless. However, here’s a screenshot of what the wireless configuration page looks like.

Just like configuring your wireless computers, you must make these settings “agree”

ith your current wireless configuration; see the wireless section starting on page 86 to

rush up.

ote that WPA is not upported. This print server ill not work with WPA!

Here on the System – Home tab, it shows that the printer is “online”. This means that the print server knows there’s a printer connected to it. you find your printer is ‘offline’, or

otherwise not being recognized by the rint server, be sure to follow the “boot rder” described previously. The print erver may be picky about which device ets powered up first.

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On the Configuration tab, the instructions say to pay close attention to the “port name” of PS-536575-U1. I’ll need to input this port name when setting up the printer at a PC.

Perhaps the most confusing part about using a print server is that from XP/2000’s point of view, ’s considered a “local” printer and not a network printer. You’ll be creating a “local” TCP/IP port.

How can this be? Well, that’s just the way it is. Just like accessing a PC-based printer, you’d better have the drivers on hand. During the install process, you may be presented with a list of printers. If the printer is not in the list, you’re out of

will be in the list is to have physically installed it to

Printing to a Print Server

it

luck. The only way to guarantee the printer the PC previously.

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Printing to a print server from Windows Vista

o to the Windows logo, and select Control

Panel.

nder Hardware and Sound, click Printer.

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lick Add a printer.

lick “Add a network, ireless, or Bluetooth

printer”.

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Click on the networked printer, and click Next to finish the install.

Printing to a print ser

Although I’m not a big fan of wizards, I have

e one in this case. Go to Start > Control anel > Printers and Faxes.

On the left, click Add a printer.

ver from Windows XP

to usP

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Click Next.

Click “Local printer attached to this omputer” and uncheck

“Automatically detect”. know you want to select “network

printer” – but trust me on this one.

Click Next.

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Select Create a new port, and choose Standard TCP/IP port

om the drop-down list.

lick Next.

new TCP/IP port wizard

launches. Click Next.

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Type the IP address of the print server in the top field.

s you type, the port name will automatically be filled out. Click Next.

With multiple attempts, it’s likely port name already

exists” error. If this is the case, simply add a letter to the end of the port name. Note that this is not the “port name” specified at the print server – that comes later.

nder Device Type, click on

Custom, then click the Settings utton.

A

you’ll get a “

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Under Protocol, click LPR.

In LPR settings, type the queue

26575-U1.

lick OK.

Click Next.

name as specified at the print server. In this case, it’s PS-5 C

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Click Finish.

hoose your printer brand on the ft, then the model on the right.

lick Next. you don’t see your printer here,

you’ll need to first physically stall it on your PC, so that it

becomes available in this list!

lick Next.

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ll keep the existing driver. Click Next.

Type a printer name. You may nd up with a “copy 2” if your

PC was previously physically

Choose whether it will be the er, then click Next.

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attached to the printer.

default print

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haring out a networked printer

e much sense.

Click Next.

Sdoesn’t mak

I’ll print a test page. Click Next.

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Click Finish.

I’ve successfully printed.

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ver from Windows 2000

ntially, the procedure is virtually identical to setting up XP to use a print server.

Settings > Printers.

ouble click on Add Printer.

Printing to a print ser

Esse

Go to Start >

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Select Local Printer, and uncheck “Automatically detect and install”.

Click Next.

The Add Printer Wizard begins. Click Next.

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Select “Create a new port”. Then choose Standard TCP/IP Port from the drop-down list. Click Next.

The TCP/IP Printer Port Wizard launches.

Click Next.

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In the Printer Name or IP Address field, type the IP

ddress of the print server.

s you type, the Port Name will be automatically filled out for you. Note that this is not the “port name” of the print server; that comes later. If you get a “port name already exists” error, simply add a letter to the end of the port name. Click Next.

Under Device Type, elect Custom, then

click the Settings button.

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Under Protocol, select LPR,

hich is provided at the print server.

I’ve already done the custom settings, so I’ll click Next here.

then type in the Queue name under LPR settings. In this case, our queue name is PS-536575-U1, w

Click OK.

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Click Finish.

Select the printer manufacturer on the left,

en the specific model on the right.

lly install to your PC first. This will

guarantee that you’ll be able find it in this list.

lick Next.

th

If you can’t find your printer, physicait

to

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I’ll keep the existing driver.

lick Next.

ou may see a “copy 2”

here for the printer name. Feel free to provide a printer name that makes sense to you.

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Choose whether this will bthe default printer, then click Next.

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Why share a networked printer? Click Next.

ll print a test page.

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Click Finish to complete the wizard.

Our test page successfully prints.

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Printing to a print server from Windows 98

If you thought XP/2000 was a bit involved when it comes to printing to a networked printer, you’re for even more fun with 98! I followed the instructions provided by the print server manufacturer.

Windows 98 does not have native TCP/IP printing capability, so I have to add it. In this case, the instructions call for adding an “LPR” client from the CD that came with the print server.

n your desktop, right-click on Network Neighborhood and select Properties.

On the Configuration tab, click Add.

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ighlight Client, then click Add.

I need to get the client from the print server CD, so I’ll click Have Disk.

My CD ROM is D drive, and from the instructions, the client is in a folder called “lpr”, so I’ll rovide the path of D:\lpr and

click OK.

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The new client, “LPR for TCP/IP Printing”, is found. I’ll click OK.

ack at the Network panel, click OK.

