Working With Networks

8/8/2019 Working With Networks

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Working With

Networks

Information released by Bow Valley

College and Klein DesignCopyright 2006

Understand and configure Wireless devices.

Understand different kinds of Networks.

Share Folders and Printers on a Home Network.


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What is Wireless Networking?

Wireless networking refers to any data exchange between PCs and other devices that

does not involve cables. Connecting to a wireless hotspot in a cafe or Airport, sendingdata from your PC to a handheld computer using an infrared link, or synchronizing data

between your mobile phone and notebook via Bluetooth are all examples of wirelessnetworking.

In practice, however, wireless networking allows computers and peripherals tocommunicate using radio frequency (RF) transmissions rather than using network

cabling. Using wireless Ethernet adapters, any device capable of being used on a regularcomputer network can be accessed over a wireless connection for tasks ranging from file

and printer sharing to multimedia and Internet access.

Wireless Ethernet technology is generally outlined by a set of standards called IEEE

802.11 (Wi-Fi). although other wireless technologies and protocols such as HomeRF and

Bluetooth also exist. A wireless network of this kind can offer you all the amenities of aconventional PC network, such as Internet access and the ability to share files and

peripherals such as printers. It uses the same Ethernet standards for transmitting data, but

doesn't require that every machine be connected by cable to a network hub.

Types of Wi-Fi

NetworkProtocol

MaximumSpeed

Average Speed Wireless Range

802.11a 54Mbps 27Mbps 12m indoors, 30m line-

of-sight outdoors

802.11b 11Mbps 4.5Mbps 30m indoors, 120mline-of-sight outdoors

802.11g

Recommended

54Mbps 7Mbps (in compatibility mode),16Mbps (with other 802.11g

devices) is backward compatiblewith Wireless B

30m indoors, 120mline-of-sight outdoors

Some manufacturers have developed proprietary technologies that can double the data

rate of wireless devices. These are not IEEE 802.11 compliant and will only work atthese speeds with other compatible proprietary devices.

A new version of a program is said to be backward compatible if it can use data created with an older version of the same program.


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What is the Difference Between an Access Point and a Router?

An Access Point is required to connect PCs with wireless cards, to an existing LAN. AnAccess Point is like a transceiver (transmitter-receiver) that translates between wireless

network traffic and wired network traffic, acting as a gateway between the two. Home

networkers typically install an Access Point when they want to add wireless computers totheir current setup.

An Access Point resides on a LAN the same way a PC does - via a network cable. It is

assigned its own IP address, and can be connected to by other PCs on the LAN. While

the IP address can be set manually, it is common to have one assigned automatically by aDHCPserver. This task is usually performed by a router where ADSL Internet

connection sharing is in place, or a domain server in more conventional IT networks.

As well as being located on the LAN, an Access Point is also the centre of a wireless

network. Wireless devices in the vicinity can connect to the Access Point via radiowaves, and these transmissions are converted by the Access Point into IP traffic on the

network.

A Router is an Access Point with several other useful functions added. Routers support

Internet connection sharing, include firewall technology for improved network security,

and allow clients to browse a number of different networks.

Adapters

In order for your computer to connect to the access point, you will need a wireless

adapter (or wireless NIC) in each PC. These can take several forms. Many new notebookshave a wireless adapter built-in. These often take advantage of Intel Centrino's (Intels

mobile processor) support for Wi-Fi standards.

Notebooks that don't have a wireless adapter can gain one in the form of a PC Card orUSB adapter. A PC card adapter is generally less obtrusive, but a USB adapter can moreeasily be redeployed to Desktop systems.

Desktop users can choose between the two. If you or your business are purchasing new

PCs, consider ones with built-in cards, as this will be cheaper than adding them later.

The Router (Access Point) and the Adapter need to be compatible with each other. If you

buy a Wireless g Router, then you would need to have a Wireless g Adapter.


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Wireless Networking Terminology

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is one way to make a cell phone or PDA communicate on wireless networks.

Bluetooth technology is fairly slow and short range, but you can do some very usefulthings with it.

Since Bluetooth is only meant for short distances, it is more of a technique to eliminate

wires used for interconnecting nearby electronic items. For example, Bluetooth is a greatway to eliminate the normal wire used for cellular headsets - leaving the user wireless

with not wires to trip over while walking or get in the way while driving. Bluetooth can

also be used for wireless computer keyboards and wireless computer mice. There is noquestion that we will see more uses of Bluetooth in the future, for short wireless

transmission usages and the elimination of wires.

