Basic Networking

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Hardware and Software Specifications, Examples, Links, and other info. are valid at the publishing time. In case it become invalid use the Internet Search.

1st Published, Dec. 2004

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This page includes links and information to help understanding and installing a small basic network. If you are using the Internet, you would find here basic information for Internet Connection Sharing.

General Networking:

Link to: Home Network Technologies and Strategies.

Link to: Network Topology Guide.

Link to: How Home Networking Works

Installing Win98 Network.

Link to: FS Guide to Windows 98.

On Ethernet Network Cables.

Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. CAT5 Straight, Crossover. What is CAT5, which one should I Use?

Setting and Problem Solving Windows Network.

It is Important to Disable Software Firewalls, Virus program, Anti Trojan, or any other program that intercepts Internet traffic during the Setting, or Problem Solving of your Network.

Some Software Firewalls, Live Virus Scanner etc., depending on how they set would keep working in the background even if you switch them Off.

Disable means that if possible do not let them to load at Startup take them out of the picture until the Network Settings, or problems are resolved.

Once the problems are solved you can start the Firewall again. However the Software Firewall might block the LAN internal traffic. In order to prevent the Firewall from blocking LAN traffic you to set the software correctly.

Most Software Firewalls have a Setting that allow you to insert a range of IPs that should not be blocked (It is usually called Trusted Zone, or Private Zone etc.). Insert the IPS range of you computers to this setting. E.g. 198.168.1.1 – 192.168.1.50 such a setting will free from Firewall blocking any computer with IP between 198.168.1.1 to 198.168.1.50. It will Free LAN traffic but will keep protecting your Internet Connection.

Setting Sharing with Win98 Network.

Link to: AnadTech - FAQ. Networking and sharing between computers.

Setting Sharing with Win2000 Network.

Link to: Windows 2000 Network Sharing.

Installing WinXP Home.

Link to: Set Up a Small Network with Windows XP Home Edition.

Installing WinXP Pro is similar. However User and Sharing setting are more elaborate, as can be seen in the following links.

Setting Sharing with WinXP:

Important in WinXP.

For the purpose of the initial setting, disable all software Firewall (including WinXP native ICF); Disable any active Virus scan or any other utility that might intercept Network Traffic.

If you are not concern about internal security WinXP has a fast simple method of sharing, no user permissions and no passwords.

Link to: Windows XP (Home & Pro) Simple File Sharing.

WinXP Pro has an additional more secure method:

Link to: Windows XP Professional File Sharing.

Link to: XP File Sharing Trouble

I checked all my settings and I am sure that every thing is set correctly.

What shall I do?

Install NetBEUI as an additional protocol for LAN Sahring for local Network traffic.

Link to: Set NetBEUI as the Default Sharing Protocol in WinXP.

Internet Connection:

Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing.

Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

Link to: Diagram of Broadband Internet Connection with Cable/DSL Router.

Primer to Wireless Network.

Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. What do I need for wireless Networking?