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As with most major protocol and ettings changes, it requires the 98

CD. It’s actually looking for the “cab” les, which may be already present

on your hard drive, in the directory c:\windows\options\cabs.

he obligatory reboot. Click Yes.

hen the PC comes back up, I’ll go back into e Network panel (right click Network eighborhood, Properties).

I’ll highlight our newly installed client, LPR for TCP/IP Printing, and then click Properti

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ype the IP address of the print server, and then type the actual port name rovided by the print server.

.

this case, the port name is PS-536757-U1.

lick OK.

Click Add Port.

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p The instructions for the print server will let you know the “port name”

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ote that in the Port List box, the full ath to the print server in the form of IPAddress\portname

Np\\ is listed.

lick OK

e’re back at the Network box. Click OK.

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We’re now ready to add the printer using e new port we’ve installed. Go to Start > ettings > Printers.

Double click on Add Printer.

The Add Printer Wizard starts.

lick Next.

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er and click Next.

lick Browse to search for the

print server. Eventually, the etwork path should reflect the address and port name of the

rint server.

Select Network Print

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I’ve expanded “Entire Network” own through Print Servers until I ighlight the actual port name.

Once the port name is highlighted, the OK button becomes clickable. Click OK.

Note that the Network Path

dh

reflects the IP and port name. Click Next.

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must choose the brand of rinter on the left and the pecific model on the right.

If your exact printer does not show up here, the best way to get it to appear in this list is to first physically install it locally.

lick Next.

ll keep the existing driver.

lick Next.

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Supply an appropriate printer ame. You may find that a “copy ” is here by default, which is

not an issue. Choose whether Windows 98 will use this as its default printer, and click Finish.

he new printer should now be in the Printers folder. o see if it works, print put a test page by right-clicking n the printer and selecting Properties.

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n the General tab, click Print Test Page.

printed, since the troubleshooter isn’t of much se.

O

Click Yes whether or not it successfully

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rinting to a print server from Windows ME

ou’ll find that the procedure for printing to a print server is identical to Windows 98, see page 20.

Sharing files Things to keep in mind:

walls. If they are not configured properly, you won’t be sharing files. This is a vital concept.

You can’t share programs. If this were true, only one person would have to buy Microsoft Word, nd they would then share it with the rest of the world. You can certainly share the documents at Word produces, but in order to view the documents you’ll need to have Word physically stalled on your PC.

ou also can’t share individual files. You’ll be sharing folders.

hat I don’t touch any “network wizards” of any kind, preferring instead to simply re out a folder, and then access it. The wizard creates a floppy that you would insert into your

ther computers to set them up as well. This is bad for a few reasons:

es are becoming less common on new computers. zard shelters you from the mechanics of what needs to happen for a successful network.

nfiguration is not addressed. 4. If it doesn’t work, there’s not much in the way of help. Vista, XP Pro and Windows 2000 are picky about letting other computers access them. This can also happen with XP Home. If you’re getting “permission denied” or “access denied” errors, see

e Error messages section on page 281.

g out the entire C drive is possible, and you would share it out just like you would a folder. wever, is sharing the entire drive, including the Windows operating system files, needed?

haring out entire drives is more suited to second hard drives.

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athin Y You’ll notice tshao 1. Floppy driv2. The wi3. Firewall co

th SharinHoS

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Sharing out a folder from Vista

d to et your network “private”.

Right-click on the network icon in

rk and Sharing Center.

lick Customize

radio b

First, you neesto

the lower right, and select Netwo

Con the right.

Click the Private

utton, then click Next.

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Click Close.

ight-click on

Note: Yes, I did seleit leads you down is

R the folder you want to share, then select Properties.

ct “Share…” from the menu, but I found that the path somewhat unstable – my PC hung twice.

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n the Sharing tab, click Advanced Sharing.

Check off “Share this folder”, then click on

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Permissions.

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e sure that “Everyone” has the appropriate permissions. In this case, I’d like to modify the ontents of this folder from my other computers,

so I’ll check off Change.

lick OK.

Click the Security tab. Notice how “Everyone” does not appear here –

e need to add it. Click Edit.

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ighlight Everyone, and check off the ppropriate permissions. In this case, all the way p to Modify works for me.

ow, with Everyone on both the Sharing and

Security tabs, click OK and the folder will now be hared out, designated by two little people in the

lower left of the folder icon.

Type in “everyone” in the box, and click OK.

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haring out a folder from XP Home

Right-click on the folder you want to share, then select Sharing and

ecurity.

On the Sharing tab, notice there’s an invitation to the Network Setup Wizard. Instead, click on “If you understand the security risks…”

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Again, the wizard is thrust upon you. elect “Just enable file sharing” and

click OK.

etwork”, and select “Allow network users r

ble to put files in this , they will only be able to

trieve files from the folder.

lick OK.

S

Check off “Share this folder on the nto change my files” if you want your othecomputers to be a

lder. Otherwisefore C

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he folder now has a “sharing hand” graphic, indicating the folder is

being shared.

haring out a folder from XP Pro

One important concept to keep in mind is that XP Pro was designed to be in a corporate

nvironment, with user accounts and privileges defined at the server. On a home network, XP Pro is still accessible, but you may have to do some tweaking. This is covered in detail in the “How to

ccess Shared Files” section on page 250.

ight-click on the folder you want to share, ect Sharing and Security.