Wi-Fi - Wireless Fidelity

The term Wi-Fi refers a group of industry standards for wireless communication

including 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g. Wireless g is faster than a or b.

IP - Internet Protocol

A method or protocol by which data is sent from one computer to another on a network,i.e. the Internet. Each computer has to have a unique assigned 32-bit IP address. Your

router (unless manually configured) will automatically give out IP addresses to thecomputers that connect to the router. Usually the Routers address will be 192.168.0.1,

and then other computer will get a different address 192.168.0.2and so on, this

protocol is called DHCP.

If you want to check your computers IP address, [click ]on Start and Run. Type CMDin the Run dialog box, and [click] OK. This will open the Command Console (black

screen). Type ipconfig in the black dialog box, and press Enter.

DHCP - Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

A protocol for assigning dynamic IP addresses to devices on a network.

MAC Address - Media Access Control address

A unique hardware identifier. On Ethernet, it is the same as Ethernet address. In

Canmore we have Shaw or Telus as an Internet Service Provider. They register yourrouters MAC address in order for it to connect to the Internet. This is also safety measureto insure that someone with a different MAC address cannot use your Internet

connection.


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WEP - WiredEquivalentPrivacy

An encryption system that encrypts data on wireless networks so that it can only be read

by authorized users with the correct decryption key. Is not as secure as WPA.

WPA - Wi-Fi Protected Access

A system to secure Wi-Fi networks, intended to replace the current WEP system. Is more

secure than WEP.

WLAN - Wireless Local Area Network

Any local area network that does not use wires or cables to connect computers.

SSID - Service Set Identifier

Is meant to differentiate one network from another. Initially, wireless access points (APs)

are set to a default depending on the manufacturer. For example, all Linksys APs are set

to the network name of linksys, and Netgears APs are set to netgear. Because thesedefault SSIDs are so well known, not changing them makes your network much easier to

detect. All devices connected to your WLAN must use the same SSID.

InfrastructureMode

An 802.11 networking framework in which devices communicate with each other by first

going through an Access Point (AP). In Infrastructure mode, wireless devices can

communicate with each other or can communicate with a wired network.

AdHocMode

Two or more wireless Ethernet computers (802.11b or g) may communicate with each

other without a wireless access point. The wireless cards must be set to AdHoc mode

instead of Infrastructure mode.


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Configure your Wireless Network

One of the best things about WiFi is how simple it is (usually). Many new laptops alreadycome with a WiFi card built in - in many cases you don't have to do anything to start

using WiFi. It is also easy to add a WiFi card to an older laptop or a Desktop PC.

Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 has built in support for Wireless Networkingcalled Wireless Zero Configuration. This is something to look for when buying a newRouter and Adapter. The new Linksys Wireless Routers and Adapters come compatible

with Microsofts Wireless Zero configuration. Some Routers and Adapters need to be

configured and do not work well with the Zero Configuration (in fact sometimes whenyou install the software it will ask you to disable the Zero configuration feature of

Windows).

1. Using Ethernet cables, plug the cables from the Router to the Modem (provided byTelus or Shaw in order for you to have the Internet).

2. Turn the power on to the Router. Most Routers allow you to directly connectcomputers via Ethernet cable instead of having a wireless connection. Once you turnyour Wireless Access Point on, you will have a WiFi hotspot in your house. In a

typical home, your new hotspot will provide coverage for about 100 feet in all

directions, although walls and floors do cut down on the range.

3. Next we will need to Install and Plug in the adapters on the PC you wish to bewireless. If you have built in WiFi with your Laptop, you are ready to go.

a. For a laptop, this card will normally be a PCMCIA card that you slide into aPCMCIA slot on your laptop. Or you can buy a small external adapter and plug itinto a USB port.

b. For a Desktop machine, you can buy a PCI card that you install inside the

machine, or a small external adapter that you connect to the computer with a USBcable.

4. Most adapters come with software that you will need to install before you plug theWireless adapter into your computer. It is also a better idea to use the software that

came with the adapter. Simply put the disk in the CD Drive, and follow theinstallation instructions.