Instead of the wizard, click on “If you nderstand the security risks…”.

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gain, the wizard is shoved in your face. elect “Just enable file sharing”, and lick OK.

Check off “Share this folder on the network”, and check off “allow network users to change my files” if desired. Click OK.

ote that this panel looks exactly like the XP Home sharing tab. This is

ecause XP Pro has something called imple File Sharing”, which is enabled

y default.

haring, among other changes. This is overed as part of the “Error messages” ection on page 281.

ASc

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b“Sb When trying to access a folder on XP Pro, you may need to disable simple file scs

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A “sharing hand” graphic is under the folder, denoting its shared status.

Sharing out a folder from Windows 2000

ust like XP Pro, Windows 2000 was designed to be in a corporate environment, with user ccounts and privileges defined at the server. On a home network, Windows 2000 is still ccessible, but you may have to do some tweaking. This is covered in detail in the “How to ccess Shared Files” section on page 250.

ck on the folder you want to share, and select Sharing.

JaaA Right-cli

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elect “Share this folder” and click OK.

A “sharing hand” graphic appears under the folder, showing that this folder being shared out.

If you have trouble accessing folders from your other computers, you can troubleshoot based on the error message on page 281.

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haring out a folder from Windows 98

eed to make sure that file ring is enabled. You may need the

ows 98 CD.

Click the File and Print Sharing button.

S First, you’ll nshaWind On your desktop, right-click on Network Neighborhood and select Properties.

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Check off “I want to be able to give thers access to my files”.

hile you’re here, check off printer

sharing if desired as well.

ack at the Network panel, click OK.

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Click OK.

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ou’re prompted to restart the PC. Click Yes.

hen the PC comes back up, right-

lick on the folder you want to share, nd select Sharing.

lick the “Shared As” button.

hoose the Full access type if you want to allow other computers to be ble to write to this folder.

Click OK.

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A “sharing hand” graphic appears under the folder, showing that the folder being shared out.

Sharing out a folder from Windows ME

ust like Windows 98, you’ll need to make ure that file sharing is enabled.

n the desktop, right-click on My Network laces and select Properties.

lick the File and Print Sharing button.

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Check off “I want to be able to give others ccess to my files”

lick OK.

a

While you’re here, also check off print sharing if desired.

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Back at the Network panel, click OK.

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You’ll be prompted to reboot your

C. Click Yes to reboot.

ight-click on the folder you want to share, then select Sharing.

Select “Shared As”, and select the ccess Type.

Select “Full” if you want other computers to be able to put files in the folder.

Click OK.

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“sharing hand” graphic appears under the folder, denoting its shared status.

Accessing Shared Folders Make sure that all firewalls on all computers are properly configured. I can’t stress enough that firewalls are the number one reason why most people can’t share files and printers. Review the firewall section on page 134.

here are three ways to access files on another computer on your home network:

First method: Browsing The Network Map, My Network Places or Network

You “see” the other PC. This requires that the workgroup name on each PC be identical (page 146), and also requires the most configuration. When this method fails, you can use the other methods described below. Learn how to browse the network on page 250.

Second method: Mapping a network drive

You can assign a free drive letter, such as K, to a folder on another PC. It’s also a good way to point programs, such as Word, to another PC to get files. This is a fairly neat way of sharing files. You can use either the computer name or its IP address to map a drive – but IP addresses are more likely to succeed. Mapping network drives are covered starting on page 263.

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Third method: IP-based UNC path

try to access another oting method because

any error messages here tend to reflect the true nature of the problem. You can use either the computer name or IP address, but the IP address has a better chance of working. Learn how to do a UNC path on page 275.

The UNC path, when combined with the IP address of the PC you’re trying to access, represents the most basic way you can access another PC on your network. It has the highest chance of success, and any error messages that result will point you to the root of the issue quickly.

n

By doing a short command from the RUN line, you canPC via its IP address. This is the preferred troublesho

Browsing the etwork from Windows Vista

Right-click on the network icon in the lower right, and select Network and Sharing Center.

251

the upper right, click View full map. Did you remember to set the network type to Private on page 144?

ll computers on your network ill be visible here, but only ista and a patched XP SP2

(with KB922120) will be able to .

Your unworthy systems appear the penalty box at the bottom.

ouble-clicking into a computer here will allow you

see its shared items.

In

AwV

be in the map

in Either way, d

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ere, I can see and access the shared folders on my PC named Athlon64.

Browsing the network from Windows XP

Go to Start > My Network Places. Alternatively, you can go to Start > My Computer. My Network Places is listed under “Other Places” on the left.

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Under Network Tasks on the left, click View Workgroup Computers.

listing of your computers should appear, as long as your workgroup name is the ame on all computers and firewalls are

under control.

Double click on the PC you want access to.

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ou should see the shared folders available, and by double clicking the folder, you can access the files and opy/paste or otherwise transfer files to

and from the folder.

or a convenient way to access this folder, ou can place a shortcut to it on your

desktop.

Right-click on the folder, and select Create Shortcut.

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ou’ll get a message offering to create a shortcut on the desktop. Click OK.

Instead of having to “drill down” through My Network Places, I have quick access to the folder on my desktop.

Browsing the network from Windows 2000

k Places.

Y

On the desktop, double-click My Networ

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Double click Computers Near Me.

lternatively, you can also “drill down” by clicking on Entire Network.

ouble click on the computer you ant access to.

You’ll see the folders being ffered by the PC. Double click on e folder to see its contents.

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f course, folders can contain subfolders. By clicking into the folder of your choice, you can transfer files to or from it by

ou can also create a shortcut. ight-click on the folder, select end To > Desktop (create

shortcut).

A shortcut now appears on the desktop.

O

dragging files.

YRS

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Browsing the network from Windows 98

sktop, double click on the Network eighborhood icon.

Double click on the computer you want access to. lternatively, you can “drill down” through the Entire etwork.

The shares available will be displayed, including folders and printers.

On your deN

AN

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You can also create a shortcut for frequently

Click Yes to place the shortcut on the desktop.

A shortcut appears on the desktop.

rowsing the network from Windows ME On your desktop, double click on My Network Places.

accessed folders. Right-click on the folder and selectreate Shortcut”. “C

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ouble click Entire Network.

Double click on your workgroup. As an aside, I’m not sure why “Mshome” is howing up here, since my computers all

have “workgroup” as their workgroup name. It could be that leftover network information has been cached at this PC.

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ouble click on the PC you want access to.

The folders offered for sharing are visible. Double click into the folder, and you’ll be able to transfer files to or from it.

Instead of “drilling down” through My Network Places, you can create a shortcut directly to your shared folder. Right-click on the folder and select Create Shortcut.

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Click Yes to place the shortcut on the desktop.

Now you can access the shared folder directly via the desktop shortcut.

Mapping a Network Drive You probably know that “C” drive is your hard drive, and is visible in My Computer. A network drive takes an available drive letter, such as K, and “maps” it to a folder on another PC on your network. For example, “K” drive may point to a folder called “workfiles” on a computer named “Main”. Mapped drives can be made “permanent”, so they are available each time you start the PC. Of course, as with any shared resource, the PC sharing the folder has to be on in order for a

ping to be successful.

Why map a drive if I can access the same thing by browsing the network?

good question. Besides being a bit more professional, mapped drives allow you to use IP ddresses in addition to computer names. As always, using IP addresses has a better chance

e?

drive map

Aaof success. What letter do I use for the mapped driv

263

You can use any letter, as long as it’s not currently in use. The low letters such as C, D and E are likely to be taken already by hard drive partitions, CD/DVD drives, and other devices. Once you et above F, you’re pretty safe. When mapping a drive, you’ll be able to see the available drive

letters, thus narrowing down the choices for you. When mapping a network drive, the format is \\computername\sharename

g

. Or, if troubleshooting, the format will be \\IPAddress\sharename. Examples of mapped drive paths are: \\upstairspc\workfiles \\192.168.1.101\musicfolder \\laptop\cust_accounts \\192.168.0.100\stuff

Note that the path will never be more than two sections – a mapped drive never takes the form of \\computer1\full\path\desktop\stuff. Also, you can never specify just \\computername when mapping a drive. Again, the syntax is: \\computername\sharename or \\IPaddress\sharename

Uppercase/lowercase does not matter.

I’ve mapped a network drive. How do I use it?

wn here. You can simply

You can also do a File > Open on programs such as Word, and open files directly from the mapped drive. Here, I’m telling Word to look for documents on M drive.

The drive will be in My Computer, shoclick on it to gain access.

264

265

Mapping a network drive from Windows Vista

o, right-

click on ect Map Network Drive.

Go to the Windows logComputer and sel

Below, I’ve selected “R” as a drive letter, and typed in the path to the shared folder I want to map . In this case, it’s a shared folder called “bak” on a PC named “xpro”.

ay close attention to the exact syntax in the Example above \\server\share. “Server” is actually the computer name. Note how it’s not \\server\c\documents

to

P and settings\ed\desktop\bak, which

would be the full path to the bak folder – it’s simply the computer name, then the share name.

e sure “Reconnect at logon” is checked.

ou could also click Browse to look for the folder you want, but it’s somewhat unreliable. Click Finish.

B

Y

266

A box will pop up showing you the contents of your new

apped drive.

To access it again, go to the Windows logo > Computer, and it will be displayed in Network Locations at the bottom.

m

267

Mapping a network drive from Windows XP

o to Start > My Computer, then right-click and select Map etwork Drive.

Choose a drive letter, and then

cify the path to the shared

heck off “reconnect at logon” if esired. This will mean the

mapped drive will be there when ot.

k Finish.

Note you can log on with a “different user name” and this will become important if you’re having permissions issues such as “access denied” or “permission denied”, covered on page 281.

GN

spefolder.

Cd

you rebo Clic

268

a few moments, a window hould pop up showing you the

contents of the new drive. This appens to be a shared folder alled “me_stuff” on a Windows

ME computer in the other room.

Of course, you can transfer files to and from this drive.

All of your mapped drives will be visible in My Computer under Network Drives. You an right-click on the drive to create a

shortcut, or even Disconnect it if you no longer want the mapping.

Ins

hc

c

269

Mapping a network drive from Windows 2000

puter and select Map

Choose an available drive letter, and type the path to the shared folder. In this case, it’s a folder called “me_stuff” on a computer named ME. Check off “Reconnect at logon” if you want the mapped drive to e available each time you boot.

Click Finish.

ote that you have an option to nect using a “different user

ame”. This can be helpful in und “access denied”

nd “permission denied” errors. covered on page 281.