5. Once you have installed the software for the adapter, you can now plug the adapter into your computer. You should see Windows XP recognize the device. You should

get a pop up balloon from the task tray that tells you your software is installed andready for use. You should also now see a flashing light on the adapter (if equipped).


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You may get a message stating that you need to disable Windows Wireless Zero

Configuration. Sometimes the software that comes with the adapter will conflict withthe Windows Wireless System.

The following diagram is an example of what a home network might look like.

6. Now you will need to connect to the hotspot (Access Point/Router).Most new wireless systems have a Automatic search feature that will locate anyhotspots in the reachable area. The SSID by default is usually the name of the router

(Netgear, Linksys, etc.), and it is usually unsecured, so you should be able to connect

with no problems. More on security later on in the steps.


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7. Open the software that came with your adapter, or open the Windows XP WirelessConfiguration utility (this is whatever your device prefers to use). In this example we

have a Netgear Wireless USB adapter. You can access the software from the Start

Menu, and usually from the task tray.

In the above diagram you will see that the adapter has found the Netgear Router and

there is strong signal strength. Also, there is no security so anyone within rangewould be able connect to the router.

This system is configured to use Infrastructure Mode, which is generally what you

would use in a Router situation. You would use Ad Hoc Mode if you did not have

router and just wanted to connect directly to another computer with a wirelessadapter.

Diagram 1


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1. If you see an icon like this in the task tray, [double-click] that icon. The abovediagram shows you what Windows Wireless Zero Configuration looks like. In orderto connect to the Access Point, you need to [click] on Connect.

Note: Diagram 1 isNetgears configuration utility and would be used separately

fromDiagram 2, which is Windows built in utility, Wireless Zero

Configuration.

Wireless Security

An unsecured wireless network is not good for many reasons:

Anyone can connect to the Router, and therefore use your Internet connection.

People can connect to your network and see your shared folders etc.

There is no encryption, so anyone can monitor your Internet traffic.

Read the manual that came with the router in order to secure your Wireless Network.

Diagram 2


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Most Routers allow you to connect to them through your browser (Internet Explorer).

To connect, you would open your browser and type 192.168.0.1 into the Address bar.This is the routers IP address.

You would then need the routers username and password to connect to the it. For

example, Netgears default username is admin, and the password is password .

Most Routers allow you to run a setup wizard to configure the router. This isrecommended.

It is a good idea to change the password to get into the router. So for a Netgearrouter, you would change it from password to something you will remember.

Check the router manufacturers website for the latest software upgrades forimproved security.

Go into the Wireless Settings and enable WEP, or even better WPA Security. Usea strong password (not 1234 - usually letters and numbers or, even better,

uppercase numbers. e.g.: ^&*JohnDoe).


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When you make changes to the Router, you will have to go back and change the setting

for each computer with an adapter. So, if you set WPA encryption on the Router, you

will need to enter that password to connect the router through the computer. This blocksother people from connecting. Always [click] Apply to confirm your changes, and it is a

good idea to log out instead of just closing the browser.

Grab your coffee and computer, and go and sit outside - you are wireless!

Remove USB Wireless Adapters

Just like Memory Keys and other peripherals, you need to properly remove an adapter if

you have finished using the device.

If you see a green arrow in your task tray, [click] on the arrow, and [click]Safely remove name of device hardware. A pop up balloon will let you

know that it is now safe to remove your device.


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Troubleshooting Wireless Networks

1. You cant see your wireless adapter.

Check the Device Manager. [Right-click] on My Computer, and select

Properties. [Click] on the Hardware tab, and then [click] on Device Manager.

In this example, the Adapter has been disabled (its hard to see the red x in blackand white).

In this scenario you would [right-click] on the adapter, and Enable it.

If you see an exclamation mark on the device, it usually means that it was not

installed or configured properly. Either way, the device is not working properly.

In this scenario, you could try to update the driver by [right-clicking] on thedevice and selecting Update driver. You would then need to locate the properdriver (most likely on the Drivers CD). If you do not have the driver file, you

can browse the manufacturers website in order to download the correct driver.

You could also uninstall the device and start from scratch.

[Right-click] on the device and select Uninstall. Unplug the adapter. Reload thesoftware, and then plug the device back in.


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2. You cant connect to the Router (Access Point).