On your desktop, right-click on My ComNetwork Drive.

bre

Nconngetting aroaThis is

270

After a few moments, a window showing the ontents of the mapped drive should appear. You

can drag/drop or otherwise transfer to and from the mapped drive.

The mapped drive will be visible in My Computer. You can also

c

create a shortcut or disconnect the drive by right-clicking on it.

271

Mapping a network drive from Windows 98

Right click on My Computer, and then select Map Network

rive.

Select an available drive letter, and then

red folder. In this ase, we want to map K drive to a folder

d “Friday” on a PC named thlon64”. Check off “Reconnect at

logon” if you want the drive to be available each time you reboot. Click OK.

ped drive will now be visible in y Computer, and you can transfer files

to or from it.

D

type the path to the shaccalle“A

The mapM

272

ou can manage the network drive by right-clicking on it. You can create a shortcut, or disconnect it when no longer

eeded.

Mapping a network drive from Windows ME

On your desktop, right click on My Computer and Map Network Drive.

elect an available drive letter, and then

type the path to the shared folder. In this

Y

n

select

S

273

case, I’ve mapped K drive to a folder called xp_stuff on a computer named Athlon64. Check off Reconnect at logon if you want the drive to be available each time you reboot.

lick OK.

ld u can

r from this drive.

By opening My Computer, you can see your network drives. Right-clicking on a mapped drive will give you the option to create a shortcut, or disconnect it if you no longer eed it.

C

After a few moments, a window shoupop up reflecting the new drive. Yotransfer files to o

n

274

UNC Path: the guru method

UNC stands for “Universal Naming Convention”. Actually, when you map drives you are in effect sing a UNC path. I use it here in the context of directly typing in a UNC path in the RUN line.

hy is this your favorite way to access other computers?

d UNC path bypasses all higher protocols, and has the greatest chance of success. r messages also reflect the true nature of the network problem.

g trouble sharing files or printers, I’ll want to know what happens when you run an IP-based UNC path command. What does a UNC path look like?

A UNC path typed in the RUN line.

to do?

u W An IP-baseAny erro

If you’re havin

What is it supposed

275

In the example above, you can translate the command as “Show me what the PC at 92.168.1.105 has to offer (all shared folders and printers), and bypass all fancy protocols

like workgroups and computer names”.

all goes well, you should see a window pop up showing you what 192.168.1.105 has to offer. If not, any error messages generated will represent the “real issue”, and you’ll be well on your way

troubleshooting through to a resolution. Error messages are covered on page 281.

the “map a drive” section, you said that the path needs to be \\IPAddress\sharename

1

If

to

In . You also said that just specifying the computer name or IP address will not work. How

ome you can get away with it here?

deed, we aren’t mapping a drive here, but instead using a UNC path typed directly in the RUN line. You can also use the following formats in the RUN line:

\\computername

c

In

\\IPAddress\sharename computername\sharename\\

owever, if you’re doing a UNC path, it’s probably because you’re having some difficulties with

browsing the network. Using the \\IPAddressH

format represents the lowest level access test you can do, and it will work when other methods fail.

1. Obtain the current IP of the PC you want access to, covered on page 32. Be sure to check – just because it was 192.168.1.100 yesterday does not mean it’s the same today. It could have changed with a reboot. 2. On another PC, type the UNC command using the IP address of the PC you want access to. UNC path from Windows Vista Go to the Windows logo, and type \\ipaddress

Here are the general steps:

in the Search box. Of course, replace ipaddress with the actual, current IP of the PC you want access to.

276

UNC path from Windows XP/2000

s, followed

of the slashes, and there are no spaces.

Click OK.

If all goes well, you should see a window

isplaying the folders and printers being

Go to Start > RUN.

ype in two backslasheTimmediately by the current IP address of the

C you want access to. Watch the direction P

dshared out by the PC at 192.168.1.105.

277

UNC path from Windows 98/ME Go to Start > RUN.

the RUN line, type two backslashes followed by the current IP address of the PC

ou want access to. Watch the direction of the shes, and there are no spaces.

lick OK.

If all goes well, you should see a window displaying the folders and printers being shared out by the PC at 192.168.1.102.

Inimmediately ysla C

278

Troubleshooting

ireless

ch as hiding the SSID and enabling WEP or WPA make it more difficult for our computers to connect. First establish wireless connectivity with the basic settings – meaning our SSID is being broadcasting without WEP or WPA. Once connectivity is established, then go

d and lock it down.

ireless A is not compatible with B/G.

ordless phones and microwaves are trouble for wireless networks. Also make sure there’s no ource of electromagnetic interference near your wireless devices, such as televisions or heavy

s. Try testing a connection when both wireless devices are in the same room, to rule out istance or walls as the issue. If you see lots of “available” wireless networks to connect to, you’re

ably in a congested area such as a city apartment, and you’re seeing everyone who’s broadcasting their SSID. By hiding your SSID and setting the other “rougue” networks to “don’t automatically connect to this network” on the Connection tab of the rogue wireless network’s properties, you can probably avoid interference.

haring the web

you’re using ICS:

tep 1: Establish that you still have web access on the “main” PC that’s running ICS.

ry to surf the web at the ICS PC. If not, it could be that your ISP or modem is down. Re-dial the connection, or check your cable/DSL modem to see if all the lights are on as they should be. This would usually include Power, Link, and Ready. The Ready light should be on solid green, showing that the modem is “synced”. If not, power off/on the modem. If it continues, call your ISP.

tep 2: Confirm that ICS is enabled and IP’s are correct.