Open Microsofts Wireless Configuration, or the software that came with theadapter. You will need to input the SSID and the WEP or WPA password if theadapter was unable to automatically find the Router.

Make sure they are set to the right channel and/or frequency.

Make sure the adapter is compatible with the Router. E.g., the Router may beWireless g, and your adapter might be Wireless a. Wireless b and g work

together; however, you would also need to make sure that the router is setproperly to recognize both b and g.

This is a setting on the router, so you would have to connect to the router throughyour Internet Browser. Commonly, the address to the router is 192.168.0.1. Type

the username and password. Take a look at the settings.

3. I am connected to the Router, and my Cable/ ADSL in plugged into the Router,but I have no Internet connection.

Dont panic, it happens all the time. Unplug the Cable/ADSL Modem - this is thehardware device that comes from your Internet Service Provider.

Unplug your Router.

Plug your Modem back in and wait for it to come back online (usually a greenlight).

Plug your Router back in and wait for the green light to come on.

Restart your computer and now try the Internet.

If the problem continues to happen, take the Router back under warranty. If this is

not an option, look on the manufacturers website for software updates for yourRouter.


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Hardware List

Here is an option for networking two computers:

Two Ethernet (Network) Cards, one on each PC.

The simplest way to connect two computers with very little expense is through acrossover cable. A crossover cable can be bought inexpensively at any computer

store. It looks exactly like a Patch Cable (Category 5 Cable, looks like telephonecable only thicker) except that it is put together differently in order to connect the two

computers.

The problem with networking two computers via a crossover cable is that it requires

the use of your Ethernet Cards (Network Cards), so you would need to have a second

card in the computer to also connect to the Internet.


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Here is an option for networking two or more computers:

Network cards for each computer, or Wireless adapters.

Patch cables for each computer. You wont need patch cables if you are using a

Wireless adapter.

Ethernet hub, Switch, or Router (can also be a Wireless Router). The best of theseoptions is the Router, especially if you wish to go wireless. The other benefit is that

the Router can hook directly into the ADSL or Cable Modem to provide an Internetconnection for all computers. It also provides other Internet Security Options, like a

hardware firewall.

Each computer is assigned a unique IP Address through the Router.


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Share Files and Printers Through a Network

In this section, you will learn how to join computers to the same Workgroup, assign each

PC a unique computer name, and share files and printers across the Network. You willnot be able to complete this lesson at the College because we are already set up on a

Domain Network. You can, however, learn how to share folders on the Network at the

College. If you have two computers at home with the right hardware to set up a network,

you can complete this exercise.

The computers at the College are joined to a domain, so you will not see some of thesame options in the Control Panel as the following diagrams. The following instructions

are for Windows XP users who want o set their computers up on a Workgroup Networkfor the first time.

Setting Up Your Network

There are several ways to begin setting up your network.

1. Physically cable the computers (and hubs or routers) together. Of course, you wontneed to do this if youve chosen to go the wireless route. You will need a wireless

Router and Wireless adapter on each machine.

If youre installing an Ethernet network and have a lot of cabling work to do, you

may prefer to get a professional to come in and do this work for you. It wont be

cheap, but you can be sure you get the job done correctly and hopefully with minimal

damage done to walls, ceilings and floors.

2. Turn on all of the computers.

3. Run the Network Setup Wizard on the host computer. [Click] Start, Control Panel,Network And Internet Connections, Setup Or Change Your Home Or Small

Office Network.


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4. [Click] Next >.

5. If you are using a Wireless adapter to connect to an Access Point (Router), then youwill need to ignore the Ethernet Card. This is for when you want to connect a Cableto the Ethernet card.

If you are using wires to connect to the Router, you will need to plug the wire into theback of your computer (to the Ethernet Card), and then to the back of the Router.

This screen is basically telling you that if you want to use the Ethernet card, you will

need to connect the wires.

In this case, we are using a wireless adapter, so we will checkIgnore the

disconnected network hardware, and [click] Next >.


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6. For this step, you will select the method that resembles your computer connectiontype. For now, select Other and clickNext>.

7. Most of the time, people have a Router or Hub with computers connected to it. Youwould make the above selection if you have a router or hub.

8. [Click] Next > to continue once you have found the right method.