W Security measures suyyahea

W Cswiredprob

S

If S T

S

279

Check the IP of the main PC. It should be 192.168.0.1 with a blank default gateway. This is not ssigned by you, this is assigned by ICS. The other computer(s) should be set to “obtain an IP

automatically”, and should have IP’s beginning with 192.168.0.x. If you’re getting “bogus” 69.254.x.x IP’s on your client computers, it means that ICS is not enabled, or that the physical onnectivity between the ICS PC and client computer is bad. Remember that a crossover cable age 12) must be used when directly connecting two computers.

you use a router:

Step 1: Check your broadband mode Are all the lights on? If the Ready/Internet light blinks, you have trouble at the modem. Try to powercycle (turn off then on) the modem. If you don’t get a steady Ready/Internet light, you’re not etting to the web – time to call your ISP.

tep 2:

ake sure at least one PC has a valid IP address, so that it can access the router’s setup pages. If your router is at 192.168.1.1, your computers better be 192.168.1.x.

wise, if your router is at 192.168.0.1, your computers better be 192.168.0.x.

tep 3:

Assure that the router is logically connecting to your modem. All routers will have some kind of Status page, where you can check whether the router is “connected”. An example of a router status page is on page 84. There should be a button to click on to attempt a connection. Cable modems usually like settings of “obtain automatically” without any usernames or passwords. Most DSL prefers PPPoE as the connection type, with a username and password. This is not written in stone, as I’ve seen some DSL without PPPoE. When in doubt, check with your ISP. Once you alter settings, try to ‘Connect’ to see if the new settings work. Sometimes it’s helpful to powercycle the router – routers can get “stuck”.

d printers

Don’t forget about the Ping command on page 41. If you can’t ping it, you can’t share files with it or access it in any way. A ping failure

a

1c(p

If

m.

g S M

Like

S

Accessing files an

suggests a firewall is in the way.

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Step 1: Get a “real” error message

Windows version:

o to Start > RUN, then type \\192.168.1.101

You can have a lot of symptoms, like “I can’t browse the network”, but without an exact error message, you really can’t start troubleshooting. The best way to get an error message to work with is to do an IP-based UNC path. You can review page 275, but here’s a quick reminder how to do it from any

G

<click OK> Where 192.168.1.101 is the current IP of the PC you want access to. Watch the direction of the slashes, and there are no spaces. I say “current IP” because since most home networks have

s that “obtain an IP automatically” there’s no guarantee that a PC will have the same IP s it did yesterday, or between reboots.

e patient. After a few moments, you will get an error message, or a window showing you the shares available at that IP.

tep 2: Interpret and resolve the error message

Error messages come in two categories, connectivity and permissions.

onnectivity errors:

ot found” or “cannot be found” are classic indicators of a connectivity issue. 99 times out of 100, if you get a connectivity error, it means there’s a firewall in the way. Disable all firewalls temporarily and retry the UNC path. You’ll need to review the firewall section on page 134.

ou may come to the point of “I checked my firewalls again and again, and I’m still getting a tartup

et’s take a look at some connectivity (firewall) errors.

“The Network Path Was Not Found” is a classic. This one is from XP.

computera B

S

C

“N

Yconnectivity error”. I’ve told some customers to run msconfig from the RUN line, go to the Stab, uncheck everything, and reboot. This will assure that no firewall is running. Of course, you’ll need to re-check off the items later, but the point is to let you know that something in startup (a firewall) is giving you the error. L

281

ich points to a firewall issue.

This one is from Windows Vista. Rather than “path not found”, you’ll get a “windows cannot

ccess” message if there’s a firewall in the way.

ong story short, if you get one of the above errors, you have a firewall that’s blocking access.

First disable it temporarily to establish that it is indeed the issue, and then make sure it’s

aried, and include obvious messages like “permission denied”, or ccess denied”, but may also include prompts for a username/password.

he reason why you would get a permissions error is because the PC you’re trying to access oes not know who you are. This is most likely to occur when trying to access a Windows XP Pro

or Windows 2000 PC, but can also occur with XP Home. The fix is to go to the PC you’re trying to access and free up the permissions, and possibly configure the “requesting” PC to ‘connect as’ a known user account on the other computer.

Windows 98 likes to say “The network name cannot be found”. However, it still follows the “not found” theme, wh

a

L

configured properly. Check out the firewall section on page 134.

Permissions errors: These messages will be more v“a

Td

282

Let’s take a look at some specific error messages with some recommendations. We’ll look at all the possible error messages, and then start solving them on page 284.

At first glance, the above error will make you think it’s a permissions issue, since it suggests you may not have permission to use the network resource. However, take a close look at the last sentence: The network path was not found. This is a connectivity error message, not a

permissions issue! (see above Connectivity section). Note that the message begins with \\win2000, indicating I’ve typed the computer name instead of the IP in the RUN line. This was a mistake on my part, as I should know that IP’s are better than computer names when troubleshooting!

“Access is denied” and “not accessible”. This and the

bove error message are pure permissions issues – the s not letting you in.

aother PC i

283

ot logged on” can occur on Windows 98/ME machines if you click ‘cancel’ when you see the logon prompt on bootup. Be sure to click OK and not Cancel. After rectifying this error, you’ll probably end up with “access denied” above. Sometimes permissions problems can show up as prompts to log in: “IPC$” is a classic. Usually from 98/ME, no password will work here. Click cancel and start opening up the permissions on the other PC,

escribed shortly.