By [clicking] View an example,you can see a diagram that shouldlook similar to the setup you areusing in your home.


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9. Each computer should have a different name that distinguishes it on the network.

This is how you will know which computer you are connected to on the network(Upstairs Computer, Dell, Laptop etc.). You can also give the computer a description

to further help distinguish the computers.

10.You then will need to name your network. Using MSHOME, or WORKGROUP isnot as secure as creating your own name for the Network. Computers by default useMSHOME or WORKGROUP.

If you are at an airport and connected to a Wireless Access Point, people can easily

join your network because, MSHOME is the Network most people are connected to

by default.

11.[Click] Next > when you have typed in a name for your Network.


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12.Normally you would want to Turn on file and printer sharing, because this is thereason you are Networking computer together.

13.[Click] Next >.

14.You will need to [click] Yes in order to begin file and printer sharing. If you haveWindows Firewall or a Third Party Firewall, and a Router with a WPA password, File

and Printer Sharing is OK.

15.Read through the summary of settings. [Click] Next > to Apply the changes to yourPC.


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Windows will now apply your new changes.

Each computer needs to join the same WORKGROUP (Network), which in this

example was JONDOEINC.

You can create a Network Setup Disk that will make all of the changes to your other

computers. This is more for other computers that are not running Windows XP.

Making a Setup Disk is the same as running the Network Setup Wizard from theControl Panel.

16.To Create a Network Setup Disk, [click] Next >.


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17.This screen gives you the instructions for creating a Network Setup Disk. If you arerunning Windows XP on every machine, you dont need to create a Network Setup

Disk, just run the Network Setup Wizard on each machine, and make sure that youjoin the same workgroup name (in the example JOHNDOEINC).

18.You will need to restart your computer for the changes to take place.

Now that all computers are on the same Network, and turned on, they can see each

other on the Network.

19.Open My Computer from the Desktop or the Start Menu.

You should see a Shared Documents Folders with a hand holding the folder. The hand

represents a Shared Folder. This means that the computer you are on is sharing this folderwith the rest of the computers (all the computers can see this folder). You can share anyfolder that you would like on your computer.

20.[Right-click] on any folder you wish to share, and select the Sharing tab.


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21.Within the Sharing tab, checkShare this folder on the network, and also check

Allow network users to change my files (if you want to grant full permission to

this folder, otherwise they can only look at the files, and they cannot alter them).

Using Your Network

Once you have your network up and running, you can easily access other computers onthe network via My Network Places by [clicking] Start, My Network Places.

The Task Pane in My Network Places lets you access computers on your network and

adjust settings.

The Task Pane in My Network Places lets you view your network connections and vieweach of the computers in your workgroup (the workgroup is all computers on a network

that share the same workgroup name. By default, XP gives all computers on your homenetwork the workgroup name MSHOME (although you can change this if you wish).When you initially open My Network Places, youll see icons for the Shared Files folder

of each of the active network computers.


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Access Shared Folders

It is time consuming to always have go to My Network places in order to located shared

folders.

There are a variety of ways to access a shared folder:

1. [Click] Start, My Network Places, View Workgroup Computers.

2. [Click] the computer whose files you wish to access and then [click] the sharedfolder.

3. You can create shortcuts to shared folders to make them easier to access.

Map a Network Drive

You can map a network drive in order to map a shared folder on that drive.

1. From My Computer, [click] on Tools, Map Network Drive

2. Pick a drive letter, then browse to locate the folder you wish to map to (it can be onany computer sharing a folder).

If you select Reconnect at logon, the drive will stay connected (it will only work

however when the other computer is also turned on).


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Sharing Printers

When you ran the Network Setup Wizard, you allowed Printer Sharing. Your default

printer will now be shared among computers in your workgroup.

1. If you want to share another printer, you will open Printers and Faxes from theStartMenu.

2. [Right-click] on the printer you wish to share and select Sharing.

3. Select Share this Printer. Give the printer a name for the other computers torecognize.

4. You will then need to install the shared printer from the other computers. This can be

done from the Add Printer button within the Printers and Faxes. Search for theprinter on the network. You may need to have the Printers CD in order to install it onthe separate computers.

5. In order to use the shared files or shared printers on a Network, the computer that issharing the files and printers will need to be turned on.

Good luck with the New Network!

Working With Networks

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