This is a pure login prompt, and wants a specific username and password. By typing in a

r/password that has permission access the resource, you can

ctually get by this and access the isn’t the

est way to access shared folders.

“N

d

usetoaresource. However, thisb

284

have a permissions issue. How do I fix it?

kely to get permissions issues when trying to access Vista, Windows XP Pro, Windows 000, and somewhat less likely would be XP Home.

ith Vista, remember to put Everyone on both the Sharing and Security tabs of the folder.

ou’re being denied access because the person you’re logged in as is not recognized by the other PC. A way to get around this would be to log into each PC with the exact same username and password. However, this scenario is unlikely to occur, but you do have some choices:

Guest account on the PC that’s denying you access and then supply permissions r Guest to the shared folder/printer on XP Pro/2000. If it’s XP Home, enabling Guest should be nough. This is the “cure all” solution for permissions issues. The Guest account is considered a

security risk, but as long as you have a firewall it should not really be an issue. This is also the best choice for printer sharing. Enabling the Guest account is covered on page 286.

2. Create an additional user on XP Pro / 2000, then “connect as” that user. In my example, I created a user named “access” on XP Pro, then “connect as” the user ‘access’ from XP Home.

his is covered on page 302.

Enabling the Guest account on XP Home

P Home has a simple security scheme, and ou can’t get fancy with permissions. However, ou can open things up by enabling the Guest ccount.

o to Start > RUN

I

You’re li2 W Y

1. Enable thefoe

Or

T

Xyya G

285

Type cmd in the RUN box and click OK.

comm net user guest /active:yes

it Enter, and you should now be able to access the XP

nabling the Guest Account on XP Pro

est chance of overcoming permissions issues on XP Pro. Here’s how:

Go to Start > RUN

In the resulting black and window, type

H

Home PC from your other computers. Feel free to close the window.

E Enabling Guest gives you the b

286

Type ompmgmt.msc

nd then click OK.

Expand Local Users and Groups on the left, and then click the Users folder. Right click on Guest,

nd then select roperties.

Never touch the administrator account.

ncheck Account is Disabled. By

ount. You can check/uncheck the other oxes as desired, but I always like

User cannot change password and Password Never expires.

lick OK.

c

a

aP

Uunchecking this, you’ve enabled the Guest acc

b

C

287

t this point, the Guest account is enabled – but you need to complete a critical next step: ctually giving Guest rights to the shared items on XP Pro. First you’ll need to “disable simple file

sharing”. By doing this, you’ll have the Security tab that will be necessary to assign permissions r Guest on your folder and printer properties.

Disable simple file sharing on XP Pro

First, open any folder on XP Pro by double g on it. This can be the folder you want

share out, your pictures folder – whatever.

ny folder will do. Go to Tools > Folder Options.

, scroll down to the very Use simple file sharing

ecommended)”.

check it, and click OK.

ow you should be able to give Guest

permissions on the Security tab of your

Aa

fo

clickinto A

On the View tablast item, “(r

Un

N

shared folders and printers.

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Give Guest permission to access a folder on Windows XP Pro

your lder you’re

sharing.

ck on the shared folder and select Sharing and ecurity.

n the Security tab, click Add.

you don’t have a Security tab, Simple

File Sharing is still active, or you’re running XP Home. Only XP Pro with Simple File Sharing disabled will give you a Security tab.

Now it’s time to give Guest permission to access shared folders. You’ll need to do this with each fo

Right-cliS

O

If

289

the “Enter the object

names” area, type in guest. Click OK.

ou’ll be back at the Security tab. Highlight

Here, I’ve checked off everything but “full ontrol”. This will let me remotely add or move files from my other PC.

lick OK.

In

YGuest in the list at the top, then check off your desired permissions.

cre C

290

If you’re still having issues with accessing re, it’s wise to also check out the

haring tab.

lick Permissions.

y default, “Everyone” will be here. The “Everyone” group means just that – everyone on the local PC including Guest.

Therefore, it’s not necessary to add any user the list here. However, I found that I could rite files to the folder only after checking off hange” in the permissions list.

s always, click OK to apply your changes.

the shaS C

B

tow“C A

291

t this point, you’re probably wondering why there are two sets of permissions, one for the

Sharing tab and one for the Security tab.

The Sharing tab contains permissions for those who access the folder through “sharing”, or motely from another PC on your network. The Security tab manages permissions for users that

are logged into the PC directly, sitting in front of it.

Now you’re wondering why we changed the Security tab at all. When you access a shared folder, you first must get past the Sharing permissions, and then the local Security permissions are pplied to you, as a remote user. If the two tabs differ, the “lesser” of the two take precedence. In ther words, if the Security tab allows you Full Control, but the Sharing tab allows you Read, ou’ll only be able to Read.

Give Guest permission to access a printer on Windows XP Pro

order to be able to print to a printer hosted by an XP Pro PC, you’ll probably have to let Guest rint to the printer. This assumes you’ve already enabled the Guest account above.

ight click on the printer and select Sharing.

A

re

aoy

Inp R

292

On the

field.

Click OK.

Security tab, click Add.

Type guest in the white

293

ack at the printer Security b, highlight Guest and be

ure that at least Print ermission is checked off.

lick OK.

nabling the Guest Account on Windows 2000

Go to Start > RUN, then type

ompmgmt.msc

lick OK.

Btasp C

E

c C

294

xpand Local Users and roups on the left, and en click the Users lder.

ight click on Guest and select Properties.

t.

Uncheck ‘Account is Disabled’.

I also usually check off “User cannot hange password” and “Password

lick OK.

You’ll be returned to the Computer

anagement window, feel free to close it.

EGthfo R

Never touch the Administrator accoun

cnever expires”.

C

M

295

nabling Guest is not enough. Now it’s time to apply ermissions for Guest to your shared folders on Windows 000. Right click on a shared folder, and select Sharing.

n the Security tab, click Add.

Ep2

O

296

Highlight Guest, then lick Add.

Click OK.

ou may also want to check out the Sharing Click Permissions.

c

Ytab.

297

veryone” is here by default and there’s no ason to add any users, since Everyone

heck off Change if you want to be able to ad or delete files here from another PC.

you’re uncomfortable using the Guest account to access Windows XP Pro or

indows 2000 machines, you can create nother user, then access shared folders as that use

ere’s what we’re going to do. We’ll create a user called “access” on an XP Pro machine. Next,

we’ll apply permissions for the “access” user on a shared folder. Then, from an XP Home PC, e’ll map a drive “connecting as” that new “access” user.

Create a new user on Windows XP Pro

rom XP Pro, go to Start > RUN

“Erealso includes Guest. C

If

Wa r. This will only work for files, not printers.

H

w

F

298

the RUN box, type compmgmt.msc

and click OK.

Expand Local Users and Groups on the ft, and then click the Users folder.

ight-click on an empty area on the

right, and select New User.

In

le

R

299

ype in a user name. The full name has o effect on the user.

lso type in a password. By default, XP ulty accepting

“remote” logins that use blank

like to check off “user cannot change assword” and “password never

expires”.

Click Create.

It expects you to keep on entering users ntil the end of time. Click Close.

Tn APro will have diffic

passwords.

I p

u

300

Now it’s time to add the new user to the ermissions list of the shared folder.

On the Security tab of your shared folder(s), click Add.

Type in your new user in the

hite field, and then click K.

p

wO

301

check off the appropriate permissions. In this case, the “access” user will ave the ability to read, write and odify (change) files in the folder.

lick OK.

ap a network drive as the new user

rom another XP or 2000 PC on your network, right-click My Computer and select Map Network Drive.

ote: Windows 98/ME does not have the capability to map drives under a different user name.

The user should now be in the access list, Highlight it and be sure to

hm C

M

F

N

302

Select a free drive letter, and specify the path to the folder in

e form of \\computername\sharename

th.

Click “Connect using a different

ser name”.

Type in the user name and password that you created on XP Pro.

Click OK.

You’re back at the Map Network Drive dialog box. Click Finish.

u

303

In a few seconds, our mapped drive appears.

Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of the guide and you’re now a far better home networker than you ever thought you could be. But there’s still a bit more…

Some bits of advice Here are some thoughts that I’ve garnered from years of experience with home networks and home computers: Don’t use third party tools to network your computers. They need to interface with Windows’ native networking capabilities anyway, and just add more complication to an already complicated machine.

irewalls, firewalls, and more firewalls. Understanding them is vital to a successful network.

In Network Connections, you may see a “bridge”. More often than not, this is leftover from

revious networking attempts and could be interfering with your network. You can try isabling/removing it. Likewise, if you see a “Teredo pseudo tunneling” item in your protocols or

F

pd

304

listed in an ipconfig output, this means you have IPv6 (IP version 6) installed. IPv6 is not yet in use, and you don’t need this adapter/protocol. Even after you’ve followed all the steps in the guide, there is the possibility that your PC is just too corrupt to function properly. If you have a 6 year old Windows ME machine that has never seen a

rmat/restore, there are a lot of miles on that PC. Also, be aware that spyware is rampant, and can reduce your PC to a pile of garbage overnight. I urge you to read my Scourges of the Web guide, found on the same download page as this PDF.

Logically uninstalling your network card in Device Manager (right-click My Computer, Properties, Hardware Tab, Device Manager) seems to work wonders. A reboot should automatically reinstall

e card with a fresh network stack. Take note of the make/model of the card just in case you need to reinstall the driver.

adly, sometimes the only answer is a complete re-install of Windows, depending on how bad your PC is.

If you need help…

Let’s face it – strange error messages do occur on occasion, and sometimes things don’t work out quite right. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have, but keep in mind the following: The more I know about your network, the more I can help you. Believe it or not, I’ve had people email me and say “I can’t set up my network”

ns to ask you to get straight to the root of the problem. Email me at [email protected]

fo

th

S

– and that’s all they write! I’ve been troubleshooting home networks globally since 2003, so I know what questio

or [email protected] with the following formation:

A description of your problem. The more detailed you are, the less questions I’ll have to ask you. In that same vein, I’ll need to know your basic setup:

in

How do you get to the web? (Cable/DSL/satellite/dialup)

305

Do you use a router or ICS?

hat firewalls are running on each PC? (This is a big one)

If you’re having trouble sharing files or printers, what is the exact error message when you try to access the other PC via an IP-based UNC path? (page 275)

How many computers do you have? What operating system does each run? (Vista, XP Home, XP Pro, 2000, 98, etc) W

Are there any wireless computers? Can all computers surf the web, or just some? What are the IP addresses at each PC? (page 32)

306